Published by If you or a loved one experienced internal bleeding, organ perforation, filter migration, or other complications following the implantation of an ALN IVC filter, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.
At Schmidt & Clark, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to defective ALN IVC filters.
Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Schmidt & Clark today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Free ALN IVC Filter Lawsuit Review
If you or a loved one has been harmed by ALN IVC filter complications, you should contact the IVC Filter Attorneys at Schmidt & Clark, LLP, immediately.
You may be entitled to compensation by filing an ALN IVC Filter lawsuit and our lawyers can help. Please click the button below for a Free Confidential Case Evaluation or call us toll-free 24 hrs/day by dialing (866) 588-0600.
Table Of Contents
- ALN IVC Filter Lawsuit Overview
- Latest ALN IVC Filter Lawsuit Updates
- FDA Reports and Statistics
- ALN IVC Filter Injuries & Side Effects
- Do You Qualify for an ALN IVC Filter Lawsuit?
- ALN IVC Filter Recall Information
- Statute of Limitations for ALN IVC Filter Lawsuits
- FAQs
- 1. What is the ALN Inferior Vena Cava Filter?
- 2. What Are the Health Risks Associated with ALN IVC Filters?
- 3. What Should I Do If I Experience Complications From an ALN IVC Filter?
- 4. How Can an ALN IVC Filter Lawsuit Attorney Assist Me?
- 5. What is the Average Settlement in an ALN IVC Filter Lawsuit?
- Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
- References
ALN IVC Filter Lawsuit Overview
ALN IVC Filter lawsuits are product liability claims focusing on serious complications caused by these implantable medical devices.
The lawsuits allege that design defects in ALN’s inferior vena cava filters lead to life-threatening complications including device migration, fracture, and perforation of blood vessels and organs.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the ALN Vena Cava Filter in 2008, but later issued safety warnings about IVC filters in 2010.
Numerous cases have been filed after patients suffered permanent and life-threatening injuries when their ALN filters failed.
Latest ALN IVC Filter Lawsuit Updates
2023 – A California judge rejected KM Medical’s motion to dismiss a failure to warn lawsuit filed under California’s product liability laws.
The plaintiff alleges that her ALN Optional Vena Cava Filter perforated and became embedded in her artery wall, making removal impossible and resulting in permanent and life-threatening injuries despite manufacturer claims that the device was “safe and easy to remove after implementation.”
2014 – A case report published in Annals of Vascular Disease documented an 83-year-old man whose ALN Optional IVC filter was discovered to be deeply embedded in his aorta after perforating the vena cava more than a year after implantation [1].
2010 – The FDA issued a Safety Communication warning patients about the health risks associated with IVC filters, noting reports of device migration, filter fracture, and perforation of the IVC [2].
Related Article: IVC Filter Lawsuit Update
FDA Reports and Statistics
In August 2010, the FDA issued a Safety Communication to warn patients about the health risks of IVC filters after receiving 921 adverse event reports.
Between 2005 and 2010, the FDA received reports of 328 device migrations, 146 embolizations, 70 perforations, and 56 filter fractures [3].
The Journal of Invasive Cardiology documented a case where an ALN filter migrated to a patient’s heart and rotated upside-down (180º), requiring emergency intervention [4].
According to medical studies, the risk of IVC filter complications increases the longer the device remains implanted, with perforation rates as high as 38% and fracture rates of 13% after five years.
ALN IVC Filter Injuries & Side Effects
ALN IVC Filters have been associated with numerous severe and potentially life-threatening complications when the device fails or malfunctions after implantation.
- Filter Migration: The device can move from its original position and travel to the heart or lungs, causing severe damage to vital organs
- IVC Perforation: Filter components can puncture the vena cava wall, potentially damaging nearby organs including the aorta
- IVC Filter Fracture: The device can break apart, sending metal fragments throughout the bloodstream, potentially causing internal lacerations
- Thrombosis: Paradoxically, the filter designed to prevent blood clots can actually cause them, leading to deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism
Additional complications include:
- Internal Bleeding
- Cardiac or Pericardial Tamponade
- Ventricle Tachycardia
- Lower Limb DVT
- Hematoma or Nerve Injury at the Puncture Site
- Constant and Severe Pain in the Heart, Chest, or Elsewhere in the Body
- Infection
- Death
Do You Qualify for an ALN IVC Filter Lawsuit?
