IVC Filters

When to Contact an Attorney for help

If you’re experiencing problems with your IVC filter, there’s no need to wait for a confirmed injury to seek legal guidance. Since veins in your body lack nerve endings, you might not even feel symptoms from a filter that has penetrated or perforated your inferior vena cava (IVC). These issues often go unnoticed.

Looking back at scientific studies from as early as 2004 and 2007, there’s substantial evidence pointing to the risks associated with IVC filters. For instance, a study in 2012 predicted that 100% of Cook filters would eventually perforate the IVC. The FDA itself has suggested follow-ups for potential filter retrieval once the risk of pulmonary embolism subsides. If you have health insurance or can afford it, it’s wise to consult your primary care provider and get diagnostic imaging to assess your filter’s condition—even if you feel fine.

What an Attorney Will Ask

When you contact an IVC filter attorney, they’ll start by gathering some basic information:

• Your Demographics
• The Implant Date

This is crucial because most lawsuits pertain to retrievable IVC filters, which only became available in 2003.

• Details About the Filter

You might not know the exact type of filter you have or why it was implanted. However, your attorney will ask whether you’re experiencing pain or other symptoms and what problems, if any, you might have noticed.

This preliminary information helps the Pittsburgh injury lawyer determine where you stand in relation to local laws and prioritize your case. After this step, they’ll provide a detailed packet to help collect medical records, identify your filter type, and evaluate your claim’s viability.

Consequences of IVC Filters

Unfortunately, IVC filters come with significant failure rates. Common issues include:

• Tilted Filters

Filters can shift out of place.

• Embedded or “Irretrievable” Filters

Even devices marketed as retrievable may become permanently lodged in the IVC.

• Perforation Risks

Filters can puncture through the IVC, potentially harming nearby organs or blood vessels.

• Migration & Embolization

Filters, or fragments like struts or legs, can break loose and migrate to the heart or lungs, causing severe complications.

What to Expect in an IVC Filter Legal Case

Pursuing legal action for an IVC filter often requires patience. Here’s what the process looks like:

1. Providing Documentation

You’ll need to complete detailed paperwork and provide any medical records or ID cards for the filter.

2. Information Gathering

It typically takes 60-90 days for Pittsburgh Injury attorneys to confirm your filter type and whether you have a valid claim.

3. Litigation Process

Over time, the case becomes more detailed as the legal team of a Pittsburgh car accident lawyer collects evidence and builds your case.

After the Lawsuit

If you’ve faced complications, moving forward can feel overwhelming. If necessary, ensure that any new decision—whether medical, legal, or personal—is guided by proper care and discussion. If you need further guidance, please use the contact form 844.PITT.DUI below to reach out to Logue Law Group.