Start ClaimAccountability for Defective Medical Devices
The Allergan Lap-Band is a weight loss device used in bariatric surgeries to help patients reduce food intake and manage obesity. However, despite its initial promise, many patients who underwent Lap-Band surgery have experienced severe complications, leading to additional surgeries and, in some cases, life-threatening health problems. As a result, lawsuits have been filed against Allergan, the manufacturer, for producing a defective product and failing to adequately warn patients about the risks involved.
If you or a loved one has suffered complications from the Allergan Lap-Band, you may be entitled to compensation. Take the quiz on this page to find out if you qualify today.
What is the Allergan Lap-Band?
The Lap-Band is a medical device designed to help patients lose weight by limiting food intake. The device consists of an adjustable silicone band that is surgically placed around the upper portion of the stomach, creating a small pouch. This restricts the amount of food a person can consume, leading to feelings of fullness with less food.
While the Lap-Band has been marketed as a safe and effective long-term weight loss solution, many patients have experienced significant health problems, which have led to numerous lawsuits. Common complications include band slippage, erosion, infections, and the need for additional surgeries to remove or reposition the device.
Complications and Health Risks
Unfortunately, the Lap-Band has been associated with numerous complications that have seriously impacted patients’ health. Some of the most common issues reported include:
The Lap-Band can move or shift from its original position, leading to damage to the stomach lining or even puncturing it. This can cause severe pain, nausea, and the need for corrective surgeries.
Some patients have experienced the expansion of their esophagus due to the restriction caused by the Lap-Band, leading to difficulty swallowing, acid reflux, and other digestive issues.
In some cases, the area around the Lap-Band becomes infected, which can lead to abscess formation. This requires immediate medical attention and often results in the removal of the device.
Patients have reported severe heartburn, acid reflux, and regurgitation after receiving the Lap-Band, often requiring medication or further surgery.
The Lap-Band can cause patients to consume fewer nutrients and fluids, leading to malnutrition and dehydration, which may require hospitalization.
The Lap-Band can malfunction, requiring patients to undergo additional surgeries for removal or replacement of the device.
In some severe cases, complications from the Lap-Band have led to death, raising significant concerns about the safety and effectiveness of the device.
Allegations Against Allergan
The lawsuits against Allergan focus on several key allegations:
Plaintiffs claim that the Lap-Band is defectively designed, leading to a high risk of failure, slippage, and erosion, which can cause serious harm to patients.
Patients allege that Allergan failed to adequately warn them about the risks associated with the Lap-Band, including the likelihood of needing additional surgeries and the potential for life-threatening complications.
The lawsuits accuse Allergan of negligence in its testing, manufacturing, and marketing of the Lap-Band, asserting that the company did not do enough to ensure the safety of the product before releasing it to the public.
Some lawsuits argue that Allergan misrepresented the Lap-Band as a safe, long-term solution for weight loss, when in fact, the device has been associated with a high rate of complications and failures.
Who Can File a Lap-Band Lawsuit?
If you have undergone Lap-Band surgery and experienced complications, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against Allergan. Potential claimants include individuals who:
- Had their Lap-Band removed or underwent additional surgery to correct complications such as slippage, erosion, or device failure.
- Suffered from infections, abscesses, or other health issues related to the device.
- Experienced serious side effects like GERD, esophageal dilation, or malnutrition due to the Lap-Band.
- Lost wages or incurred medical bills as a result of complications from the Lap-Band surgery.
If you believe that your health issues are related to the defective design or malfunction of the Lap-Band, you may have a strong case for compensation.
Compensation Available
Patients who file lawsuits against Allergan may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
Reimbursement for the cost of surgeries, hospitalizations, medications, and ongoing treatments related to Lap-Band complications.
Compensation for time missed from work due to illness, recovery from surgeries, or other medical issues caused by the Lap-Band.
Damages for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by complications from the Lap-Band.
In some cases, the courts may award punitive damages to punish Allergan for its negligence and to deter similar conduct in the future.
How Jurewitz Law Group Can Help
At Jurewitz Law Group, our mass tort attorneys understand the devastating impact that Lap-Band complications can have on your life. Our experienced team of attorneys is committed to holding manufacturers like Allergan accountable for releasing unsafe medical devices that harm patients. We offer personalized legal support and will guide you through every step of the litigation process.
We are dedicated to helping you secure the compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, lost wages, and suffering. Our firm has a proven track record of success in handling defective medical device cases, and we are here to fight for your rights.
Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation
If you or a loved one has suffered complications from the Allergan Lap-Band, contact Jurewitz Law Group today for a free consultation. We can evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and help you seek justice. Take our quiz today to instantly find out if you qualify.