How Allergan Lap Band Failures Impact Virginia Patients
The Allergan Lap Band system was designed to create a smaller stomach pouch by placing an adjustable silicone band around the upper portion of the stomach. This restriction was intended to limit food intake and create earlier feelings of fullness, promoting weight loss without the permanency of gastric bypass surgery.
However, this “minimally invasive” approach has proven dangerous for many Virginia patients. Studies show alarmingly high complication and failure rates, with research indicating up to 73% of patients experience serious device-related issues. Many eventually require complete removal of the device.
Despite knowing these risks, Allergan continued aggressively marketing their Lap Band while downplaying potential complications. The company failed to adequately warn Virginia patients and their physicians about the likelihood of serious problems requiring additional surgeries.
Our Virginia Allergan Lap Band lawyers at Geoff McDonald & Associates are committed to holding Allergan accountable for putting profits ahead of patient safety. Virginia victims deserve compensation for their suffering.
Serious Lap Band Complications
Virginia patients have reported numerous severe complications after Allergan Lap Band surgery. Our Allergan Lap Band lawyers are investigating these dangerous medical issues:
The band can create pressure that perforates stomach tissue, causing life-threatening infection. This emergency condition requires immediate surgical intervention and can lead to long-term digestive complications.
Many patients experience persistent, debilitating pain that significantly impacts quality of life. This ongoing discomfort often continues despite adjustments to the band, ultimately requiring complete removal.
The band can cause abnormal expansion of the esophagus, creating swallowing difficulties and reflux. This progressive condition may become permanent even after band removal, resulting in lifelong eating challenges.
The implanted device creates ongoing infection risks throughout the body. These infections can become systemic, requiring hospitalization, intensive antibiotic treatment, and removal of the compromised device.
Band complications often lead to severe nutritional problems as patients struggle to consume adequate food. These deficiencies can cause hair loss, brittle nails, fatigue, and other serious health issues.
Virginia patients suffering from these complications deserve compensation for additional surgeries, ongoing medical care, and decreased quality of life. Our experienced Allergan Lap Band attorneys at Geoff McDonald & Associates are fighting for victims’ rights.
Building Your Legal Claim
Our Virginia Allergan Lap Band lawyers pursue multiple legal arguments against Allergan. These claims form the foundation of our approach to securing compensation:
Allergan neglected their duty to properly disclose known complications to patients and doctors. Many Virginia patients report receiving minimal information about the high likelihood of problems requiring band removal.
The Allergan Lap Band appears fundamentally flawed in design and manufacture. Evidence suggests the company knew or should have known about these inherent problems yet continued selling the device.
Allergan aggressively promoted their Lap Band while minimizing known risks. Marketing materials emphasized benefits while glossing over the high failure rates documented in medical literature.
Allergan failed to conduct adequate testing or follow up on adverse event reports. This systematic negligence prioritized profits over patient safety and violated basic medical device manufacturer responsibilities.
The experienced Virginia Allergan Lap Band attorneys at Geoff McDonald & Associates understand the complex medical and legal issues involved in these cases. We’re dedicated to holding Allergan accountable for the harm caused to Virginia patients.
Qualifying for an Allergan Lap Band Lawsuit
If you or a loved one received an Allergan Lap Band and experienced complications, you may be entitled to compensation. Our Virginia Allergan Lap Band lawyers are evaluating cases that meet these criteria:
- You underwent Allergan Lap Band surgery for weight loss
- You suffered complications such as band erosion, slippage, port problems, infection, or obstruction
- You required additional medical treatments, revision surgeries, or band removal
- Your complications resulted in hospital stays, mounting medical bills, or lost work time
Virginia has specific deadlines for filing medical device claims, so prompt evaluation of your case is essential. Our experienced Allergan Lap Band attorneys will assess your unique situation and explain your legal options.
Taking Action
If you’re a Virginia resident who has experienced Allergan Lap Band complications, these steps will help protect your health and strengthen your legal claim:
Maintain complete records of all Lap Band-related medical visits and treatments. These documents provide crucial evidence linking your complications to the Allergan device.
Continue all recommended medical treatments for your complications. Consistent care demonstrates the severity and ongoing nature of your Lap Band-related health issues.
Speak with our Virginia Allergan Lap Band attorneys promptly. Early legal intervention helps preserve evidence and ensures your claim is filed within Virginia’s statutory deadlines.
Document how Lap Band complications have affected your daily life. This information helps our lawyers calculate appropriate compensation for your physical and emotional suffering.
Take Our Allergan Lap-Band Assessment Today
Don’t face Allergan Lap Band complications alone. Geoff McDonald & Associates’ experienced Virginia Allergan Lap Band lawyers are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. We understand these complications have upended your life and created unexpected medical expenses.
While you focus on recovery, our dedicated Allergan Lap Band attorneys will build a powerful case against Allergan. Virginia’s legal deadlines are strict. Don’t lose your right to seek justice.
Take our quick eligibility quiz to see if you qualify for an Allergan Lap Band lawsuit.