Things to Keep in Mind when Filing an IVC Filter Lawsuit

Things to Keep in Mind when Filing an IVC Filter Lawsuit

IVC filters or Inferior Vena Cava filters are implants that are put in a person's blood vessels to prevent blood clots from going through to the lungs. The vena cava is the main blood vessel that carries blood from the lower portion of the heart. These implants are meant to be temporary and retrievable, but patients and even doctors have forgotten to retrieve them as recommended. After a few cases were reported of the device breaking off and travelling through the body, causing serious damage and hemorrhaging, there has been serious attention on the device. The FDA has since issued guidelines on the use of IVC filters, recommending removal of the implant between 29 and 54 days after the initial implant.

Some of the other complaints received by the FDA includes:

• Migration of the device
• Perforations of the filter
• Filter fractures
• Movement of the filter or fragments to the heart or lungs

In fact even the manufacturers, C.R. Bard, Cook Medical and Boston Scientific, who have been at heart of the IVC litigation did not warn earlier patients treated from this procedure about the complications that might result from leaving the device perpetually implanted. Over 30 deaths have been recorded as a result of the IVC, while others have endured varying degrees of damage to their body. Several IVC filter litigations has equally followed. If you or any of your loved ones are a victim, it is unfortunate. Here are a few things to keep in mind when filing an IVC lawsuit.

Did You Follow Recommendation For IVC Filter

The FDA recommends that the IVC implant be removed between the 29th  and 54th day day after the initial implant was done. The manufacturers and doctors equally failed to update patients to be treated with this procedure on the impending dangers of not removing it after the recommended days. Check your records to see if you have or have not met this requirement as your IVC filter lawyer will require this information. This is one of the key things to keep in mind when filing an IVC filter lawsuit. It is ok if the doctor did not inform you of the need to have the implant removed after the recommended days.

Know Your IVC Filter Case

Another important thing to keep in mind when filing an IVC filter lawsuit is to understand the case you are dealing with. If it is a case of death, make sure that the events leading to the demise are well documented while you still can remember. Symptoms, complains, discomforts, medical reports and autopsy. If on the other hand, it is a case of damage to vital organs, but has been fixed. Get the medical bills and records ready for the lawyer that will handle your  IVC filter litigation.

If you experience any death, severe damage or even side effects, you are entitled to compensation. Contact your lawyer to get the best advice on how best to proceed with the IVC filter litigation.