Amanda Antell  |  July 21, 2017

Category: Legal News

Top Class Actions’s website and social media posts use affiliate links. If you make a purchase using such links, we may receive a commission, but it will not result in any additional charges to you. Please review our Affiliate Link Disclosure for more information.

Bard IVC filter complications blood cellsCook Medical Inc. is facing a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL), with patients alleging serious injury from certain IVC filter models including the Gunther Tulip vena cava filter. One of the most recent IVC filter lawsuits to join the MDL comes from a Utah woman alleging serious IVC (inferior vena cava) filter complications from the Gunther Tulip vena cava filter.

Plaintiff Jacquelyn D. has filed legal action against defendant Cook Medical after she allegedly experienced problems with the Gunther Tulip vena cava filter. She reportedly opted for the Gunther Tulip vena cava filter after reviewing Cook’s marketing materials, which described the device as a safe and effective way to prevent blood clot problems.

Her physicians implanted the device in Jacquelyn on Aug. 11, 2008.

Overview of IVC Filter Lawsuit

During all times relevant, Jacquelyn says she had only used the device for its intended purpose and did not deviate from physician advice or instruction. However, not long after having the Gunther Tulip vena cava filter implanted, Jacquelyn had started experiencing serious side effects often reported in conjunction with IVC filters.

According to her IVC filter lawsuit, Jacquelyn had sustained permanent injuries that reportedly left her impaired and disabled. Like most other patients who opt for the Gunther Tulip vena cava filter, the device was recommended for Jacquelyn as an alternative to anticoagulant medication.

IVC filters are small metal cage-like devices that are directly implanted into the inferior vena cava, the largest vein in the body. These filters are meant to trap and prevent blood clots before they can cause harm elsewhere in the body. These devices work by trapping blood clots forming in the legs or pelvis from traveling to the lungs or heart, which ultimately prevents blood clot attacks.

There have been numerous injury reports indicating the Gunther Tulip vena cava filter, along with other IVC filter models, could be potentially dangerous for patients. The FDA had issued a public warning regarding IVC filter complications in 2010, warning that there were over 921 injury reports submitted since 2005 including:

  • 328 reports of IVC filter migration
  • 146 reports of IVC filter components
  • 70 reports of IVC filter perforation
  • 56 reports of IVC filter fracture

The agency stated that many cases of IVC filter complications stem from long term use of filters designed to be temporary.  The agency recommends that patients have retrievable IVC filters removed soon after the blood clot risk is resolved. The FDA issued a later update in May 2014, stating that the IVC filter should generally be removed between 29 and 54 days after implantation.

The risk of IVC filter complications has become well known to the patient population and medical community, with many alleging the some of the devices are defectively made and unreasonably dangerous.

According to her IVC filter lawsuit, Jacquelyn received no disclosures from the company and had no reason to believe her medical condition could be compounded by the Gunther Tulip vena cava filter.

Jacquelyn states that she never would have opted for the Gunther Tulip vena cava filter if she had known the risks associated with the device. Jacquelyn is filing her IVC filter lawsuit in multidistrict litigation no. 2570, where it will stand alongside other claims alleging similar injuries.

This IVC Filter Lawsuit is Case No. 1:17-cv-02259-RLY-TAB, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, Indianapolis Division.

In general, IVC filter lawsuits are filed individually by each plaintiff and are not class actions.

Do YOU have a legal claim? Fill out the form on this page now for a free, immediate, and confidential case evaluation. The attorneys who work with Top Class Actions will contact you if you qualify to let you know if an individual lawsuit or class action lawsuit is best for you. Hurry — statutes of limitations may apply.

Learn More

We tell you about cash you can claim EVERY WEEK! Sign up for our free newsletter.


Get Help – It’s Free

Join a Free IVC Filter Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you or a loved one were injured by IVC filter complications, you may have a legal claim. See if you qualify to pursue compensation and join a free IVC filter class action lawsuit investigation by submitting your information for a free case evaluation.

An attorney will contact you if you qualify to discuss the details of your potential case.

Please Note: If you want to participate in this investigation, it is imperative that you reply to the law firm if they call or email you. Failing to do so may result in you not getting signed up as a client, if you qualify, or getting you dropped as a client.

Oops! We could not locate your form.

Please note: Top Class Actions is not a settlement administrator or law firm. Top Class Actions is a legal news source that reports on class action lawsuits, class action settlements, drug injury lawsuits and product liability lawsuits. Top Class Actions does not process claims and we cannot advise you on the status of any class action settlement claim. You must contact the settlement administrator or your attorney for any updates regarding your claim status, claim form or questions about when payments are expected to be mailed out.