A retrievable inferior vena cava (IVC) filter is a medical device used as an alternative to anticoagulant drugs in people who are at risk for pulmonary embolism (PE) but cannot use the drugs or for whom the drugs are ineffective. There are several ways in which an IVC filter can fail, including migration of the device or broken pieces of the device migrating to the heart. The consequences can be fatal. IVC filter lawsuits are on the rise as victims of IVC filter injuries and the loved ones of those who have died from IVC filter failure are seeking compensation from device makers.
Multidistrict Litigation against Two Device Makers
Several companies make IVC filters including:
- ALN Implants
- Braun Medical
- Boston Scientific
- R. Bard
- Cordis Corporation
- Cook Medical
- Crux Biomedical
- Rafael Technologies
In October, 2014, IVC filter lawsuits against Cook were consolidated in a multidistrict litigation (MDL) by the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML). They were transferred to the Southern District of Indiana, and assigned to Judge Richard L. Young.
IVC filter lawsuits against Bard were consolidation into an MDL in August 2015. As of November, 2015 there were more than 50 lawsuits in the MDL against Bard, taking place in the District of Arizona before Judge David G. Campbell. A Status Hearing, in MDL No. 2641, has been scheduled for January 29th, 2016.
Getting Help
If you or someone you love has been harmed by a defective IVC filter, you do not have to know which model of filter it was or who made it to get help. An experienced defective medical device attorney will thoroughly investigate and find out which manufacturer produced your device and who can be held responsible for your injuries.
If you have been harmed by a defective IVC filter or if you need to have your IVC filter removed to prevent a problem in the future, please talk to an experienced defective medical device attorney right away to learn more about your rights.
Leave a Reply