You may qualify for an ALN IVC Filter lawsuit if:
- You were implanted with an ALN IVC Filter (models include ALN Optional Vena Cava Filter)
- You experienced complications such as filter migration, perforation, fracture, or other serious side effects
- You required medical intervention, including surgery to remove or address complications from the filter
- You can provide medical documentation confirming both the implantation of the ALN filter and the resulting complications
Evidence Required for an ALN IVC Filter Lawsuit
To build a strong case for your ALN IVC Filter lawsuit, you should gather:
- Medical records documenting the implantation of the ALN IVC Filter
- Imaging studies (CT scans, X-rays) showing complications like migration, perforation, or fracture
- Documentation of all medical treatments related to filter complications
- Records of hospitalization or emergency room visits resulting from filter complications
- Statements from treating physicians regarding the connection between your injuries and the filter
Damages You Can Recover
Victims of defective ALN IVC Filters may be eligible to recover:
- Medical expenses, including costs for additional surgeries, hospitalizations, and ongoing care
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity due to injuries
- Pain and suffering resulting from physical injuries and emotional trauma
- Punitive damages in cases where manufacturers demonstrated gross negligence
What is the Average Settlement in an ALN IVC Filter Lawsuit?
The settlement value of an IVC filter lawsuit is going to depend on the severity of the victim’s injuries. If there is a global settlement, there will be settlement tiers that group the plaintiffs by injury from death down to more minor complications.
Based on the IVC filter verdicts and the history of mass tort litigation, settlements may average between $100,000 and $500,000 for significant injury cases but there will certainly be cases that settle higher and lower than that payout range.
ALN IVC Filter Recall Information
While there has not been a formal recall of the ALN IVC Filter by the FDA, the agency issued a Safety Communication in 2010 warning about risks associated with IVC filters, including the ALN model.
The FDA recommends that implanting physicians consider removing retrievable IVC filters as soon as protection from pulmonary embolism is no longer needed.
The ALN IVC Filter is a conical filter made from 9 variable-length wires of 316L stainless steel. The upper level has 6 arms with hooks for anchoring and 3 longer legs for centering.
The introducer sheaths are 7F, and the filters are preloaded in a holder. The filter has been available in Europe since 1997 and was approved by the FDA in 2008.
Statute of Limitations for ALN IVC Filter Lawsuits
The statute of limitations for filing an ALN IVC Filter lawsuit varies by state, typically ranging from 1-3 years from the date the injury was discovered or should have been discovered.
Some states may apply a “discovery rule,” which starts the clock when you first learned or should have reasonably learned that your injuries were caused by the defective IVC filter.
It’s crucial to consult with an experienced attorney promptly after experiencing complications, as failing to file within the statute of limitations can permanently bar your claim.
Related Articles:
See all related defective medical device lawsuits our lawyers have taken on.
FAQs
1. What is the ALN Inferior Vena Cava Filter?
The ALN IVC Filter is a conical filter made from stainless steel wires designed to be implanted in the inferior vena cava to prevent blood clots from traveling to the lungs. It features 6 arms with hooks for anchoring and 3 longer legs for centering, and was FDA-approved in 2008.
2. What Are the Health Risks Associated with ALN IVC Filters?
ALN IVC filters have been associated with serious health complications such as internal bleeding, organ perforation, lacerations of the lungs or heart, and the embolization of the filter into the bloodstream. These issues can cause significant pain, medical complications, and require further surgical intervention.
3. What Should I Do If I Experience Complications From an ALN IVC Filter?
If you experience any health complications from an ALN IVC filter, seek immediate medical attention. Additionally, consult with an experienced ALN IVC filter lawsuit attorney to discuss your legal options. They can help determine if you are eligible for compensation due to the filter’s malfunction and related health issues.
4. How Can an ALN IVC Filter Lawsuit Attorney Assist Me?
An ALN IVC filter lawsuit attorney can assist you by providing legal guidance and representation if you’ve suffered from complications related to the device. They will help gather medical records, consult with medical experts, and build a strong case to pursue compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other related damages.
5. What is the Average Settlement in an ALN IVC Filter Lawsuit?
Based on IVC filter verdicts and mass tort litigation history, settlements may average between $100,000 and $500,000 for significant injury cases. Settlement values depend on injury severity, with cases organized into tiers from death to minor complications. Some cases may settle for higher or lower amounts within this range.
Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
Time is limited to pursue legal action for injuries caused by defective ALN IVC filters. Most states allow only 1-3 years from the date you discovered your injuries to file a lawsuit. Waiting too long can permanently bar your right to compensation.
At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we offer:
- Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
- No upfront costs or fees
- Payment only if we win your case
Don’t delay—contact our experienced legal team today to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve for your ALN IVC filter complications.
Free Confidential ALN IVC Filter Lawsuit Evaluation: If you or a loved one has had an ALN IVC filter implanted, you should contact our law firm immediately. Our lawyers are evaluating every individual case regardless of whether you have been injured or not.
So, if you have received an ALN IVC filter implant, we would like to speak with you. You may be entitled to compensation by filing an ALN IVC Filter Lawsuit against the manufacturer and our lawyers can help.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4293193/
- https://misuse.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/error/abuse.shtml
- https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications
- https://misuse.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/error/abuse.shtml