Patients Suffer Complications From Bard IVC Filtering Devices

In the last decade, many different patients have suffered complications from products produced by C.R. Bard, one of the largest manufacturers of IVC filters in the United States. These filters are placed in a blood vessel known as the inferior vena cava, and they are designed to stop or dissolve emboli. Unfortunately, IVC filters have been known to cause serious medical complications in some patients.

The legal professionals at Arnold & Smith, PLLC understand how devastating a serious personal injury can be. Many of our clients have had to spend months out of work to recover from injuries caused by the negligence of third parties.

One severe complication caused by defective IVC filters is the severe pain these devices have caused in some patients. When someone is vexed by severe pain, it makes it nearly impossible to carry out the functions of daily life, including working.

The sooner an affected person speaks with an experienced Charlotte personal injury lawyer, the better a person's chances are of recovering the compensation one deserves. We offer potential new clients a free initial consultation. We will review a case with an affected person and will advise one of one's legal options. Contact our Charlotte law firm as soon as possible to schedule your free initial consultation.

IVC filters are often called blood clot filters. These filters are utilized in situations in which the patient cannot take blood-thinning medications. In some cases, blood-thinning anticoagulant medication does not work effectively. In other cases, pre-existing conditions prevent doctors from being able to prescribe medication. When medication is not an option, doctors and surgeons turn to IVC filters, which pose greater health risks to patients than traditional medication.

Surgeons implant the filter into the inferior vena cava vein. When working properly, the filters catch any blood that is carrying dangerous blood clots, preventing the clots from flowing into the lung, heart, or brain.

C.R. Bard is one of several companies that have developed retrievable IVC filters. While some filters are permanent, retrievable filters are intended for removal from the body once a patient is no longer in danger of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary emboli. Removal of IVC filters can be extremely beneficial for some patients.

When IVC filters fail, patients can suffer dangerous complications. Blood clots can develop and travel to the brain, heart, or lungs. The clots can cause severe pain in a patient, as well as heart failure. When C.R. Bard IVC filters splinter or break off, the damaged filter can cause hemorrhaging as a result of dangerous perforations of blood vessels.

Other organs and tissue can also be damaged by IVC filters. In severe cases, IVC filters can cause severe pain that makes it difficult to engage in everyday activities. In severe cases, IVC filters can cause death.

C.R. Bard IVC filters are extremely small, running only a few inches in length. The devices can easily become broken and splinter. In addition to the complications listed above, IVC filters can cause the following complications:

• Punctures, damage, and perforation to the vena cava vein, heart, or lungs;
• The fracturing of the C.R. Bard IVC Filter;
• Internal bleeding;
• Cardiac tamponade;
• Pericardial tamponade;
• Deep vein thrombosis of the legs;
• Pulmonary embolism;
• Severe infections;
• Constant and severe pain in the heart, legs, or chest.

Those injured by of IVC filters may be entitled to compensation. Medical malpractice is a type of legal action that allows victims of medical negligence to seek compensation for their injuries. When a doctor makes a mistake while implanting an IVC filter that causes damage, the victim may be able to seek damages. Alternatively, when a doctor fails to properly diagnose the failure of an IVC filter, the doctor could be held liable for any damage that results.

The prospect of bringing a lawsuit due to injuries caused by an IVC filter can seem extremely intimidating. If you have suffered an injury, you may be wondering where to start. The most important thing you can do is to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. North Carolina imposes a three-year statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits. The limitations period is two years if death results from an injurious incident.

Contact our personal injury lawyers as soon as possible to schedule your free, initial consultation.