A California IVC filter lawsuit may be an option for patients who have suffered complications as a result of an IVC filter procedure. Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are small, umbrella-like devices that are commonly used in patients who are at risk of suffering from a pulmonary embolism, a condition which can lead to serious medical complications and in some cases, death. While this procedure has proven successful in many instances, some patients have filed IVC filter lawsuits against the device makers as a result of injuries received from IVC filters.
If you or a loved one suffered complications after an IVC filter procedure, contact Attorney Group for California to learn more. We offer free, confidential, no obligation consultations. We can help answer your questions and inform you of your options. If you choose to pursue a claim, we can connect you with an affiliated IVC filter attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What Are IVC Filters?
The human body is comprised of a large network of veins that are carry blood up to the lungs and to the heart. One of these veins is known as the inferior vena cava. As the largest vein in the human body, this vein is primarily responsible for making sure that blood from the lower extremities is able to get back to the heart. If a blood clot develops in a patient’s system and it is pushed up to the lungs by the inferior vena cava vein, the result can be life-threatening. For this reason, IVC filters are inserted into the inferior vena cava vein to trap blood clots before they are able to travel to the lungs. This is generally an outpatient procedure that involves inserting the device through a small vein hole in either the groin or the neck.
However, before an IVC filter is used, medical professionals usually prescribe blood thinning medications to reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism. If the use of these medications is determined to be unsafe or ineffective for the patient, an IVC filter may be suggested as an alternative solution. In many cases, after the risk of pulmonary embolism subsides, the IVC filter will be removed from the patient’s body. Approximately 80 out of every 100 patients can have the filter successfully taken out after its initial insertion. However, patients who have an IVC filter removed are generally required to take anticoagulation medication in order to prevent the occurrence of a pulmonary embolism in the future.
California IVC Filter Lawsuit: Risks Associated With IVC Filters
Since 2005, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received 921 reports from patients claiming that the use of an IVC filter resulted in unforeseen complications. Some of these complications included:
- Part of the IVC filter detaching itself from the original structure after it was placed within the inferior vena cava.
- The IVC filter perforating while it was in use.
- The filter fracturing after the insertion process was complete.
- The IVC filter migrating from the inferior vena cava vein to another location within the body.
An alert issued by the FDA in 2010 details the alleged dangers posed by IVC filters. Migrating filters were the primary complication with 328 instances reported, while embolization featured in 146 reports. Additionally, 70 reports referenced perforation of the inferior vena cava, and 56 reports involved filter fractures. The FDA recommends that patients who still have an IVC filter in their inferior vena cava vein work with their medical provider in order to have the device removed as soon as it is no longer needed.
Attorneys are alleging serious injuries and other complications in California IVC filter lawsuits being filed on behalf of affected patients.
How a California IVC Filter Lawsuit Can Help
Medical device makers have a duty to provide safe products. If there are risks of harm associated with their devices, they also must provide adequate warnings. If a device maker fails to fulfill this duty, it could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result.
If a patient dies from complications related to a defective IVC Filter, family members may be entitled to compensation for the wrongful death of their loved one.
Patients who have suffered severe complications from IVC filters, as well as the families of those who have died as a result of complications with the device, are encouraged to seek the advice of a California IVC filter lawyer to learn more about their rights and remedies.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for California.
When you contact us, an attorney will follow up with you to speak with you about your case or answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
