Experienced Injury Attorneys Serving the St. Louis Area
If you have been diagnosed with a risk for blood clots, your physician may have recommended an IVC filter to save your life and reduce the risks of a blood clot. While IVC filters are effective, they are only meant for temporary relief. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there were numerous warnings about the risks of IVC filters, and they had documented hundreds of adverse events due to these IVC filters being used much longer than originally intended. When these devices are used improperly, they put patients at higher risk for injury – and often lead to malpractice lawsuits.
Who Receives the Implant?
IVC filters were designed for high-risk patients who have blood clots that can form in the lung and lead to a pulmonary embolism. These filters were prescribed only after anticoagulant therapy was ineffective or unavailable to the patient. Most patients who received these filters were older – averaging 54 years or more. Also, a larger majority of the patients who received the filter were male.
The filter was used to capture blood clots and prevent them from reaching the lungs. Patients with an increased risk for blood clots were given IVC filters as a way to reduce life-threatening complications with blood clots. The patients who received these filters often did so because:
- They had an increased risk for clots due to surgery;
- There was an increased risk for clots due to an accident or injury;
- They were genetically predisposed to frequent clotting;
- And the patients had another reason for requiring the IVC filter versus other medication-based therapies.
What Complications Arose from These Implants?
The IVC filter is generally safe, but complications were discovered shortly after they became widely used. Of those who received an IVC filter, 38.5 percent suffered some form of injury or complication. This was due to the fact that the filter was not removed in a proper amount of time. This often resulted in fracturing or splintering of areas of the body. Some injuries were relatively minor, but there were instances where the filter led to perforated tissues and organs.
Can You Sue for an IVC Blood Clot Filter Injury?
If you suffered from an injury due to a defective device, then the manufacturer would be liable for your injuries. If, however, the device itself was not defective – but your physician failed to remove it in the recommended time period – then your physician would be liable for your injuries. This is where a personal injury attorney would prove to be most helpful. An attorney can assess your case and injuries associated with the IVC filter. Then, he or she can determine which parties could be at-fault for your injuries and damages.
Speak with a Medical Malpractice Attorney in St. Louis Today
If you or a loved one was injured by a defective medical device, contact the attorneys at Carey, Danis & Lowe Attorneys at Law. We may be able to assist you with filing a claim against the product manufacturer or the physician who improperly used the device. Schedule a free consultation now at 877-678-3400 or fill out our online contact form to get started.
