Cancer Caused by Allergan Breast Implants Lawyers

In 2019, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) issued a statement ordering the Allergan Company to recall its textured breast implants. Prior to the recall notice, the FDA had received numerous reports linking Allergan's textured breast implants to the development of certain cancers. Many claimants and medical professionals have linked Allergan's textured breast implants to implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a form of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), the affected person may be entitled to compensation. The attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC have helped clients throughout the greater Charlotte, North Carolina, area recover compensation for injuries caused by defective products and negligent conduct. Contact our personal injury law firm as soon as possible to schedule a free initial consultation.

The FDA has explained that while the overall incidence of BIA-ALCL appears to be relatively low, medical evidence has shown a direct link between one or more of Allergan's breast implant products and BIA-ALCL. Once it confirmed the link between the product and this dangerous disease, the FDA alerted Allergan and recommended that the company issue a recall notice to affected persons.

The FDA has reviewed reports from 481 cases involving breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). These cases have led to some thirty-three (33) deaths. In a dozen of the cases involving deaths, patients or their next-of-kin were able to establish that the decedents had received Allergan implants prior to the development of their deadly cancers. The FDA has disclosed that the risk of being diagnosed with breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is six times higher for patients with Allergan textured implants, compared to patients with similar breast implants made by other manufacturers.

Textured breast implants are sometimes called "gummy bear" implants. These implants contain a textured outer layer, similar to sandpaper. The implants possess a teardrop shape that matches the implant's outer shell. This helps the implant adhere to the soft tissue and creates a more natural looking breast than other implants. Researchers have not yet determined why textured implants may lead to a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Experts have theorized that some patients may experience an inflammatory reaction to the sandpaper-like texturing, which can lead to the development of cancer over time. Others have theorized that bacteria may become trapped in the rough surfaces of the implant and metamorphose into lymphoma.

Textured breast implants have proven especially dangerous to persons receiving such devices. The FDA has directed doctors in hospitals to stop using Allergan breast implants. The FDA has issued this directive in order to avoid any future cases of cancer, or even death, from occurring. Allergan stopped selling its textured breast implants after the FDA issued its directive.

For many women, the directive came too late. Many women received Allergan textured implants before any recall directives and have developed breast cancers. Many affected persons, medical professionals, and experts have complained that the FDA did not act quickly enough to issue recall directives for Allergan textured breast implants, and that if the agency had acted sooner, it could have saved the lives of many women.

The following models of Allergan breast implants have been recalled:

• Natrelle 410 Highly Cohesive Anatomically Shaped Silicone Filled Breast Implants in styles 410FM, 410FF, 410MM, 410 MF, 410 ML, 410 LL, 410 LM, 410 LF, 410 FX, 410 MX, and 410 LX;
• Allergan Natrelle Silicone-Filled Textured Breast Implants (previously known as Inamed Silicone-Filled Breast Implants) in styles 110, 115, 120, TRL, TRLP, TRM, TRF, TRX, TCL, TCLP, TCM, TCF, TCX, TSL, TSLP, TSM, TSF, and TSX;
• Allergan Natrelle Saline-Filled Breast Implants (previously sold as the McGhan RTV Saline-Filled Mammary Implant) in styles 163, 168, 363, and 468.

If you a person has undergone a breast implant procedure and has been diagnosed with BIA-ALCL, the affected person may bring one or more of the following claims against the manufacturer of a defective product:

• Failure to warn;
• Defective manufacturing or design;
• Negligence;
• Punitive damages for gross negligence or reckless conduct;
• Pain and suffering damages.

The sooner an injured person speaks to an experienced Charlotte product liability attorney, the better the person's chances of obtaining the compensation one deserves. Contact Arnold & Smith, PLLC as soon as possible to schedule a free initial consultation and learn how we can advocate for your rights.