IVC Filter Lawsuit in 2025: Estimating Potential Compensation

IVC Filter Lawsuit Overview

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter lawsuits allege that these medical devices, which are designed to stop blood clots from entering the lungs, have broken or migrated after implantation, thus severely damaging blood vessels and organs and, in some cases, causing death.

The primary complaints name major manufacturers including Bard, Cook Medical, Rex Medical, and Cordis [1]. Since March 2018, juries have awarded patients more than $41 million in damages.

Latest IVC Filter Lawsuit Updates

• 2021 – A federal jury in Portland, Oregon, has awarded $926,000 to Justin Peterson after a Greenfield IVC filter punctured his vena cava, which led to subsequent filter removal surgery in 2015. The jury found that the filter was defectively designed and that the manufacturer, Bard, failed to warn of its risks adequately.
• November 2019 – A jury awarded $34 million in damages to a plaintiff injured by a defective Option IVC filter designed by Rex Medical.
• February 2019 – Tonya Brand received a $3 million award after her IVC filter fractured and migrated throughout her body, resulting in years of unsuccessful removal attempts.
• May 2018 – Jeff Pavlock was awarded $1.2 million for injuries when his IVC filter failed, causing damage to his aorta and small intestine.
• April 2018 – A jury awarded Sherr-Una Booker $3.6 million in damages, including $2 million in punitive damages, after her IVC filter fractured and lodged in her heart.
• October 15, 2014 – the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) ruled that all federal IVC filter lawsuits involving recalled IVC filters would be centralized in the Southern District of Indiana before District Judge Richard L. Young [2].

Detailed Overview of the Affected IVC Filters

FDA Reports and Statistics

According to FDA reports, since 2005, the agency has received at least 921 adverse event reports involving IVC filters, including:

• 328 cases of device migration
• 146 reports of detachment of device components and embolization
• 70 cases of perforation of the inferior vena cava
• 56 IVC filter breaks

Related:

• ALN IVC Filter Lawsuit
• Product Liability Lawsuits

IVC Filter Injuries & Side Effects

IVC filters have been linked to serious complications, many of which occur when the device breaks, migrates, or perforates surrounding tissues.

• IVC Filter Fracture: Device breaks apart causing fragments to travel throughout the body
• Organ Perforation: Sharp filter parts can puncture the vena cava, heart, lungs or other organs
• Internal Bleeding: Perforations can lead to serious hemorrhages
• Blood Clots: Paradoxically, some filters increase the risk of deep venous thrombosis
• Cardiac Complications: Including cardiac or pericardial tamponade
• and ventricular tachycardia
• Pulmonary Embolism: The very condition the filter was designed to prevent
• Infection: At the implantation site or throughout the bloodstream

Also read:

• ALN Vena Cava Filter
• Bard G2 IVC Filter
• Optease Vena Cava Filter

Do You Qualify for an IVC Filter Lawsuit?

You may qualify for an IVC filter lawsuit if:

• You received an IVC filter manufactured by Bard, Cook Medical, Rex Medical, Cordis, or other manufacturers
• You experienced serious side effects including filter migration, fracture, perforation, or embolization
• Your injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization
• You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to the IVC filter

Evidence Required for an IVC Filter Lawsuit

Successful IVC filter lawsuits require specific documentation, including:

• Medical records confirming IVC filter placement
• Documentation of complications related to the filter
• Medical imaging showing filter migration, fracture, or perforation
• Records of any removal procedures or additional treatments

Damages You Can Recover

Compensation in IVC filter lawsuits may include:

• Medical expenses for past and future treatments
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Punitive damages in cases of manufacturer negligence

IVC Filter Recall Information

In December 2005, the FDA issued a nationwide Class I Recall for the Boston Scientific Stainless Steel Greenfield Vena Cava Filter.

Devices affected were manufactured before March 10, 2004 (product code M001505010).

Approximately 18,000 filters were included in this recall due to detachment issues during implantation.

Statute of Limitations for IVC Filter Lawsuits

Time limits for filing an IVC filter lawsuit vary by state but typically range from 1-3 years from the date when complications were discovered.

Consulting with an attorney promptly is essential to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe.

FAQs

1. Which IVC filter brands are involved in lawsuits?

Major brands involved in litigation include Bard Recovery, Bard G2, Bard Eclipse, Cook Günther Tulip, Cook Celect, Cordis OptEase, and others manufactured by ALN, Argon Medical, and B. Braun.

2. How do I know if my IVC filter is defective?

Warning signs include severe chest or heart pain, shortness of breath, anxiety, rapid heart rate, and unexplained pain. A CT scan or other imaging tests can determine if your filter has fractured or migrated.

3. Can IVC filters be removed?

Retrievable IVC filters can be removed if they were designed to be temporary. However, studies show that only about 8.5% of retrievable filters are successfully removed, with many left in place long-term despite FDA recommendations for prompt removal.

4. Are IVC filter lawsuits class actions or individual claims?

While some class actions have been filed, most IVC filter litigation consists of individual lawsuits, many consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) for more efficient handling.

5. What is the average settlement for IVC filter cases?

While every case is unique, IVC filter claims typically result in settlements ranging from $200,000 to $750,000 depending on the severity of injuries and specific circumstances.

6. How long does an IVC filter lawsuit take?

The timeline varies significantly based on case complexity, but most cases take between 1-3 years to resolve, either through settlement or trial.

7. How much does it cost to hire an attorney for an IVC filter case?

Most IVC filter attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs. Attorneys only receive payment if you receive compensation.

Related: Tempofilter IVC Filter Lawsuit Attorney

Get A Free IVC Filter Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for IVC filter complications. Most states restrict filing to within 1-3 years from the date of injury discovery. https://www.schmidtandclark.com/Our firm offers:

• Free, confidential consultations
• No upfront costs or fees
• Payment only if we win your case

References:

1. https://www.tctmd.com/news/ivc-filter-lawsuits-expose-holes-fda-oversight-and-public-communication
2. http://www.jpml.uscourts.gov/sites/jpml/files/MDL-2570-Initial_Transfer-10-14.pdf