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Statistics indicate that nearly 600,000 people develop blood clots, or pulmonary embolisms, each year in the United States. One of the most common ways to treat and prevent future blood clots is through the implantation of an Inferior Vena Cava Filter (IVC). This procedure involves placing a cone-shaped, cage-like device into the inferior vena cava, the primary blood vessel in the abdomen that moves blood from the lower body to the heart. Unfortunately, many patients experience significant complications due to improper monitoring following IVC filter placement. At Osborne & Francis, our Florida medical device liability attorneys have helped numerous patients recover damages for medical expenses, as well as physical and emotional distress, caused by IVC filter adverse events.
So you've been in a car accident. What happens next? There are many things that you should do but here are the three most important:
Number One: See a doctor immediately.
A broken bone is easy to see, but some injuries are not. The most common injuries from car accidents happen in the neck, back, or head. The only way to diagnose and treat them is by seeing a doctor. A doctor can help ease the pain, provide medication, reassure you of how your injury may impact your daily life, and tell you what not to do to make it worse.
A visit to the doctor can also give you legally protected time off to recover and rest your body after an accident, and it documents and provides the evidence you may need for your case. Even a five-mile-per-hour car accident can cause a serious injury. So whether you've had a severe accident or a minor collision, see a doctor. And if you don't have medical insurance, let us know and we'll make sure that you receive the proper care.
Number Two: Write everything down.
Even if it seems small, during times of stress or injury it is common to forget the little details. Make sure you keep note of the pain that you're in. With neck, back, and head injuries, sometimes simple activities such as walking up the stairs or picking up a toddler may cause severe pain.
You may not be sleeping well at night. Documenting how much you sleep and how often you wake up due to pain is also very important. And lastly, if you have any cuts or bruises, take daily photos as you heal. This will provide visual evidence of the injuries that you've suffered.
Number Three: Do not speak to an insurance company until you've spoken to a lawyer.
Please understand that the insurance adjuster works for a billion-dollar corporation and not for you. Their interests are solely for their insurance company, and their goal is to provide you with the least amount of financial settlement as quickly as possible. When you do speak with them, remember they will record the conversation. Why do they do this? Because they've been trained to ask questions that may confuse you. So talk to us before you talk to them.
So remember: See a doctor, document everything, and call us before calling the insurance company for your free private consultation. We are here for you. Real tough lawyers fighting real tough issues.
In patients with a history of blood clots or an increased risk of developing future clots, IVC filters provide a means of preventing serious injury or death. However, IVC filters are not without risks and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received numerous reports of serious complications attributable to IVC filters. The most common side effects include
Historically, IVC filters were meant to be permanent implants. Now, most filters are removable and the FDA recommends removal as soon as the risk of pulmonary embolism is decreased. In many cases, an IVC filter may be inserted for short-term use, but is left in much longer than needed. Failing to properly monitor the patient and not removing the IVC filter greatly increases the risks of long-term complications. Our medical negligence attorneys work hard to investigate your case while gathering information from your medical record and evidence to support your claims. It is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible after you experience complications to ensure that your case is handled expediently and complies with the Statute of Limitations.
Many medical procedures are touted as minimally invasive and routine. However, these types of surgeries, such as IVC filter insertion and removal, often lead to serious complications. Depending on the specific circumstances of your case, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries. For a free consultation, contact our offices in Boca Raton and Orlando, call (561) 293-2600, or email us today.