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Textured Breast Implant Attorneys

Cosmetic surgery patients who have received textured breast implants may be at higher risk for cancer or other health-related problems. If you’ve had an adverse outcome after a textured breast implant procedure, let the compassionate and skilled attorneys at Spiros Law, P.C. help you overcome this stressful time by fighting to obtain the financial compensation that you deserve.

On July 24, 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested that Allergan, the manufacturer of a specific type of textured breast implant, recall particular models from the national market due to the risk of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). The following day, CNN reported that Allergan issued a worldwide recall of Biocell textured breast implants and tissue expanders.

The FDA stated in its press release that there were 573 unique cases globally of BIA-ALCL and 33 patient deaths, an increase of 116 new unique cases and 24 deaths from the previous update in February 2019. Of the 573 BIA-ALCL cases, 481 were attributed to Allergan implants. Further, 12 of the 13 patients for which the manufacturer of the implant was known were confirmed to have an Allergan breast implant at the time of their BIA-ALCL diagnosis.

If you or your loved one have been diagnosed with BIA-ALCL or another form of cancer after receiving an Allergan breast implant, you deserve experienced and high-caliber legal representation to obtain compensation for what you are going through.

Spiros Law, P.C. understands the challenges in proving defective drug or flawed medical devices and product claims. With that in mind, our trained lawyers aggressively fight on behalf of those who have been victimized by pharmaceutical corporations, healthcare providers, such as plastic surgeons, or others responsible for textured breast implant complications.

In the past ten years alone, we have recovered more than $100 million for our injury clients in Illinois and elsewhere in the Midwest. We can help get you justice. Call (815) 929-9292 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.

Do I Need A Textured Breast Implant Lawyer?

Legal action is already pending against Allergan, and an attorney can guide you in determining which option might be most beneficial. Several class-action lawsuits have already been filed, but there also remains the possibility of other Allergan cases reaching multidistrict litigation (MDL).

In a class-action lawsuit, the lead plaintiffs usually represent a much larger group of similarly affected persons in a single case against one defendant or possibly multiple defendants. Class members must opt-out of the class-action lawsuit if they wish to file their own independent actions, otherwise, they will be bound by the case outcome.

With MDL, each plaintiff retains control of their individual case, but one federal judge presides over all the cases in the same jurisdiction. Unlike an award in class action lawsuits that are split equally among all class members, MDL allows for individual awards that can vary by case.

Whether you want to join or start a class action, or file your case in an MDL venue, it is advisable to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer to conduct a thorough independent investigation of your claim. A seasoned attorney has the skills to uncover the necessary evidence and make sure that you receive full and fair compensation for your injuries.

Why Choose Spiros Law, P.C. To Handle My Case?

Since 2005, Spiros Law, P.C. has been fighting to protect the rights of clients in the Champaign area and throughout Central Illinois harmed by the negligence or wrongdoing of others. Firm founder James D. Spiros is a member of The Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Illinois State Bar Association, and American Association for Justice.

Mr. Spiros has served on the Board of Managers of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association since 2008. He was named a Leading Lawyer by the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin in 2017 and 2018 and was also named a 2018 Super Lawyer.

Our team approach means that our entire firm, attorneys, and support staff alike, get involved in each case. In so doing, we develop a close personal relationship with each client in delivering high-quality service and professionalism.

Types of Textured Breast Implant Cases We Handle

On October 10, 2019, the National Law Review reported that plaintiffs in several pending class actions had made a motion before the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation to centralize Allergan Biocell textured breast implants lawsuits in MDL. While the cases sought to be consolidated in the motion were class actions, it is expected that individual textured breast implant BIA-ALCL claims would also be centralized in any resulting MDL.

