Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filters are commonly used to prevent deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) in some patients. While IVCs have helped many patients who were at risk of developing blood clots, these devices have not been without their complications. As a result, IVC filters are a common subject of lawsuits stemming from injuries caused by IVC filters.
If you were recently harmed by side effects stemming from IVC filters, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer. Here are a few things you should know as you prepare for legal action.
What Side Effects Have You Suffered?
A number of recent lawsuits have alleged that IVC filters are prone to failure. An IVC failure can cause a wide variety of serious side effects. If you've suffered any of the following, you may have grounds to pursue a claim against the manufacturer of your implant.
- Chest pains and internal bleeding caused by device migration; the device may change position or migrate unexpectedly and damage internal organs.
- Device fracture from when portions of the metal filter break off and travel through the bloodstream, resulting in heart or lung damage.
- Perforation of the inferior vena cava.
- Cardiac tamponade—a buildup of fluid between the heart muscle and the outer sac.
- Inability of your doctor to retrieve the IVC filter without emergency open-heart surgery.
These side effects can result in the need for long-term medical care, which is why you may be interested in being compensated for your medical expenses.
Has Your IVC Filter Negatively Impacted Your Quality of Life?
Complications from an IVC filter can have a profound impact on the way you manage your daily affairs. For instance, IVC filter complications can sometimes result in extreme pain and make it difficult to perform even the most basic of tasks. If you've experienced these complications, then you may be able to seek compensation through an IVC filter claim against the device manufacturer.
Are You Still Within the Statute of Limitations?
Every state places a time limit on making personal-injury claims against manufacturers and other entities. These so-called "statutes of limitations" tend to vary from state to state. For instance, some states require you to file your claim within two years of discovering the injury while other states offer a significantly longer statute of limitations.
Some states may even use a statute of repose instead of a statute of limitation when dealing with certain types of lawsuits, including those involving manufacturers of medical equipment. It's important to check with your attorney to see whether you still have time to file an IVC filter lawsuit.
Visit sites such as http://www.snyderwenner.com to find a lawyer near you.
