June 16, 2016 — Lawyers are asking judges in California to create a “mass-tort” to centralize Cordis IVC filter lawsuits involving 115 personal injury plaintiffs at the federal level.
They filed a Notice of Removal (PDF) in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California (Oakland) on June 6.
In the last two months, at least eight lawsuits have been filed in state court in California by people who were injured by the OptEase or TrapEase IVC filters made by Cordis Corporation.
The lawyers represent at least 115 personal injury plaintiffs and one claim involving wrongful death. All of the victims were injured when an IVC filter broke, tilted, perforated internal organs, or caused other side effects.
Cordis is accused of selling defective and dangerous medical devices. The FDA has issued multiple warnings about risks associated with temporary IVC filters like the OptEase.
The TrapEase is supposed to be permanent. In 2011, a small study of the TrapEase found a 50% fracture-risk within four years, and an “extremely high risk” of fracture within 2-3 years.
The allegations are very similar to those made in lawsuits against other IVC filter manufacturers. Over 600 lawsuits have been filed against C.R. Bard and 550 against Cook Medical, according to statistics released yesterday by federal judges.
Centralizing the lawsuits into a “mass-tort” or Multi-District Litigation (MDL) would have many of the advantages of a class action, such as improving efficiency. Unlike a class action, each individual lawsuit can have its own outcome.
Do I have an IVC Filter Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is evaluating IVC filter cases in all 50 states, regardless of whether you were injured or not. If you or someone you know received an IVC filter implant, please contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
Please use the form below to contact our Defective Medical Device Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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