Research suggests that many IVC filters are defective and likely to move after they’re implanted by a doctor. When an IVC filter migrates, it can cause serious injuries and, in some instances, death.
If you’ve been affected, call Catania & Catania, PA. for immediate legal assistance. You may be entitled to compensation, and our Tampa product liability lawyers can help you fight to get every cent you deserve.
We’ve been fighting for victims of defective products since our founding back in 1992. Since then, we’ve recovered more than $500 Million in life-changing settlements and verdicts for our clients. We’re ready to help you demand the compensation you need, too. To get started, just give us a call at (813) 222-8656 or contact our law office in Tampa, FL online. Your first case evaluation is always free.
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How Catania & Catania, PA., Can Help With Your Tampa IVC Filter Migration Case
Medical device companies like Bard, Cook, and Boston Scientific don’t want to admit their IVC filters are defective or pay for the harm they’ve caused. They’re well-funded and have teams of skilled attorneys waiting in the wings to fend off claims like yours. That’s why you need to hire a Tampa personal injury lawyer to level the playing field. Call Catania & Catania, PA., and you’ll give yourself the edge you need to win.
Count on our award-winning Tampa law firm to:
- Thoroughly investigate the details of your case
- Gathering evidence to establish liability and support your demand for damages
- Consult with leading experts to calculate how much your claim may be worth
- Negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement on your behalf
- Have our accomplished trial lawyers litigate your case at trial, if necessary.
While you focus on your recovery during this difficult time, we’ll provide the representation you need. Call now to set up a free consultation at a time that’s convenient for you.
What is IVC Filter Migration?
An IVC filter is a medical device designed to prevent blood clots from reaching the lungs. It’s inserted into a patient’s inferior vena cava vein.
Many consider the appearance of an IVC filter to resemble that of a small umbrella, with small legs known as struts. These are meant to open up wide enough after the filter has been inserted to ensure it stays in place as intended.
Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen. When the struts haven’t opened up to the necessary width, an IVC filter can migrate. This may also happen if wear-and-tear causes one or more of the struts to fracture. Because the IVC filter is inserted into a patient’s leg, blood flow from the leg may allow an IVC filter to migrate to a patient’s heart, putting them at risk of serious complications.
In fact, although IVC filters were originally intended for long-term use, because they can be dangerous, the FDA now recommends removing them shortly after insertion. This has resulted in fewer doctors using IVC filters to treat patients. In addition to migrating, IVC filters can become infected, cause injury during insertion or removal, and otherwise potentially harm a patient in a variety of ways.
What Injuries Can IVC Filter Migration Cause?
IVC filter migration has the potential to cause a range of complications and injuries, including:
- Internal bleeding
- Tearing of the veins and/or arteries
- Infection
- Occlusions to the inferior vena cava
- Venous thrombosis
- Heart attack
- Pulmonary embolism
- Death
It’s imperative that physicians exercise care when inserting IVC filters into patients. If they fail to do so, a patient may sustain serious and potentially life-threatening injuries.
What Are the Symptoms of IVC Filter Migration?
If you or a loved one has had an IVC filter inserted, you should familiarize yourself with the symptoms of IVC filter migration.
They may include the following:
- Pain in the back, chest, abdomen, or neck
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Feeling lightheaded
- Changes in heart rhythm
- Low blood pressure
See a medical professional right away if you notice any of these symptoms. Taking immediate action is key to avoiding serious injury or death.
Who’s Liable For Injuries Caused By IVC Filter Migration?
Typically, medical device manufacturers are responsible for injuries caused by their defective products. Under Florida state law, companies can be strictly liable for harm caused by products that suffer from a design defect, manufacturing defect, or marketing defect. This means liability attaches regardless of how much care goes into creating a product like an IVC filter.
Over the past few years, the number of IVC filter lawsuits filed across the nation has exploded. In order to maintain some control over the process and results, many of these lawsuits have been consolidated into MDLs – or multi-district litigation.
MDLs aren’t class action lawsuits. In a class action, there’s one case, and the “class” of plaintiffs all shares the same result. With an MDL, every case remains individual, but plaintiffs have the opportunity to share resources and parties benefit from having the matter heard by one distinct judge.
Our Tampa personal injury attorneys can help you understand all of the potential legal options available to you and determine the best course of action. Call our law firm to schedule a free consultation to get started now.
How Long Do I Have to File an IVC Filter Lawsuit in Florida?
If you’ve experienced adverse health conditions because your IVC filter migrated, you may have the opportunity to join an existing MDL or file a lawsuit in state court. But, the time to do so is limited. In Florida, product liability lawsuits – including those related to a defect IVC filter – are subject to a four year statute of limitations. That clock begins to run when you discover you’ve been injured.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Product Liability Attorneys in Tampa, FL
If you or a loved one has been injured or died due to IVC filter migration, you deserve to be compensated accordingly. Our Tampa IVC filter migration attorneys at Catania & Catania, PA. can help you pursue economic damages for your financial losses and non-economic damages for your pain and suffering.. Get started today by calling our offices or contacting us online to schedule your free consultation.
