Recent news reports by NBC reveal safety concerns over Bard IVC filters, devices implanted in patients at risk of pulmonary embolism (PE), or blood clots in the lungs. According to NBC, 27 deaths and more than 300 injuries have already been linked to the Bard Recovery IVC filters. According to reports, the safety of these devices have been in question for years, and have been associated with problems resulting in injury and death. Despite these concerns, Bard has continued to make and sell these products.
In 2004, results from an independent study showed that 16 percent of Bard Recovery or Bard G2 IVCs fractured, causing severe injury and death. And in 2010, the FDA issued an announcement stating it was investigating the devices after receiving some 900 complaints of problems such as:
- Device fracture and migration
- Perforation of the inferior vena cava
- Death
If you or someone you love has suffered severe injuries after being implanted with an IVC filter, you may be eligible for a significant amount of compensation. The defective device lawyers of The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock A.P.C. are offering free legal consultations to anyone affected by these devices. To learn more, contact us today.
Injured Patients Sue for Damages
Due to the volume of IVC filter lawsuits filed against manufacturers such as C.R. Bard and Cook Medical, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) consolidated all Bard IVC filter lawsuits into the District of Arizona for pre-trial proceedings in August 2015. Lawsuits allege injuries from Bard Recovery IVC filters, Bard G2s and Bard G2 Express.
Cook IVC Filters
Lawsuits are also stacking up against Cook Medical over its IVC filters, in which plaintiffs are alleging severe injury and death. Lawsuits mimic Bard filter lawsuits, claiming that the devices have been moving out of place, puncturing the IVC vein, fracturing, and ultimately causing small pieces to break off and travel to the heart, lungs or brain.
Roughly 200 Cook Celect and Cook Gunther Tulip IVC filter lawsuits have been consolidated in a MDL in the Southern District of Indiana for pretrial proceedings. U.S. District Judge Young is overseeing the MDL and has announced that 10 Cook Medical inferior vena cava filter lawsuits have been selected for early trial dates that will start late 2016. Early trails, also known as bellwether trials, help the parties determine the strength of the cases and set the tone for future trials.
Talk to a Lawyer about an IVC Lawsuit
If you or someone you love has suffered as a result of an IVC filter, you have the right to pursue compensation from the manufacturer. To learn more about your rights during a free consultation, contact The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock A.P.C. We are standing by to help injured patients and their families and are already reviewing potential cases.