Should I File a Textured Breast Implant Lawsuit?

If you developed cancer due to textured breast implants, you might be considering legal action, but should you file a breast implant lawsuit?

Growing evidence links textured breast implants with a rare type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Although the risk of developing cancer is low, the effects of this disease can be devastating and even lead to death.

By filing a lawsuit, you could receive compensation for your damages, such as:

Medical bills
Lost income
Pain and suffering
Emotional trauma

A defective medical device lawyer can evaluate your case and help you decide whether it makes sense to file a legal claim for your damages.

How Are Breast Implants Tied to Large Cell Lymphoma?

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), textured implants pose an increased risk of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma or BIA-ALCL. BIA-ALCL is not a type of breast cancer; it is a form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that develops in the scar tissue surrounding the implant beneath the breast tissue. Diagnosed with BIA-ALCL? Consider filing a breast implant lawsuit.

The primary symptom of BIA-ALCL is persistent swelling at or near the implant site, with or without pain.

Unfortunately, symptoms may not appear for years after implant surgery.

For anyone who has textured breast implants, the FDA recommends talking to your healthcare provider about having an evaluation.

If you fear you may have BIA-ALCL, a personal injury attorney can connect you with resources for a comprehensive medical evaluation.

FDA Reports on Textured Breast Implants

Thus far, the FDA reports that only textured implants have been tied to BIA-ALCL victims. No cases reported with smooth implants.

Experts believe that any brand of textured implant could cause BIA-ALCL. However, the FDA linked Allergan’s Natrelle BIOCELL implant to a large percentage of known BIA-ALCL cases and deaths. The FDA estimates that women with these textured implants face six times the risk of developing BIA-ALCL. If you have textured breast implants and have been diagnosed with BIA-ALCL, you should contact an experienced attorney to evaluate your need to file a breast implant lawsuit.

In 2019, the FDA directed Allergan to voluntarily recall the entire BIOCELL line of implants, including both saline and silicone styles. You can review a full list of the recalled Allergan textured breast implants on the FDA’s website.

How Many Women Have Been Affected by Textured Implants?

At the time of the Allergan recall, the FDA reported almost 600 known cases of BIA-ALCL. Of those, more than 30 had died.

Once word spread and women flocked to their doctors for testing, a large number of additional incidents have been reported. When diagnosed and treated in time, BIA-ALCL carries a low risk of fatality. Unfortunately, even when victims survive this type of cancer, the experience can still be devastating.

How Much Can I Expect for a Breast Implant Lawsuit Settlement?

Textured implant complications have only begun to emerge recently. Consequently, we don’t have much data yet on potential settlement amounts.

The physical and emotional trauma of cancer treatment is very hard on victims and their families. The financial impact of these complications can significantly deplete a victim’s finances, ability to work, and wellbeing. For these reasons, textured breast implant settlements could be substantial for many victims.

The value of your claim will depend on how you were affected financially, physically, and emotionally. After evaluating your case, a defective medical device lawyer can calculate the approximate value of your claim.

Should I File a Breast Implant Lawsuit?

Defective medical device lawsuits pose a complex challenge with high stakes. If you have breast implant-related concerns and are considering taking legal action, you need an attorney with experience.

For more than three decades, VanDerGinst Law has fought for our clients. We hold faulty medical device manufacturers accountable and help get our clients the compensation they deserve. We approach all our cases with deep compassion and are here to represent you and support you throughout this difficult time.