Blood clots are dangerous for many reasons – including the risk they may break loose and lodge in blood vessels of the heart or brain with fatal results.
Are there treatment options?
Yes – several, and most appear to be very helpful. But there is at least one causing significant harm.
C.R. Bard, a U.S. manufacturer of medical devices, manufactures and sells a device that, once implanted, is supposed to stop blood clots from traveling from peripheral vessels to either the heart or the brain.
Sadly – the device appears to be responsible for close to 30 deaths and over 300 other non-fatal problems.
Was the product approved by the FDA?
Yes.
Did the company know the clot filter was defective?
Yes. They had evidence from several sources that it was unsafe – including evidence from an expert the company hired to evaluate the filter’s safety.
Did they continue to sell it even after learning it was defective and reports of deaths and other injuries poured in?
Sadly – yes.
What’s more, getting FDA approval for the filter had proven difficult for Bard – so they hired a “regulatory specialist” named Kay Fuller to help gain approval. That specialist has now admitted that the company withheld evidence of the product’s danger – even from her.
To make matters worse – it appears that someone forged Kay Fuller’s signature on the FDA application submitted by Bard – to imply she supported the application.
Are people still at risk from these filters?
The company stopped selling the filter in 2005 – but by their own estimates – some 20,000 people are still walking around with the filters implanted.
What can you do if you or a loved one is using a blood clot filter now? It would be best to check with your physician to determine which filter was implanted and then discuss your options
If you or a loved one is ever the victim of a defective medical product, call a qualified Connecticut product liability lawyer. A knowledgeable product liability lawyer can help to ensure that your rights are protected.
RisCassi & Davis has handled large numbers of these kinds of cases over our 60 years serving the people of Connecticut.
What’s more, our Connecticut product liability lawyers have received local and national recognition for our handling of these cases.
Please contact us if we can help you. The consultation is free and there is no obligation of any kind. And – there is no fee or other costs unless we are successful on your behalf.