Understanding Lap Band Device Failures
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 Colorado patients, with serious complications developing months or even years after implantation.
Medical research reveals troubling failure rates, with studies showing up to 60% of patients require band removal within 10 years due to complications. Research in the Journal of the American Medical Association found nearly one-third of patients required revision surgeries within just 5 years of implantation.
Despite growing evidence of these issues, 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.
The Wilhite Law Firm has seen firsthand how these complications devastate lives by creating chronic pain, nutritional deficiencies, additional surgeries, and substantial financial burdens through medical expenses and lost income.
Our Allergan Lap Band litigation attorneys are committed to holding Allergan accountable for this defective medical device and fighting for the compensation Colorado victims need to recover from these serious health complications.
Severe Health Complications Associated with Lap-Bands
Colorado patients have reported numerous serious complications following Allergan Lap Band surgery. Our lawyers are investigating cases involving these dangerous outcomes:
The band can erode through stomach tissue, creating holes that allow stomach contents to leak. This life-threatening complication requires emergency surgery and can cause permanent digestive damage.
The silicone band can shift from its original position, causing severe pain, vomiting, and inability to eat. This complication often requires emergency surgical intervention and device removal.
The implanted device creates ongoing infection risks, particularly at the port site. These infections can become systemic, requiring hospitalization, powerful antibiotics, and device removal.
Improper band position or adjustment can cause the esophagus to dilate abnormally, leading to severe reflux, difficulty swallowing, and tissue damage that persists after removal.
Device complications often prevent proper nutrient absorption, leading to severe vitamin deficiencies, hair loss, fatigue, and immune dysfunction requiring ongoing medical management.
These complications often require emergency treatment, revision surgeries, and lengthy recovery periods. Our Allergan Lap Band litigation attorneys in Colorado are dedicated to helping victims receive full compensation for these life-altering medical problems.
Legal Grounds for Claims
The Wilhite Law Firm is pursuing multiple legal strategies against Allergan for their defective Lap Band device. Our Colorado litigation attorneys are building Allergan Lap Band cases based on:
The Allergan Lap Band contains fundamental design flaws that make complications virtually inevitable for many patients, creating an unreasonably dangerous medical device.
Allergan failed to adequately disclose known risks to patients and physicians, preventing informed consent and exposing patients to severe health complications.
Allergan aggressively promoted their device while downplaying known risks and exaggerating benefits, prioritizing profit over patient safety in their communications.
Evidence suggests quality control problems during manufacturing may have increased complication rates, with some devices produced with substandard materials or inconsistent specifications.
Our 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.
Qualifying for an Allergan Lap-Band Lawsuit
If you or a loved one has experienced complications from an Allergan Lap Band, you may be entitled to significant compensation. The Wilhite Law Firm is currently evaluating 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 Colorado, 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 Colorado litigation 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 Lap Band.
Steps to Take to File an Allergan Lawsuit
If you’ve suffered from 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 crucial for your health and provides essential documentation for your legal claim.
Keep detailed records of all medical visits, treatments, expenses, and how complications have affected your daily life. This documentation strengthens your case.
Note the full scope of your losses, including all medical bills, lost income, pain, emotional distress, and future needs. Our attorneys will identify all potential compensation.
Colorado has strict deadlines for filing medical device claims. Contacting our Allergan Lap Band litigation attorneys in Colorado quickly ensures your rights are protected before time expires.
Find Out if You Qualify to File an Allergan Lap Band Lawsuit – Contact Our Colorado Attorneys
The Wilhite Law Firm has the experience and resources to take on Allergan and fight for the compensation you deserve. Our 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, and speak with an experienced Colorado Allergan Lap Band litigation lawyer today.
