Pursue Compensation with an IVC Filter Lawsuit
An IVC filter lawsuit is filed to compensate victims injured by faulty IVC filters. These devices are designed to help prevent blood clots by catching a clot before it makes its way to the lungs. However, many devices were made improperly and have caused more damage than had the patient not gotten the device. Defective drugs and medical devices can cause severe injuries, both physically and emotionally. When a defect in design or application is the cause of an injury, the victim is entitled to compensation. Making a claim requires mixing medical proof with legal principles, and the attorneys at The Tawwater Law Firm in Oklahoma City, OK, has the training necessary to handle this special type of legal proceeding.
Common Injuries from Defective IVC Filters
Each case is unique, but there are some common results when dealing with a specific medical device. Among the side effects, damages, or complications that have been reported by use of an IVC filter are:
- Heart attacks and strokes
- IVC filter movement, which causes damage to other organs
- Embedment of a filter, which requires surgical removal of the device
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
Perforation or puncture of the inferior vena cava vein can also occur, which is where most devices are placed in order to capture a clot before it is able to reach the lungs. These types of injuries are also common in the lungs, heart, and blood vessels. In the most severe case, death can result.
When making an IVC filter claim, it is critical to set forth the facts and circumstances that led to the placement of the device. Central to most cases is the issue of physician warning to the patient. Many patients receive inadequate or incomplete warnings when considering the device, and it is this lack of warning that gives rise to a legal claim.
Recoverable Damages
Any time an injury happens at the hands of another party, the victim is entitled to compensation for all damages suffered. The damages available to victims in IVC filter cases include, but are not limited to:
- Medical expenses and costs associated with placement, removal, and damage from the device
- Pain and suffering, including compensation for a diminished quality of life
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings, calculated at a rate of earnings potential now not able to be met
Keep in mind the damages are for current costs as well as future needs. It is not uncommon for victims to experience immediate needs along with an expectation that there will be costs associated with the case for years to come. Lifelong medical care or treatment may be required, and this is part of the entire demand for reimbursement.
Getting Help for an IVC Filter Lawsuit
The Tawwater Law Firm has been fighting for victims’ rights for more than 35 years. Every case is given individualized attention, so the outcome is tailored to your specific needs. Contact us online to schedule a consultation and learn more.