Breast Implant Attorney
Patients who have received Allergan brand textured implants are at a higher risk of acquiring a rare form of cancer. Some patients have already been diagnosed with this cancer, and at least nine have died. Anyone who has an Allergan textured breast implant product should consider their available medical and legal options, including the option to file a claim for complete coverage of the removal of the implant product as well as related damages.
On July 24, 2019, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced a request that Allergan voluntarily recall all textured breast implant products because of an elevated risk of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). A global study of cancer cases found 573 reports of BIA-ALCL cases. Of these cases, 481 specifically concern Allergan breast implants cancer. Total BIA-ALCL cases record 33 patient deaths.
If you or a close family member has received an Allergan textured breast implant, you may be eligible for a personal injury claim to recover all of your associated damages. These damages potentially include the costs of all related medical treatment, the cost of a replacement device, compensation for lost wages, pain, and suffering, and other losses.
TonaLaw is prepared to work closely with anyone who wants to file a claim or take legal action by way of an Allergan breast implant lawsuit. We can provide you with an experienced defective medical device injury lawyer to handle your case, help you document 100% of your losses, guide your strategy, and seek the maximum amount of compensation legally available.
Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an Allergan breast implants cancer lawyer today when you call 1-833-TONALAW or contact us online.
Symptoms of Allergan Breast Implants Cancer
Individuals who have received devices named in the Allergan breast implant recall may have already been diagnosed with BIA-ALCL, a rare form of cancer affecting the immune system.
“The main symptoms of BIA-ALCL are persistent swelling, presence of a mass or pain in the area of the breast implant,” reports the FDA. “These symptoms may occur well after the surgical incision has healed, often years after implant placement.”
Health care providers may detect fluid collection around the breast implant or a lump associated with scar tissue in the affected area.
According to the FDA, BIA-ALCL is not a form of breast cancer. Rather, it belongs to the group of lymphoma cancers that attack the lymphatic system and immune system cells. Tumor cells may develop in the scar tissue surrounding the breast implant or be found within fluid surrounding the implant. Advanced cases may spread throughout the body.
“An individual’s risk of developing BIA-ALCL is considered to be low,” observes the FDA. “However, this cancer is serious and can lead to death, especially if not treated promptly.”
Anyone with a BIA-ALCL diagnosis or possible symptoms should refer to both medical and legal professionals for advice and guidance on the appropriate next steps to take.
Products Affected by the Allergan Breast Implant Recall
The FDA’s recall request targeted several products encompassing Allergan’s BIOCELL line of textured breast implants.
Named products in the recall include:
- Natrelle Saline-Filled breast implants
- Natrelle Silicone-Filled breast implants
- Natrelle Inspira Silicone-Filled breast implants
- Natrelle 410 Highly Cohesive Anatomically Shaped Silicone-Filled breast implants
- Natrelle 133 Plus Tissue Expander
- Natrelle 133 Tissue Expander with Suture Tabs
Despite the elevated risk of BIA-ALCL, the FDA is not currently recommending that anyone with the listed devices and without symptoms voluntarily remove or replace their implants.
Notably, the recall and cancer risk warning do not concern smooth breast implant product types.
Rights of Patients Affected by Allergan Breast Implants Cancer
Since the discovery of the possible connection between Allergan’s textured breast implants and cancer, several patient survivors have taken legal action. An Allergan class-action lawsuit regarding breast implants has been filed, and others may be taking separate legal action.
Patients who have had Allergan textured breast implants surgically implanted may have received a notice of recall from the company. The recall may have contained language implying that recipient patients could replace their Allergan textured breast implants with smooth product versions at no cost.
However, the remedy offered does not provide compensation for the surgical costs of removal and replacement, nor does it offer coverage for the implanting of non-Allergan-branded products. Furthermore, patient survivors were not offered compensation for the loss of income that resulted from missing work because of their cancer or because of recovery from surgical intervention.
Various investors in the company have taken legal action against Allergan regarding the financial and legal fallout.
Anyone who has received the recalled Allergan textured breast implants listed above and who has possible symptoms of BIA-ALCL can seek legal counsel from an experienced defective medical devices lawyer. By speaking to an attorney, they can learn of their options for joining an Allergan class action lawsuit concerning breast implants or for taking individual legal action.
Possible Damages Available for Allergan Breast Implants Cancer
Damages in cases involving Allergan textured breast implants can include:
- Costs of treatment of cancer and its symptoms
- Costs of surgical removal or replacement of implants
- Lost wages related to cancer symptoms or implant replacement/removal
- Pain and suffering
- Possible punitive damages
Work with an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Hiring an experienced defective medical device attorney can provide many benefits for patients suffering from BIA-ALCL or the surviving family members representing deceased patients.
Foremost, an attorney can help you choose from among options that may be confusing or perhaps obscured. For instance, recipients of Allergan’s recall notice may be unaware that they have other potential financial and legal remedies available than the one proposed. Patients may also be confused as to whether to join an Allergan class action lawsuit concerning breast implants or whether to file a separate action.
TonaLaw is ready to listen to your story and help you potentially prepare a case. Depending on your circumstances, we may recommend specific legal actions or further diagnosis of your condition.
We can guide you through the process of filing a claim, including assistance with documenting all of your losses — both financial and non-financial. Most importantly, we are prepared to defend your legal rights, both in and out of court.
Call 1-833-TONALAW or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation case review with one of our proven personal injury attorneys today.
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