I Was Harmed By A Defective IVC Filter. What Are My Legal Options?

IVC filters were designed for patients as an alternative to blood thinners. They are designed to trap blood clots before they can enter the lungs or heart. Untreated blood clots are dangerous because if they move into the lungs, heart, or brain they can cause serious injuries, such as heart failure, strokes, and embolisms.

If blood clots are an issue for a patient, in some cases the patient will have an IVC filter inserted into the body, which can act as a net that can capture any clots before they can do any harm. If a clot is caught in one of these devices, it normally breaks up and disappears over time. IVC filters were designed for patients to take instead of blood thinners, and for patients who developed clots regardless of any other type of treatment.

In 2005, the FDA began receiving reports from patients claiming that they were harmed by IVC filters. Eventually, the FDA released a warning that announced all of the risks associated with the filters, including damage to blood vessels, perforating organs, the movement of the filter from its original location to other parts of the body, and the filter breaking. Hundreds of patients came forward over time with claims that the filters caused them to suffer medical issues.

Patients are still coming forward with complaints that IVC filters caused them harm. There are numerous lawsuits underway in federal and state courts across the U.S. over these filters. If you have been harmed by an IVC filter, we can help. Call us today to learn more.