Lap Band Surgery Connected to Serious Gastrointestinal Complications

Arkansas residents who underwent Allergan Lap Band surgery expecting a reliable weight loss solution may now be facing serious health complications, additional surgeries, and mounting medical bills. This supposedly safe device has left many patients possibly worse off than before their procedure, dealing with painful complications and ongoing health issues.

The Allergan Lap Band, marketed as a minimally invasive bariatric procedure, uses an adjustable silicone band to restrict stomach capacity. Unfortunately, thousands of patients may have experienced severe complications including band slippage, erosion into stomach tissue, infection, and device failure, often requiring complete removal and corrective surgeries.

At Rainwater, Holt & Sexton, our Arkansas Allergan Lap Band lawyers understand the devastating impact these complications have on your health, finances, and quality of life. Our experienced Allergan Lap Band attorneys are dedicated to helping victims seek the compensation they deserve while holding Allergan accountable for their potentially defective medical device.

How Allergan Failed Patients

The Allergan Lap Band received FDA approval in 2001 and was marketed as a safer, adjustable alternative to permanent bariatric procedures. Allergan promoted the device’s reversibility and minimally invasive nature, particularly appealing to patients seeking weight loss solutions with fewer complications.

What patients may not have been adequately warned about was a potentially alarming failure rate. Medical studies reveal disturbing statistics: up to 76% of patients experience device-related complications, with approximately 50% requiring complete removal within 10 years due to serious health issues.

Despite mounting evidence of these risks, Allergan continued marketing their Lap Band while minimizing potential dangers. Many patients report receiving little information about the likelihood of complications or the potential need for additional surgeries to address device failures.

Our Arkansas Allergan Lap Band lawyers have witnessed firsthand how these complications devastate lives—causing financial hardship from mounting medical bills, chronic health problems, lost work opportunities, and significantly diminished quality of life.

Rainwater, Holt & Sexton believes Allergan must be held accountable if they put profits before patient safety. Our experienced Allergan Lap Band attorneys are committed to helping Arkansas victims secure the compensation and justice they deserve for these potentially preventable injuries.

Common Lap Band Complications

Patients have reported numerous possible complications following Allergan Lap Band surgery. Our Allergan Lap Band attorneys are investigating cases involving these dangerous outcomes:

Band Erosion

The silicone band can gradually erode through stomach tissue, causing severe infection, pain, and requiring emergency removal surgery. This life-threatening complication often causes permanent stomach damage.

Port Malfunction

The access port used for band adjustments sometimes flips, disconnects, or becomes infected. These complications may require surgical repair or complete system removal, adding risk and recovery time.

Severe GERD

Lap Band placement may trigger or worsen acid reflux, causing painful symptoms, sleep disruption, dental damage, and increased risk of esophageal cancer.

Persistent Vomiting

Patients may experience chronic regurgitation that damages the esophagus, causes malnutrition, and significantly reduces quality of life despite adjustments to the band.

Total Removal

Nearly half of all patients may eventually require complete removal due to complications, negating any weight loss benefits while still enduring the risks of multiple surgeries.

These complications can require emergency care, revision surgeries, and extended recovery periods. Our Arkansas Allergan Lap Band lawyers are dedicated to helping victims receive full compensation for these life-altering medical problems.

Building Your Case

Rainwater, Holt & Sexton is pursuing multiple legal strategies against Allergan for their possibly defective Lap Band device. Our Arkansas Allergan Lap Band attorneys are building cases based on:

Defective Design

The Allergan Lap Band may contain fundamental design flaws that make serious complications almost inevitable for many patients, potentially creating an unreasonably dangerous medical device.

Inadequate Warnings

Allergan may have failed to properly disclose known risks to patients and doctors, preventing informed consent and exposing unsuspecting patients to severe health complications.

Misleading Marketing

Allergan may have promoted their device while downplaying known risks and exaggerating benefits, prioritizing profit over patient safety in their communications.

Manufacturing Flaws

Evidence suggests potential quality control issues during manufacturing may have increased complication rates, with some devices produced with substandard materials or inconsistent specifications.

Our experienced Arkansas Allergan Lap Band lawyers understand both the medical complexities and legal strategies needed in these cases. We’re dedicated to holding Allergan accountable and helping victims secure the compensation they deserve.

Do You Qualify for Compensation?

If you or a loved one has experienced complications from an Allergan Lap Band, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Rainwater, Holt & Sexton is currently evaluating Arkansas cases that meet these criteria:

  • You received an Allergan Lap Band as a weight loss treatment
  • You experienced complications such as band erosion, slippage, infection, port problems, or obstruction
  • You required additional medical treatment, including potential revision surgery or band removal
  • Your complications resulted in ongoing health issues, additional expenses, or lost income

There are time limits for filing Allergan Lap Band claims in Arkansas, so it’s crucial to have your case evaluated promptly. Potential compensation in these cases may include:

  • Payment for medical expenses, including removal surgery and follow-up care
  • Reimbursement for lost wages and diminished earning capacity
  • Compensation for physical pain and emotional suffering
  • Potential punitive damages against Allergan for misconduct

Our Arkansas Allergan Lap Band attorneys will thoroughly assess your case through a detailed review of your medical records and treatment history to determine if you have a valid claim against Allergan.

Steps Toward Recovery

If you’ve suffered from Allergan Lap Band complications, taking these important steps can protect both your health and legal rights:

Seek Treatment

Get immediate medical attention for any Lap Band complications. Proper treatment is crucial for your health and provides essential documentation for your legal claim.

Maintain Records

Keep detailed records of all medical visits, treatments, expenses, and how complications have affected your daily life. This documentation strengthens your case.

Assess Damages

Consider the full scope of your losses, including medical bills, lost income, pain, emotional distress, and future needs. Our attorneys will identify all potential compensation.

Act Promptly

Arkansas has strict deadlines for filing medical device claims. Contacting our Allergan Lap Band lawyers promptly ensures your rights are protected before time expires.

Get Help Today

Rainwater, Holt & Sexton’s experienced Arkansas Allergan Lap Band attorneys are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Our team works on a contingency basis. You pay nothing unless we win your case.

Take our quick eligibility check today to determine if you qualify for an Allergan Lap Band lawsuit.

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