Washington DC IVC Filter Complications Lawyer

At Cohen & Cohen, we represent individuals who have suffered serious medical complications due to inferior vena cava (IVC) filters. These small devices are implanted to prevent blood clots from reaching the lungs, but in many cases, they have caused unexpected harm. We’ve worked with clients who experienced filter migration, organ perforation, or other painful outcomes. If you or a loved one has been impacted, our team is ready to help you understand your legal options and pursue financial recovery.

IVC Filter Complications Lawyer Washington DC

An IVC filter is a small, spider-like device implanted in the inferior vena cava—a large vein that carries blood from the lower body to the heart. These filters are often used for patients who can’t take blood-thinning medications and are at risk for deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. While they can be effective in blocking clots, many patients have suffered complications due to poor design, delayed removal, or device failure.

Our Washington DC IVC filter complications lawyer helps clients deal with issues such as:

• Migration of the filter to other parts of the body
• Breakage of the filter’s metal components
• Perforation of veins or nearby organs
• Long-term pain and discomfort at the implant site
• Difficulty removing the filter once risks emerge

In many of these cases, the device manufacturers failed to provide adequate warnings or recall flawed products in a timely manner. Some filters were designed to be temporary, but doctors were not properly informed about the urgency of retrieval. Others were known to have higher rates of failure but remained on the market.

Patients have reported symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and internal bleeding. Many required additional surgery to remove or reposition the filter, and some were left with permanent damage. These experiences not only cause physical suffering, but also lead to lost wages, ongoing medical bills, and emotional stress.

Legal claims involving IVC filters focus on product liability—holding manufacturers accountable for releasing unsafe medical devices. Success in these cases often requires strong documentation, including:

• Implant records and surgical notes
• Diagnostic imaging showing damage or migration
• Medical expert analysis
• FDA safety alerts and recall notices related to the specific device

We help our clients gather and present this information clearly, focusing on how the device failure directly affected their health and finances.

A Law Firm That Knows How to Build Strong Medical Device Cases

At Cohen & Cohen, we’ve worked with many clients harmed by dangerous or defective medical products. Our approach is detail-driven and focused on results. We handle the legal side so our clients can focus on recovery.

We’ve recovered significant settlements in cases involving defective implants, surgical tools, and prescription drugs. Our team understands the process, the evidence needed, and how to present these cases with clarity and purpose.

Take Action if You’ve Been Harmed by a Medical Device

If you’ve experienced harm after receiving an IVC filter, don’t wait to get help. A Washington DC IVC filter complications lawyer from Cohen & Cohen can evaluate your case and help you decide the next steps. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’re here to listen and ready to take action on your behalf.

Types of IVC Filter Complication Cases We Handle

Patients trust that medical devices implanted in their bodies will function safely. Unfortunately, with IVC (inferior vena cava) filters, many individuals have experienced serious complications that were not fully disclosed. At Cohen & Cohen, we help people who were harmed by these devices and now face lasting health issues. As product liability lawyers, we know how to examine the root of the failure and pursue claims against the manufacturers responsible for dangerous designs or lack of warning.

Cases Involving Device Migration

One of the most reported problems involves the IVC filter moving from its original placement. These filters are supposed to stay anchored within the vein to catch blood clots before they reach the lungs. However, some patients later discovered that the filter had shifted—sometimes to the heart or lungs—causing pain, breathing issues, or damage to vital organs.

In these cases, we work with medical experts to show how the design or materials used in the device failed to provide the stability that was expected. Imaging and surgical records are often central to proving that the migration wasn’t due to a medical error but rather the device itself.

Cases Involving Fractured Filter Components

Another serious type of case involves broken filter parts. Some IVC filters have thin, wire-like legs that are prone to snapping under stress. When these fragments break off, they can travel through the bloodstream and puncture nearby organs or vessels. Patients in these situations have required emergency surgery or developed internal bleeding and other complications.

We’ve handled cases where the broken parts caused long-term complications or could not be safely removed. These injuries are not only painful but often prevent the patient from returning to work or engaging in normal daily activities.

Cases Involving Perforation of Vein or Organ Walls

Many IVC filters are implanted too close to the vein wall—or eventually press into it over time. This can cause the device to perforate the vena cava or nearby organs, such as the intestines or spine. These perforations often go unnoticed until symptoms like chronic pain or bleeding appear.

Our team builds these cases by showing how the device’s design or failure to perform as advertised contributed directly to the injury. These claims often focus on whether the manufacturer adequately tested the device for long-term use or warned doctors about the risk of perforation.

Cases Involving Removal Complications

Some IVC filters are labeled as retrievable, but many patients find out too late that the filter cannot be safely taken out. The device may become embedded in the vein, entangled with tissue, or simply too risky to extract. When this happens, patients are left with a device that continues to pose health risks, including clot formation or chronic discomfort.

We represent individuals whose removal attempts failed—or who were never warned that removal would be difficult. These cases often hinge on whether doctors were properly informed about retrieval timelines and associated risks.

Take the First Step Toward Holding Manufacturers Accountable

If you or a loved one has suffered after receiving an IVC filter, you’re not alone. A Washington DC IVC filter complications lawyer at Cohen & Cohen can help you understand what happened and whether you have a claim against the manufacturer. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’re here to support you in taking the next step forward.

