Representation for Victims of Defective Breast Implants
Hundreds of thousands of breast implant procedures are performed every year, and millions of women worldwide have breast implants. Although there is a known risk of anaplastic large cell lymphoma after receiving breast implants, there may be other, lesser-known dangers. Silicone implants, only recently allowed on the market again, may already be hurting women across the country.
The medical decisions we make are our own business, and taking such private matters into a courtroom can seem daunting. But if you or someone you love has been harmed by a defective medical device, such as a breast implant made by Mentor or Allergan, then you deserve compensation for your injuries, pain, and suffering. You don’t have to stand alone against companies that earn billions of dollars every year.
Call us at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, right now at (212) 986-7353 to speak with one of our caring, knowledgeable New York product liability attorneys. We can talk about your situation and discuss your options.
What Are the Dangers of Defective Breast Implants?
Hundreds of thousands of women receive breast implants every year. Regardless of whether the implants are for cosmetic or reconstructive purposes, there is a small but significant risk of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), which is a type of cancer - an immune system cancer that occurs in the tissue around the implant itself, rather than specifically affecting the breast.
There are also much more widespread illnesses and issues caused by implants. Even an undamaged implant can cause pain, irritation to the area, and carry a risk of infection. In cases where the implant actually ruptures, there are additional complications that can occur. It should be noted that according to research conducted by breast-implant manufacturers, device removal within 10 years of implantation is necessary in as many as one in five augmentation patients and one in two reconstruction patients. Removal requires additional surgery and possible replacement of the implant in a short time span following the initial implant.
Silicone Breast Implants Back on the Market
In 1992, silicone-based breast implants were banned in the U.S. due to an alarmingly high number of ruptures and illnesses, including cancer and rheumatoid arthritis, which resulted in thousands of women bringing lawsuits against manufacturers of implants. Prior to the ban, silicone-based implants were the most popular ones throughout the 1980s and early '90s. Following the ban, saline-based implants became the only real option on the market.
In 2006, the ban on silicone-based breast implants was lifted and Mentor became the first company to receive approval for a silicone implant in 2008. Approval was quickly acquired by Johnson & Johnson as well. It is estimated that 80% of women have opted for silicone-based implants since the ban was lifted. Also since the ban was lifted, numerous lawsuits have been filed against Mentor and other manufacturers.
These lawsuits include claims that the new silicone implants cause skin rashes, fatigue, and autoimmune system responses. Other claims state that heavy metals are used to manufacture the implants, and can end up in the bloodstream and cause serious illnesses. In the years that have passed since silicone-based implants returned to the market, more than a million women may have received them and thousands may be at risk.
What Can I Do?
If you or someone you love received breast implants and you believe they have caused serious illnesses or cancer, then don't suffer in silence. Our experienced personal injury and defective product attorneys are prepared to fight for you and do everything we can to make sure your rights are defended. Call us at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, today at (212) 986-7353 to discuss your case.