Defective Breast Implant Lawyers

The Alabama defective medical devices lawyers of Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP represent women diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma after getting defective breast implants. Most are unaware of the risks associated with implants, specifically the textured types manufactured by Allergan.

We understand the long-term effects you can suffer after developing cancer. It can cause significant stress and financial strain during treatment. You wonder how you’re going to afford the medical bills you’re receiving. You should not be responsible for the expenses you incurred. The manufacturer should be held liable for the harm they caused.

The defective breast implant lawyers of Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP have been fighting for our clients’ rights for over 20 years. We will be in your corner and seek the maximum compensation you deserve. You will not be alone during this traumatic experience. You can depend on us to treat you and your case as a priority.

If you want to learn more about your legal options and how to hold the breast implant manufacturer accountable for their negligent actions, call us at (205) 324-1212 for a free consultation.

What Is BIA-ALCL?

Certain breast implants can cause BIA-ALCL. Breast-implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma is a form of cancer affecting the immune system. It starts in the fluid and scar tissue capsule around the implant and can eventually spread to other parts of the body. With early intervention and adequate treatment, it is curable. However, it can become fatal if left undiagnosed.

Common symptoms of BIA-ALCL are:

• Breast enlargement
• Changes in breast appearance or symmetry
• Redness
• Armpit or breast lumps
• Weight loss
• Hardening of the breast
• Skin rash
• Fatigue

This type of T-cell lymphoma isn’t breast cancer. It can form after someone receives silicone or saline breast implants during breast reconstruction surgery. Research seems to show that textured implants are more likely to lead to this type of cancer. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there were 733 cases of BIA-ALCL as of January 5, 2020. Of those reported cases, 620 were due to textured implants manufactured by Allergan.

Recalled Allergen Breast Implants

After receiving various Medical Device Reports about cases of BIA-ALCL worldwide, the FDA requested a recall of tissue expanders and textured breast implants manufactured by Allergan. The implants known to increase the risk of developing cancer are below.

Allergan Natrelle Silicone-Filled Textured Breast Implant

• Style 110 – BIOCELL Textured Round Moderate Projection Gel Filled Breast Implants
• Style TRX – Natrelle Inspira BIOCELL Textured Responsive Silicone-Filled Breast Implants
• Style TCLP – Natrelle Inspira BIOCELL Textured Cohesive Silicone-Filled Breast Implants
• Style TRL – Natrelle Inspira BIOCELL Textured Responsive Silicone-Filled Breast Implants
• Style TRLP – Natrelle Inspira BIOCELL Textured Responsive Silicone-Filled Breast Implants
• Style 115 – BIOCELL Textured Round Midrange Projection Gel Filled Breast Implants
• Style TRF – Natrelle Inspira BIOCELL Textured Responsive Silicone-Filled Breast Implants
• Style TCM – Natrelle Inspira BIOCELL Textured Cohesive Silicone-Filled Breast Implants
• Style TCF – Natrelle Inspira BIOCELL Textured Cohesive Silicone-Filled Breast Implants
• Style 120 – BIOCELL Textured Round High Projection Gel Filled Breast Implants
• Style TRM – Natrelle Inspira BIOCELL Textured Responsive Silicone-Filled Breast Implants
• Style TCX – Natrelle Inspira BIOCELL Textured Cohesive Silicone-Filled Breast Implants
• Style TSM – Natrelle BIOCELL Textured Soft Touch Silicone-Filled Breast Implants
• Style TCL – Natrelle Inspira BIOCELL Textured Cohesive Silicone-Filled Breast Implants
• Style TSF – Natrelle BIOCELL Textured Soft Touch Silicone-Filled Breast Implants
• Style TSX – Natrelle BIOCELL Textured Soft Touch Silicone-Filled Breast Implants
• Style TSLP – Natrelle BIOCELL Textured Soft Touch Silicone-Filled Breast Implants
• Style TSL – Natrelle BIOCELL Textured Soft Touch Silicone-Filled Breast Implants

Allergan Natrelle Saline-Filled Breast Implant

• Style 163 – BIOCELL Textured Shaped Full Height, Full Projection Saline Breast Implants
• Style 468 – BIOCELL Textured Shaped Full Height Moderate Projection Saline Breast Implants
• Style 168 – BIOCELL Textured Round Moderate Profile Saline Breast Implants, also referred to as 168MP (168 Moderate Profile)
• Style 363 – BIOCELL Textured Shaped Moderate Height, Full Projection Saline Breast Implants, Allergan catalog includes 363LF, or 363 Low Height Full Projection

Natrelle 410 Highly Cohesive Anatomically Shaped Silicone Filled Breast Implant

• Style 410FM
• Style 410 LX
• Style 410 MF
• Style 410 FX
• Style 410 ML
• Style 410 LL
• Style 410MM
• Style 410FF
• Style 410 LF
• Style 410 FL
• Style 410 MX
• Style 410 LM

Allergan tissue expanders for the breast that have BIOCELL texturing originally cleared as:

• Natrelle 133 Tissue Expander with Suture Tabs (K102806)
• Natrelle 133 Plus Tissue Expander (K143354)

If you’re concerned about the adverse effects of your implants or already developed symptoms of anaplastic large cell lymphoma, you should contact Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP immediately.