6 Steps Our Lawyer May Recommend After a Device Malfunction

When a medical device fails, the effects can be serious—and in the case of an IVC (inferior vena cava) filter, even life-threatening. If you or a loved one experiences pain, internal injury, or other complications from an IVC filter, the steps you take early on can make a big difference. At Cohen & Cohen, we’ve worked with people who didn’t know where to turn after their device caused harm. If you believe your filter has failed, these are steps that can help you protect your health and your legal rights.

Seek Immediate Medical Evaluation

If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, abdominal discomfort, or unexplained bleeding, don’t wait. Get medical attention immediately. These symptoms could point to device migration, organ perforation, or filter fracture. Even if your symptoms feel minor at first, it’s important to get checked right away to rule out more serious internal damage.

Let your doctor know that you have an IVC filter. They may recommend imaging tests like an X-ray, CT scan, or ultrasound to confirm whether the filter is in the correct position and still intact.

Ask for a Copy of Your Medical Records

Request your full medical records related to the IVC filter—this includes the date of implantation, the brand and model of the device, any related imaging scans, and all follow-up notes. These records provide the foundation for building your case, and they’re also useful for getting a second opinion if needed.

Having this documentation early can help clarify whether the filter was designed to be temporary or permanent, and whether any attempts were made to retrieve it.

Document Your Symptoms and Treatment

Start tracking your symptoms and how they affect your day-to-day life. Keep a journal that includes:

• Dates and descriptions of pain or discomfort
• Medications prescribed or procedures recommended
• Physical limitations or missed work due to complications

These personal notes can show the full extent of how the issue has impacted your health, both physically and emotionally. This type of detail supports your case and helps build a more complete picture of damages.

Avoid Signing Any Paperwork From the Manufacturer or Hospital

Sometimes, manufacturers or medical providers may try to get ahead of potential claims by offering a quick resolution or asking you to sign paperwork. Do not sign anything related to your device complication until you’ve spoken with a legal professional. These documents may limit your ability to take legal action later.

Even if the offer seems fair at first glance, it often does not reflect the long-term costs or losses associated with a medical device failure.

Report the Issue to the FDA

You or your doctor can file a report with the FDA through the MedWatch program. This creates a record of your device issue, which may help support larger investigations or recalls. If enough reports are filed about a particular filter, it increases public awareness and puts pressure on manufacturers to act responsibly.

Washington DC IVC Filter Complications FAQ

IVC filters are small devices implanted into the inferior vena cava to catch blood clots before they reach the lungs. They’re often used when blood thinners aren’t an option, but many patients have experienced unexpected complications after receiving one. These issues range from migration and fracture to perforation of surrounding organs. When something goes wrong with a medical device like this, it can lead to serious consequences. If you or a loved one is dealing with health problems after an IVC filter was implanted, it may be time to consider your legal rights.

Who may be held responsible for IVC filter injuries?

Liability in IVC filter injury cases can often be traced to the device manufacturer, especially when the complication is linked to a known design or manufacturing flaw. In other cases, the hospital or physician may share responsibility, particularly if the filter was implanted incorrectly or not removed when it should have been. If the device was defective and the manufacturer failed to warn of known risks, this can also be a basis for legal action. Multiple parties may be named in a claim depending on the circumstances and medical records.

What kinds of health problems can an IVC filter cause?

Common complications include filter migration, where the device shifts from its original location, and filter fracture, where parts of the filter break off and move through the bloodstream. These fragments can puncture veins, damage organs, or cause blockages. Perforation of the vena cava is another serious concern. In some cases, filters have remained in the body longer than medically advisable, increasing the risk of failure. These issues can lead to pain, additional surgeries, infections, and long-term health problems that disrupt daily life and require ongoing care.

Why is legal action important after IVC filter failure?

Filing a legal claim helps injured patients seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering caused by a defective or poorly managed filter. Many of these complications could have been prevented if proper safety testing, product warnings, or follow-up care had been provided. Legal action also puts pressure on manufacturers to review safety practices and remove dangerous products from the market. For patients, a claim can provide both financial relief and a sense of accountability from those who failed to prioritize safety.

How can legal help make a difference in these cases?

When we take on IVC filter cases at Cohen & Cohen, we start by reviewing medical records, imaging reports, and the specific brand of filter that was used. As your Washington DC IVC filter complications lawyer, we can help determine whether the device has a history of failure or has been subject to FDA safety alerts or recalls. We also work with medical consultants to understand the nature of the injury and how it could have been prevented. This process helps build a strong case focused on recovery and accountability.

Who can file a claim for IVC filter-related harm?

Any person who received an IVC filter and later suffered health complications directly linked to the device may have grounds for a legal claim. In cases where the patient died due to filter failure, surviving family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Filing timelines vary by state, and evidence like imaging scans or surgical notes can be crucial, so it’s best to speak with legal counsel soon after the problem is discovered. A prompt legal review can help protect your rights and preserve important details.

Speak With Our Lawyer Who Handles Device Failure Cases

If your IVC filter has caused injury or complications, you don’t have to figure it all out alone. A Washington DC IVC filter complications lawyer at Cohen & Cohen can help you review your case, gather evidence, and consider your legal options. Contact us today for a free consultation—we’re here to help you move forward with confidence.