Allergan Lap Band’s Dangerous Design Issues
The Allergan LAP-BAND® System was promoted as a safer alternative to permanent bariatric surgeries like gastric bypass. However, this adjustable gastric banding system has proven highly problematic for many Louisiana patients, with serious complications developing months or even years after implantation.
Medical research shows alarming failure rates, with studies indicating that up to 50% of patients require band removal within 10 years due to complications or ineffectiveness. Research published in JAMA Surgery found nearly one-third of patients required revision surgeries within just 5 years of implantation.
Despite mounting evidence of these problems, Allergan continued aggressive marketing while minimizing risks to both patients and healthcare providers.
Internal documents suggest the company was aware of these high complication rates yet failed to adequately warn about the likelihood of serious problems.
Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers has seen firsthand how these complications devastate lives – creating chronic pain, nutritional deficiencies, additional surgeries, and substantial financial burdens through medical expenses and lost income.
Our Louisiana Allergan Lap Band attorneys are committed to holding Allergan accountable for this defective medical device and fighting for the compensation victims need to recover from these serious health complications.
Serious Health Risks Associated with Lap Band Surgery
Louisiana patients have reported numerous severe complications following Allergan Lap Band surgery. Our Allergan Lap Band lawyers are investigating cases involving these dangerous outcomes:
The silicone band can gradually erode through stomach tissue, causing infection, pain, and requiring emergency removal. This potentially life-threatening complication often causes permanent digestive damage.
The band can shift from its original position, causing severe vomiting, reflux, and inability to eat. This painful complication often requires emergency surgery to reposition or remove the device.
The access port used for band adjustments can flip, disconnect, or become infected. These issues often require surgical intervention and extended recovery time and medical costs.
The narrowed stomach opening created by the band can become completely blocked, creating a medical emergency with severe pain, vomiting, and inability to consume even liquids.
Improper band position or adjustment can cause the esophagus to stretch abnormally, leading to severe reflux, swallowing difficulties, and damage that persists after band removal.
These complications often require emergency care, revision surgeries, and lengthy recovery periods. Our Louisiana Allergan Lap Band attorneys are dedicated to helping victims receive full compensation for these life-altering medical problems.
Legal Claims Against Allergan Lap Band
Dudley DeBosier is pursuing multiple legal strategies against Allergan for their defective Lap Band device. Our Louisiana Allergan Lap Band attorneys are building cases based on:
The Allergan Lap Band contains fundamental design flaws that make serious complications virtually inevitable for many patients, creating an unreasonably dangerous medical device.
Allergan failed to properly disclose known risks to patients and physicians, preventing informed consent and exposing unsuspecting patients to severe health complications.
Allergan aggressively promoted their device while downplaying known risks and exaggerating benefits, prioritizing profits over patient safety in their communications.
Evidence suggests quality control issues during manufacturing may have increased complication rates, with some devices produced with substandard materials or inconsistent specifications.
Our experienced Louisiana Allergan Lap Band lawyers understand the complex medical and legal issues involved in these cases. We’re dedicated to holding Allergan accountable while helping victims secure the compensation they deserve.
Do You Qualify for a Lap Band Lawsuit?
If you or a loved one has suffered complications from an Allergan Lap Band, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Dudley DeBosier is currently evaluating Louisiana cases that meet these criteria:
- You received an Allergan Lap Band as a weight loss treatment
- You experienced complications such as band slippage, erosion, infection, port problems, or obstruction
- You required additional medical intervention, including potential revision surgery or band removal
- Your complications resulted in ongoing health issues, additional expenses, or lost income
Time limits apply to filing Allergan Lap Band claims in Louisiana, so it’s crucial to have your case evaluated promptly. Potential compensation in these cases may include:
- Payment for medical expenses, including removal and corrective surgeries
- Reimbursement for lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Compensation for physical pain and emotional suffering
- Potential punitive damages in cases of egregious misconduct
Our Louisiana Allergan Lap Band attorneys will thoroughly assess your situation through a detailed review of your medical records and treatment history to determine if you have a valid claim against Allergan.
Next Steps to Take After Lap Band Issues
If you’ve experienced Allergan Lap Band complications, taking these steps can protect both your health and legal rights:
Seek immediate medical attention for any Lap Band issues. Proper treatment is essential for your health and provides crucial documentation for your legal claim.
Collect all medical records, bills, and correspondence with doctors related to your Lap Band and complications. This documentation strengthens your potential case.
Document how complications affect your daily activities, work ability, and quality of life. This evidence helps establish the full scope of your damages.
Louisiana has strict deadlines for filing medical device claims. Speaking with our Allergan Lap Band lawyers promptly ensures your rights are protected.
Louisiana Representation for Allergan Lap Band Claims
Dudley DeBosier has the experience and resources to take on Allergan and fight for the compensation you deserve. Our Louisiana Allergan Lap Band attorneys work on a contingency basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Don’t let time limits prevent you from seeking justice. Take our quick eligibility check today to determine if you qualify for an Allergan Lap Band lawsuit.
