An Oregon IVC filter lawsuit may be an option for patients who have suffered severe complications after having an IVC filter procedure. Although the small, cone-shaped devices have helped a number of patients who suffered from deep vein thrombosis (DVT), some patients claim that serious injury occurred as a result of an IVC procedure. Affected patients and their families may be able to pursue a claim with the help of an Oregon IVC filter lawsuit attorney.
For more information, contact the Attorney Group for Oregon. 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 Oregon IVC filter lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What is an IVC Filter?
The inferior vena cava (IVC) is a major blood vessel that returns blood from the lower parts of the body to the heart. When people are diagnosed with DVT or pulmonary embolism (PE) and are not able to take prescription medication to thin their blood, they may need to have an IVC filter placed to prevent blood clots from traveling to the lungs or heart. IVC filters are small, cage-like pieces of metal that are inserted into the IVC.
IVC Filter Risks
Permanent and retrievable filters carry risks, and certain complications may arise once an IVC filter is placed inside a patient’s vein. Risks most commonly associated with IVC filters include:
- Migration of the filter
- Detachment of device components
- Puncture of the vein
- Filter fracture
IVC Filter Fracture
According to a study published in the JAMA Internal Medicine, researchers note that the Bard Recovery and Bard G2 IVC filters had a high prevalence of fracture and embolization, with potentially life-threatening consequences. Many implanted devices are left permanently in place, potentially allowing for long-term complications. Based on the results of the study, doctors are advised to discuss such complications with their patients so that they may be able to make the best educated decision about treating DVT and PE.
Other IVC Filter Risks
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), patients who have IVC filters may face a number serious risks. Since 2005, the agency has received over 900 device adverse event reports involving IVC filters, and as a result, have issued safety warnings and communications regarding those risks and complications associated with the devices.
Due to the risks related to IVC filters, the FDA’s initial communication recommends that implanting physicians who are responsible for the ongoing care of patients with IVC filters consider removing the filter as soon as the threat of PE is gone. Concerned that retrievable filters are not being removed once the risk for PE subsides, the FDA warns of the known long-term risks of IVC filters, such as filter fracture, filter migration, filter embolization, and IVC perforation.
IVC Filter Lawsuit Claims
Nearly 50 IVC filter lawsuits will be eligible for early bellwether trials, designed so that the parties involved can get an idea of the types of evidence and arguments that will be made, as well as to see how potential juries will respond. There are hundreds of IVC filter lawsuit claims being filed by individuals who suffered complications due to the defective nature of the tiny medical devices.
How an Oregon IVC Filter Lawsuit Attorney 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 Pursue a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact the Attorney Group for Oregon. 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.
