Two IVC filters made by Cordis – the TrapEase “permanent” IVC filter and the OptEase “retrievable” filter – were supposed to be safe for long-term and temporary use, respectively. But some patients have experienced the devices fracturing inside their bloodstreams, causing serious medical complications. If you or someone you love suffered an injury after receiving a Cordis IVC filter, you should consider talking to a lawyer who understands Cordis IVC filters.
John Foy & Associates is a leading personal injury law firm with over 20 years of experience in medical cases. We have fought and won lawsuits involving defective medical devices—and we always take the side of the victim, never the big medical corporations. Call us at 404-400-4000 to set up your free consultation today with one of the top defective medical device lawyers in the country.
What complications have been reported with Cordis IVC filters?
According to court documents filed in existing Cordis lawsuits, both the TrapEase “permanent” filter and the OptEase “retrievable” filter have a tendency to fracture or break, tilt, come out of place, perforate surrounding tissue, or migrate. Migration can be particularly dangerous because it means that the device, or a broken piece of it, usually heads toward the lungs— the same sensitive area the IVC filter is supposed to protect.
Some preliminary studies seem to agree with these claims. For example, a report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that 50% of all the Cordis TrapEase filters in their study group had fractured. The rate rose to 64% in those left in the body for more than four years—in a device that was supposed to be “permanent.” This suggests that the risk goes up the longer the device is in the body.
What are the safety risks involved with using a Cordis IVC filter?
IVC filters that don’t function properly can cause serious harm, potentially including:
- The device may embed in the walls of the blood vein or even puncture through them and damage surrounding tissue
- It may cause bleeding
- It can lead to infection
- If the IVC filter comes out of place, it could potentially fail to stop the blood clots it was designed to catch
- The device or pieces of it could reach the lungs and cause pulmonary embolism
- Reaching the lungs could also mean permanent organ damage to the lungs themselves
- In some cases, it could result in death
However, you may have a case whether you experienced these conditions or not. If a medical device is defective, every patient who has that device in their body is at risk. And it could be connected to medical conditions you suffered even if you don’t know it.
How do you know if you have a valid Cordis IVC filter lawsuit?
You could have grounds for a lawsuit if:
- You received either a Cordis TrapEase or Cordis OptEase IVC filter
- You received an IVC filter, but you don’t know what make or model it was
- You may have a claim whether you experienced obvious complications or not
- You may have a claim whether the device has already been removed or is still in place in your body
A successful lawsuit for a defective medical device can provide money for medical costs, lost work time, loss of earning potential, and the personal losses you’ve suffered. It can also include money for the wrongful death of a loved one that can help an individual or a family rebuild a life and recover financially. In some cases, a settlement could be $1,000,000 or more.
Average settlements in IVC filter lawsuits
On average, the settlements for an IVC filter lawsuit can range anywhere from $100,000 and $500,000, depending on the severity of the injury. Some cases can certainly settle for higher or lower than the average. The best way to know for sure how much you’re entitled to is to discuss the details of your case with a lawyer to ensure you leave no stone unturned.
Talk to one of our skilled attorneys today for free
At John Foy & Associates, we have one mission: to help those who were wronged. We consider injuries caused by medical devices to be among the most serious cases because they involve not just harm to your health, but a violation of your trust. Let us help you. Contact our personal injury attorneys at 404-400-4000 or fill out the form to your right and get your FREE consultation today.