While breast implants may be common, individuals receiving this surgery are at risk during and after the procedure. The operation itself can lead to several types of complications, and even successful surgeries might pose health risks years later.
If you are suffering from injuries related to a breast implant procedure, you could benefit from reaching out to a mass torts attorney. A breast implant injury lawyer could analyze the facts of your case to determine your eligibility for financial compensation.
One of the concerns of breast implants is the risk of textured breast implants. The sandpaper quality of a textured breast implant may seem like a good idea at first because it keeps the synthetic tissue more stable, reducing movement and some of the common issues with traditional silicone gel implants.
However, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), individuals with textured implants are at great risk of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). Multiple brands and manufacturers have been implicated in this concerning trend.
Recently, the manufacturer Allergan recalled its line of Natrelle BIOCELL textured breast implants and expanders after studies showed that the Allergan products were particularly dangerous. According to the FDA, while all textured implants pose risks for patients, the Natrelle BIOCELL model was six times riskier than other brands.
Because of the increased risk, individuals who received Allergan products could recover a range of damages, including financial compensation for required surgeries to fix the injury. If a person has developed BIA-ALCL or a related disease, this could be direct proof of Allergan’s breach of duty.
Impacted individuals should contact a local legal advisor as soon as possible. They could assist those afflicted with BIA-ALCL in filing a claim.
In some cases, surgeons played no role in the injuries suffered by their patients. However, it is possible for a patient to recover damages from the manufacturer of the breast implants.
A ruptured breast implant could be a sign of a manufacturer’s defect. An implant that rips open can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening complications for a healing patient.
Some manufacturers use a saline solution to fill the implant, which can be an attractive choice for patients with certain allergies. However, some saline implants can break down and slowly leak the saltwater solution into the patient’s breast. This can be a sign of a faulty breast implant.
In these cases, the manufacturer of the breast implant could be held liable if the plaintiff is able to demonstrate the company’s breach of duty of care. A consultation with a local breast implant injury legal advisor could explore this argument and other legal remedies.
The study of Allergan cancer incidence is leading to inquiries into other late-onset breast implant injuries. Unfortunately, years later, breast implants can become malignant, causing emotional, physical, and financial damages for the patient.
For example, if the skin surrounding the implant tightens or thins, it could cause discomfort for the patient. When breast tissue atrophies in this way, the individual may need to undergo further surgery to either remove or alter the implant.
Loss of function also affects some breast implant patients years after the initial surgery. If the breast implants limit a mother’s ability to breastfeed, for example, this could constitute noneconomic damages in some cases.
The statute of limitations varies from state to state. In some regions, claimants will be able to file a claim if they can prove that the time period when they discovered late-onset injury was compliant with the state’s statute of limitations. Towards this end, a local breast implant injury professional can be an extremely helpful advocate.
The risk of breast implant injuries can be serious. Unfortunately, patients are not always informed about possible complications before undergoing the procedure.
If you suffered injuries due to your breast implant operation, you might be able to recover damages for your physical, emotional, and financial losses. Contact a breast implant injury lawyer today to see if your injuries may qualify for legal action.
