Do I Qualify to File a BIA-ALCL Lawsuit?
Do I Qualify to File a BIA-ALCL Lawsuit?
Defective breast implants can have severe impacts on our health – including the development of a certain cancer known as BIA-ALCL. If you believe you contracted this cancer from a defective breast implant, you may be eligible to file a BIA-ALCL lawsuit against the manufacturer. With the help of a defective breast implant lawyer, you can collect compensation for the impacts that this cancer had on your finances and your health.
What Is BIA-ALCL?
Breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a type of cancer that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently linked to certain breast implants, namely textured breast implants. BIA-ALCL is relatively rare and treatable if a doctor catches it early on. However, several women have died from BIA-ALCL.
Symptoms of the cancer typically do not manifest until between three to 14 years after the initial surgery. Most women develop BIA-ALCL between eight to 10 years after breast augmentation. BIA-ALCL usually develops with the following symptoms.
- Hardening of the breast
- Fluid build-up around the breast
- Asymmetry of the breast or sudden breast enlargement
- An overlying skin rash over the breast
- A lump in the breast or the armpit
Treatment for BIA-ALCL usually involves removal surgery, chemotherapy, and potentially radiation and stem cell transplants. If you have a recalled textured breast implant, the FDA does not recommend that you have removal surgery unless you develop BIA-ALCL.
What Implants Did the FDA Recall?
The FDA first discovered a possible link between textured breast implants and BIA-ALCL in 2011, but had enough evidence to issue a full product recall in 2019. If you have any of the following implants from Allergan, you may be at risk of developing BIA-ALCL.
- Natrelle 410 Highly Cohesive Anatomically Shaped Silicone-Filled breast implants
- Natrelle Silicone-Filled breast implants
- Natrelle Saline-Filled breast implants
- Natrelle Inspira Silicone-Filled breast implants
In addition to breast implants, the FDA is also recalling the following tissue extenders produced by Allergan.
- Natrelle 133 Tissue Expander with Suture Tabs
- Natrelle 133 Plus Tissue Expander
How to Prove a BIA-ALCL Lawsuit
If you have a defective breast implant made by Allergan that the FDA recalled and developed BIA-ALCL, you may qualify for a BIA-ALCL lawsuit. Contact an attorney working on BIA-ALCL legal action against Allergan to discuss your case more thoroughly.
You can claim compensation for the damages you suffered as a result of the BIA-ALCL through a defective product lawsuit against Allergan. You can receive funds for past and future medical treatment, surgeries, medication, and emotional damages like chronic pain. To successfully prove your case against Allergan, your attorney will need to prove one of the following situations.
- That Allergan sold the implant in a defective condition, intending for you to use it, and that the company should have known about the defect.
- That the implant breached Allergan’s warranty.
- That Allergan acted in negligence by failing to ensure the implant was free from defects.
- That Allergan failed to warn you and your surgeon about the risks associated with the implant.
What to Do After a BIA-ALCL Diagnosis
If you believe that your surgeon used a defective product made by Allergan in your breast augmentation surgery, do not panic. Visit your doctor as soon as possible to check for symptoms of BIA-ALCL and discuss your removal surgery options.
Successfully filing a lawsuit against Allergan for your BIA-ALCL damages requires an attorney with knowledge of product liability law. If you receive a BIA-ALCL diagnosis, contact an attorney who is working on BIA-ALCL litigation to discuss your options for legal action.
In addition, make sure to save all pieces of documentation that you receive from your doctor regarding your condition and its treatment. Record all treatments you receive and how they impact your daily life – from losing out on work wages to causing you extreme pain and discomfort.
This lawyer can advise you on your best legal options and inform you if you could launch litigation against the defective implant’s manufacturer. Depending on the facts of your case, you may be eligible to collect compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more.