IVC filter lawsuit IVC blood clot filters are meant to keep patients safe by catching blood clots in the veins before they enter the heart, lungs, or brain. Unfortunately, many patients are experiencing severe injuries due to defects which cause the filter device to fall apart and travel through the cardiovascular system. If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury due to a defective IVC (Inferior Vena Cava) blood clot filter, you may be entitled to substantial compensation.
IVC filters, or inferior vena cava filters, were developed to help patients who face complications with anticoagulation therapy, including those with bleeding risks. These devices are implanted in the inferior vena cava, the large vein that carries blood from the lower body to the heart. By trapping blood clots before they can reach the pulmonary arteries, IVC filters reduce the likelihood of dangerous blockages.
The design of these filters typically resembles the ribs of an umbrella, allowing normal blood flow while catching harmful clots. IVC filters began in 1967 with the introduction of the Mobin-Uddin filter. This initial device marked a significant step in medical technology but required surgical access to the femoral vein for placement and had strict usage requirements.
Over the years, the method of inserting IVC filters has evolved significantly. What once required surgical implantation could eventually be done through the skin using a large-bore IV inserted into the femoral vein. This advancement made the procedure less invasive and more accessible.
Subsequent innovations led to the creation of retrievable filters. These could either be left in place permanently or removed after a period of time, providing an attractive option for patients needing temporary protection from blood clots. Major medical companies like Cook Medical, Bard Medical, and Cordis were quick to develop their own versions of these retrievable filters.
The spider-like metallic device is meant to prevent pulmonary embolisms, but carries serious defects and risks, including the device splintering, migrating through the vascular system, and penetrating organs. Metal fragments traveling into the heart or lungs may cause severe discomfort and may need to be surgically removed. Patients also report blood clots developing at the filter site.
One major point in these lawsuits is that Cook Medical allegedly did not sufficiently inform patients and healthcare providers about the risks associated with their IVC filters. This includes failing to communicate the potential complications and dangers that come with their use.
Plaintiffs also claim the devices were poorly designed, which further contributed to their increased risk of failure and complications.
The plaintiffs are seeking compensation for various damages caused by these complications, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Other related damages
Central to these allegations is the belief that Cook Medical and Cordis had both a legal and moral responsibility to warn patients and doctors about the higher risks and known problems associated with their IVC filters. The plaintiffs argue that the companies should have provided clear and sufficient warnings to prevent harm.
Serious injuries associated with defective Bard IVC blood clot filters include irregular heart rhythms, internal bleeding, heart attack, stroke, pulmonary embolism and even death. While there is currently no recall for any IVC blood clot filters, the Food and Drug Administration advises patients to consult with their doctor to ensure the device is intact and has not migrated.
If you or a loved one suffered a catastrophic injury while using an IVC filter such as the Bard Recovery filter, Bard G2 filter, the Bard G2 Express filter, the Cook Gunther Tulip filter, or the Cook Celect filter, you may be able to file a product liability or personal injury case against the manufacturer. The product liability attorneys of The Cochran Firm, D.C. have the experience and resources necessary to litigate these complex claims against powerful medical device manufacturers like CR Bard, Inc. and Cook Medical Group.
IVC filter lawsuits have seen some notable verdicts over the past few years, reflecting the courts' stance on the responsibilities of medical device manufacturers. Here are some key cases:
Arizona, April 2018
In a landmark case reported by LezDo TechMed, an Arizona jury awarded $3.6 million to a woman from Georgia. This award included $2 million designated specifically for punitive damages, marking a significant win for the plaintiff.
Texas, May 2018
Another notable verdict occurred when a Texas jury awarded $1.2 million to a firefighter, as covered by LezDo TechMed. The central issue in this case was the company's failure to adequately warn the surgeon about the associated risks of the IVC filter.Â
Pennsylvania, November 2019
One of the largest awards to date was handed down by a Pennsylvania jury. According to Gacovino Lake & Associates, a woman from Georgia received $34 million after suffering injuries from an IVC filter, setting a precedent for future lawsuits.
Additional Verdicts, 2021
The year 2021 saw three more verdicts in favor of plaintiffs. Although these cases did not involve Cook or Cordis, they have had an influential role in shaping settlement negotiations across other IVC filter lawsuits.
Notable Cook Medical Cases
Cook Medical has faced significant legal challenges, as detailed by Drugwatch. One of the most prominent cases resulting in a $3 million verdict in February 2019. Despite a retrial being ordered due to questions about the evidence, this case has continued to influence settlement values.Â
These cases illustrate the growing legal trend of holding manufacturers accountable for the safety of their medical devices.
Filing an IVC filter injury lawsuit can help hold wrongdoers accountable and secure compensation for you and your family to pay hospital bills, future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages. Contact The Cochran Firm, D.C. for a free legal consultation to see if you have a claim against a medical device manufacturer for your IVC filter injury.
When you hire The Cochran Firm, D.C. you are represented on a contingency basis meaning there are no upfront costs to you. Our firm only collects legal fees if we win your case. The incentive for our firm is to work as hard as we can to try and ensure a favorable outcome and maximize any award you may receive.
Call The Cochran Firm, D.C. on our local at 202-682-5800 during business hours or at 1-800-THE FIRM (843-3476) to reach us 24 hours a day. You can also send us the details of your case by filling out an online contact form. Strict time deadlines apply when filing an IVC blood clot filter lawsuit so please contact us at your earliest convenience. If you miss the deadline set by law, you may be forever barred from filing a lawsuit seeking compensation.