Product Defects Associated With Defective Medical Devices

Researchers don’t know the exact reason textured breast implants can cause BIA-ALCL; however, specific defects can occur at the manufacturing company, making this device hazardous to consumers.

The three main types of defects are:

Manufacturing Defects

These defects result when an error occurs while assembling or manufacturing the implant. Even if the actual design wasn’t defective, something happened during the manufacturing process, causing an unsafe product. Common issues that can occur include:

• Using defective parts.
• Assembling the product with the wrong materials.
• Failing to meet guidelines set by quality assurance.

Design Defects

This occurs when there’s an inherent flaw in the design of the breast implant. This flaw poses a danger to the user. There are three elements of a design defect you must prove to hold the manufacturer liable:

• The implant design was defective before assembling or manufacturing began;
• The manufacturer should have known the defect could cause injury to the user; and
• The manufacturer could have used a different design to avoid constructing a product with the defect.

Failure To Warn/Marketing Defects

Manufacturers must always include instructions on using their product correctly and labels warning consumers of the potential dangers. When manufacturers fail to disclose the risk of developing cancer from textured breast implants, you’re not adequately informed about how yours could affect your health. Useful warning labels should include:

• Possible defects in the implants.
• Risks associated with getting the implants.
• Instructions for proper use of the implants and how to avoid injuries.

Product liability cases in Alabama also use three types of liability theories when proving a manufacturer was responsible for a product defect. These theories of liability are:

• Strict Liability – The implant contained an unreasonably dangerous defect that caused cancer despite using it as intended. You don’t have to show the manufacturer’s actions were careless if these elements existed:
  • The Allergan implant contained an inherently dangerous defect due to a flaw in the design;
  • That defect caused your injury even though you used the breast implant for its intended use; and
  • Once the product left the manufacturer, there were no significant changes made to it.
• Negligence – Negligence refers to the manufacturer’s failure to uphold their duty to reasonably avoid causing injury to a consumer. Using this theory means providing evidence that the manufacturing company breached their duty of care, resulting in your cancer diagnosis.
• Breach of Warranty – Warranties include a guarantee that a product will work as intended and meets the manufacturer’s reliability and quality standards. When the product doesn’t perform as promised, the warranty is breached.

Compensation Available In An Alabama Product Liability Case

Developing BIA-ALCL can result in multiple financial, emotional, and physical losses. You need to undergo surgery to remove the defective implant and endure rounds of chemo or radiotherapy. Different types of treatment can cause adverse side effects, interfering with your daily routine. It’s an uphill battle you’re facing, and you deserve compensation to cover the various losses you suffered.

Common losses available in an insurance claim or lawsuit against Allergan include:

• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Out of pocket expenses
• Medical bills
• Disfigurement or permanent disability
• Mental anguish

Filing a lawsuit means following a strict deadline known as a statute of limitations. The Alabama statute of limitations for product liability cases is two years. That means you would have two years from the date of your cancer diagnosis to sue the manufacturer for compensation. After the two-year timeframe passes, you could lose your right to hold them liable if you haven’t filed suit.

Contact Us

The defective breast implant lawyers of Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP will be your advocate during the fight for justice. The manufacturer should face the consequences of their actions and provide adequate compensation to cover your past and future losses. When you hire us, we will determine the best legal strategy for holding the manufacturing company liable for the suffering you were forced to endure.

We know you might be facing economic hardships after your BIA-ALCL diagnosis. You’re already paying for cancer treatment and shouldn’t have to face additional expenses while pursuing legal action. Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP will take your case on contingency, so you don’t have to pay upfront fees or costs. If we win your case and secure the compensation you deserve, we will collect our legal fees. If we lose, you won’t owe us anything.

If you have or had Allergan breast implants and developed anaplastic large cell lymphoma, contact us immediately to discuss your legal options. One of our defective breast implant lawyers can meet you for a free consultation to review the details of your case and determine if you’re entitled to monetary compensation. Call us at (205) 324-1212 today.