A Kentucky IVC filter lawsuit may be an option for patients who have suffered complications as a result of an IVC filter procedure. For patients with certain blood clot disorders, the placement of an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter is intended to reduce the occurrence of ill-effects associated with medical conditions like deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. While this procedure has proven successful in many instances, some patients have filed IVC filter lawsuits against the device makers alleging injuries associated with the IVC filters.
If you or a loved one suffered complications after an IVC filter procedure, contact Attorney Group for Kentucky 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 Kentucky IVC filter attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What Are IVC Filters?
Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are usually classed together as venous thromboembolism (VTE) when devising treatment plans for patients. This is due to the possibility of a pulmonary embolism in those patients suffering from deep vein thrombosis, which is characterized by the development of blood clots in the lower extremities. Should these clots travel throughout a patient’s body and ultimately make their way to the lungs, a pulmonary embolism can result.
While anticoagulants, also known as blood thinners, are standard for those afflicted with VTE, some patients are unable to undergo this treatment. As a result, IVC filters are typically used in patients with contraindications to such therapy, which usually includes those with a heightened bleeding risk and other conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. Patients with proven or recurrent VTE are often the most obvious candidates for treatment with IVC filters, as well as those found to have poor compliance to medication regimens.
Kentucky IVC Filter Lawsuit: Risks Associated With IVC Filters
The University of Washington details some of the possible side effects associated with the use of IVC filters. Fractured filters are one concern, as the broken pieces of the filter can become lodged in the veins of the patient. These pieces could also make their way into the heart, necessitating the need for emergency heart surgery.
Another possible risk, known as device migration, is just one of several side effects cited in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) 2010 alert issued to medical professionals. Device migration occurs when the IVC filter breaks from its existing location and moves to other parts of the body, which was the case for one woman who underwent IVC treatment in 2004. The patient suffered from extreme weight loss, pain, shortness of breath, and many other symptoms before doctors discovered that the device had migrated from its original spot and pierced her vena cava.
Attorneys are alleging serious injuries and other complications in Kentucky IVC filter lawsuits being filed on behalf of affected patients.
Other IVC Filter Risks
Despite the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) 2010 safety alert that documented over 900 instances of adverse events resulting from these devices, the use of IVC filters is still a popular option with medical professionals and patients. However, these adverse events often requires extensive surgical intervention, and can even result in death in some instances. This has led to a number of patients filing lawsuits against the manufacturers of IVC filters, alleging that the safety of these devices has been misrepresented to both the general public as well as the medical community.
How a Kentucky 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 Kentucky IVC filter lawsuit attorney to learn more about their rights and remedies.
Contact Us For More Information
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Kentucky. You can fill out the form on this page, call us at the number listed at the top of the page, or email us at info@attorneygroup.com.
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.
See our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information, and contact Attorney Group for Kentucky today.
