IVC FILTER LAWSUITS

An inferior vena cava, or IVC, filter is a very small, umbrella-shaped, medical device with spider leg-like wires that is implanted in the vein located in the middle of the body known as the inferior vena cava. IVC filters are designed to reduce the risk of blood clots and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) for people who are unable to take blood-thinning medications or for those at high risk for developing recurrent DVT with pulmonary embolism. The device is surgically positioned in the vein so that it captures blood clots before they can enter the heart and lungs.

IVC filters are manufactured by a variety of different medical technology and device companies including the following:

• ALN
• Argon
• Boston Scientific
• Cook Medical
• Cordis
• C.R. Bard
• Rex Medical

Based on the unique health needs of the individual patient, IVC filters may be implanted for either a temporary period or they may be permanent. However, historical use of these filters shows there are significant design and performance problems associated with the medical device resulting in serious injuries and victims are taking legal action.

In lawsuits filed against IVC filter manufacturers, people are alleging their filter failed, fractured, or migrated to other parts of the body causing damage to their veins, lungs, heart, and other organs. In some cases where filters migrated to different parts of the body through the bloodstream, it was impossible to remove them. These victims are claiming the manufacturers of these medical devices knew or should have known about all the health risks associated with using IVC filters but failed to properly warn doctors and patients of the potential dangers.   

In 2015, an NBC News investigation of an IVC filter manufactured by C.R. Bard showed the company had been aware of the serious health risks associated with its blood clot filter for years but did nothing. As part of the investigation, NBC News uncovered a 2004 research study that found the Bard Recovery IVC filter had a higher failure rate than similar devices on the market. NBC News reported the defective IVC filters were linked to 39 deaths.

Attorney Ethan Vessels accepts IVC filter cases in both Ohio and West Virginia. If you or a loved one had an IVC filter implanted and the medical device caused injuries to veins, tissue, lungs, heart, or other organs, please contact Ethan Vessels for a free, no obligation consultation. He can be reached by calling 740-374-5346 or sending a message here from this website.

Based on the claims made in the above referenced lawsuits, some of the most common injuries linked to IVC filters include:

The IVC filter dislodged from its original implantation site in the vena cava vein, causing damage or blockage in other areas of the body.

The medical device fractured and broke into pieces, entering the bloodstream and embedding in organs, blood vessels, and other tissues.

The filter punctured or perforated the vena cava vein, other blood vessels, or organs.

A failed implanted IVC filter caused long-term pain and discomfort.

IVC filters or pieces of failed filters left inside the body resulted in life threatening infections.

IVC filters increased the risk of developing blood clots in veins located in the lower part of the body.

The removal of IVC filters or pieces of the filter when it broke was difficult and sometimes impossible, resulting in additional health risks and injuries during the surgical attempts to extract it.

For more than sixteen years, people in Ohio and West Virginia have been contacting Ethan Vessels for legal advice, guidance, and representation when they or a loved one have been injured by defective medical devices such as IVC filters.

Lawsuits involving defective medical devices can be highly complex and difficult to prove. That’s why an attorney with Ethan’s experience, reputation, and resources is needed. Ethan typically handles these cases with co-counsel at no additional expense to the client.

Ethan is a proven trial attorney who adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards. His focus is representing those who have been injured due to the negligence of others, including companies who manufacture defective medical devices. 

If you or a loved one had an IVC filter implanted and later that filter failed, resulting in the types of injuries listed above, please contact Ethan Vessels for a free, no obligation consultation. He will answer all your questions and provide you with the feedback you need to decide whether you should pursue a claim and the amount of time you have remaining to file a lawsuit. The meeting and its details will be kept strictly confidential.

When he accepts IVC filter cases, he typically works on a contingent fee basis, which means there is no fee for his legal services until and unless a settlement or verdict is reached.