A Maryland IVC filter lawyer may be able to assist patients who have suffered complications as a result of an IVC filter procedure. A pulmonary embolism, or PE, can lead to serious consequences, even death. Frequently, clots, in a condition called deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, develop in leg blood vessels or blood vessels elsewhere, and they travel to places such as the lungs. There, they could block blood flow, causing a pulmonary embolism.
Some people have IVC filters to prevent blood clots from migrating to the lungs. However, a number of people who were implanted with IVC filters say that they have experienced issues such as intestine, vein or tissue perforation, or the filters migrating elsewhere and causing dangerous situations. Affected patients and their families may be able to recover compensation with help of a Maryland IVC filter lawsuit attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Maryland. 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 lawyer who can assist you throughout the legal process.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
DVT and PE are similar but different conditions. In fact, the term venous thromboembolism covers both conditions. In any case, it is possible to have DVT and be without symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they are commonly along the lines of leg or arm pain or redness, and indicate the presence of a clot. If someone suspects the presence of a clot, it is important to get medical attention before the possible clot causes problems or moves to a dangerous location. Some people are more at risk for DVT; these people include those with lupus, paralysis, cancer, pregnancy or previous clots. Being on a lengthy airplane trip where not much movement occurs can also be a culprit, as can obesity and being older than 60.
Pulmonary Embolism
After a blood clot forms in the legs, part of it could potentially travel to the lung. The blockage of blood flow that then occurs may result in situations such as organ damage, lung tissue damage and possibly death. In ideal cases, PEs would never occur, and so preventative measures are geared toward trying to make sure that DVT does not happen. Regular movement and compression stockings are two preventative approaches, but in many cases, medications are necessary. Likewise, IVC filters, or inferior vena cava filters, are often used for people who are prone to excessive bleeding and those who are unable to go on blood thinners.
The Use of IVC Filters
In some cases, IVCs can be a good preventative measure for people with certain conditions. There are two kinds of filters, retrievable and permanent. Retrievable filters are made to be removed as soon as it is safe to do so, normally once the risk of blood clots has significantly gone down. On the other hand, permanent filters, as the name implies, are permanent. The filters are placed in the inferior vena cava, a key blood vessel, and ideally catch blood clots before they move to the lungs.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration emphasized in a safety communication updated in May 2014 that removing retrievable filters as soon as it is safe to do so really is critical. Otherwise, patients might experience consequences such as migrating filters and pieces of filter moving to the heart or lungs.
IVC Filter Lawsuit Claims
Many people are concerned that IVC filters move, break off or injure people at rates higher than they should. Getting retrievable filters as soon as possible is one way to minimize these occurrences, but some lawsuits allege that certain filters such as those by C.R. Bard may not be well-made and are more likely to fracture than other filters. Hundreds of lawsuits have been filed, and in 2015, C.R. Bard agreed to settle a case in Nevada for terms that are confidential. Another company that has come under scrutiny is Boston Scientific, the subject of another lawsuit in 2015.
How a Maryland IVC Filter Lawyer Can Help
Device makers have a duty to provide safe products. If there are risks of harm associated with their products, 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.
People injured by the fault of others may be eligible to recover money for:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
The families of those killed may be eligible to recover money for funeral expenses and the pain that comes with losing a loved one.
The Time You Have to File a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Maryland. You can fill out the form on this page or contact us by phone or email.
After you contact us, an attorney will follow up to 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.
