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IVC Filter Death

IVC Filter Death

Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filters are supposed to prevent deadly pulmonary embolisms (blood clots in the lungs). Unfortunately, life-threatening complications can occur when pieces of the filter break, puncture the heart, lacerate blood vessels, or get embedded in the lungs. These risks are especially high when retrievable IVC filters, such as the Bard Recovery or G2, are left inside a patient who is not at risk of a pulmonary embolism.

What You Can Do & How an IVC Filter Lawsuit Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently evaluating IVC filter cases in all 50 states, regardless of whether you have been injured or not. If you or somebody you know was implanted with an IVC filter, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. 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.

What is the problem?

Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filters are meant to prevent death by capturing blood clots before they can enter the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism. Unfortunately, IVC filters can also have deadly side effects. In 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced receiving nearly 1,000 serious adverse event reports associated with IVC filters.

IVC Filter Deaths

In November 2010, the Archives of Internal Medicine published a study by Dr. William Nicholson and colleagues at York Hospital in Pennsylvania. They evaluated 189 people who received a temporary Bard Recovery (withdrawn in 2005) or a Bard G2 IVC Filter between April 2004 and January 2009.

There were 35 deaths during the study, and many patients experienced severe complications — 16% (13/80) had at least one strut fracture, and of these cases, 25% fractured and traveled in the bloodstream (embolized). In five cases, broken pieces of the IVC filter traveled to the heart, and three victims had life-threatening changes in heart rhythm or fluid accumulation around the heart (cardiac tamponade). One victim died suddenly at home.

Wrongful Death Lawsuit

If your loved one’s death was caused by an IVC filter, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the manufacturer. This type of lawsuit alleges that a family deserves financial compensation for a death that was caused by a defendant’s negligence. Wrongful death lawsuits can be very complex, especially when multiple parties have a financial interest in limiting their liability.

The trial lawyers at The Schmidt Firm, PLLC believe every victim of a defective IVC filter deserves justice. Our lawyers fight for maximum compensation by representing family members or closer relatives of the deceased. If you file a lawsuit, we can help you fight for economic and non-economic damages, including:

  • Lost earnings from the deceased person
  • Medical and funeral costs
  • Loss of support and consortium
  • Loss of benefits or inheritance
  • Punitive damages
  • And more

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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