The FDA has noted that the Allergan recall was a Class I recall, the most serious type. Recalled products included Allergan Natrelle Biocell Textured Products such as:

  • Allergan Natrelle Saline-Filled Textured Breast Implants
  • Allergan Natrelle Silicone-Filled Textured Breast Implants
  • Allergan Natrelle® 410 Highly Cohesive Anatomically Shaped Silicone- Filled Textured Breast Implants
  • Allergan Natrelle 133 Plus Tissue Expander
  • Allergan Natrelle 133 Tissue Expander with Suture Tabs

Common symptoms of BIA-ALCL include:

  • Breast enlargement or swelling
  • Large fluid collection in or around the breast
  • Pain around the implant
  • Hardening of the breast
  • Asymmetrical breast appearance
  • Overlying skin rash
  • Lumps in or around the breast or armpit

Other possible symptoms may merit seeking medical attention. These could include weight loss, skin turning red around the breast, pain in the back, chest, or abdomen, hardening of the surrounding tissue or the implant itself, fatigue, enlarged or swollen lymph nodes, loss of appetite, fever, and night sweats.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Textured Breast Implants

When you are going through the process of finding a lawyer to handle your textured breast implants claim, you probably have questions. It is essential to be selective about your lawyer to get the best possible result. Spiros Law, P.C. is prepared to address all your concerns in a sensitive, confidential manner in more detail. Read over some of our frequently asked questions below and give us a call at (815) 929-9292 or contact us online to schedule an appointment for a free case evaluation.

What should I do if I have a textured implant, but my implant has not been recalled?

The risk is not known for other kinds of textured breast implants; the current recall is specific to Allergan products. A 2017 study found that Allergan Biocell implants were associated with six times the risk of development of BIA-ALCL than other textured implants.

In addition to regular breast examinations by your doctor, you should be routinely on alert for any possible side effects. Discuss your implants with a physician if you begin displaying any BIA-ALCL health symptoms regardless of the implant brand.

What is covered by the Biocell Replacement Warranty?

In a follow-up to its voluntary recall of unused Biocell products, Allergan created the Biocell Replacement Warranty for all patients currently implanted with Biocell textured implants. Patients in the U.S. who choose to replace their Biocell textured devices with smooth devices as a result of the recall announcement can obtain Allergan smooth device replacements for free. This program runs until July 24, 2021, and applies to revision surgeries on or after the date of the recall announcement, July 24, 2019.

Allergan will not, however, provide surgical fee assistance. The company also stated that patients who keep their Biocell textured devices would continue to be covered under the Natrelle ConfidencePlus warranty, which includes reimbursement for up to $1,000 in diagnostic fees and up to $7,500 in surgical fees related to diagnosing and treating BIA-ALCL. 

How is BIA-ALCL treated, and what is the prognosis?

BIA-ALCL is rare but treatable. Diagnosis and treatment of BIA-ALCL follow standardized guidelines established by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, which currently include bilateral capsulectomy and removal of breast implants.

BIA-ALCL cases in which the disease is confined to the capsule can be diagnosed and treated with total capsulectomy. There may be tests for a substance called CD30, a protein in cell membranes that shows up abnormally in cases of BIA-ALCL; positive tests could result in surgery to remove scar tissue or capsules around implants, as well as the implants themselves.

BIA-ALCL spreads slowly, but it can become aggressive if untreated. Explant surgery may be necessary to remove both the implant and the capsule from the body. When explant surgery alone is not enough, doctors may screen nearby lymphatic tissue. Such cases could require additional treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Contact a Textured Breast Implants Attorney in Kankakee

Were you or your loved one diagnosed with BIA-ALCL, another form of cancer, or any related illness after receiving a textured breast implant? A cancer diagnosis can be devastating, but the defective medical device/product attorneys at Spiros Law, P.C. stand ready to assist you and your family.

We fully understand the frustration involved in fighting a corporate giant who has betrayed your trust along with the necessity of knowledgeable legal representation to obtain justice from those responsible.

The defective medical devices attorneys of Spiros Law, P.C. can immediately step in and handle all of the technical legal procedures so you can focus on your health and well-being. Call (815) 929-9292 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.