The FDA recently recalled Allergan’s BIOCELL textured breast implants after finding that these implants were linked to causing a specific breast cancer known as Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). People with Allergan’s BIOCELL textured implants are six times more likely to develop this type of breast cancer than people with textured implants from other manufacturers.
The FDA implemented a Class I recall of these breast implants. This recall is the most serious class of FDA recall usually reserved for defective products which may cause serious injuries or death. However, this recall only covers the cost of replacement implants- not the cost of damages such as pain and suffering, additional medical expenses, or lost wages.
This is why a Mass Tort Lawsuit is pending that was filed on behalf of those who suffered damages and are looking for compensation from Allergan.
What the Allergan Breast Implant Cancer Lawsuit Alleges
The lawsuit alleges, among other things, that Allergan knew that its implants increased the risk of BIA-ALCL cancer since at least 2011. Allergen buried evidence of ruptures and other injuries and failed to “disclose the connection between the BIOCELL textured implants and BIA-ALCL to the FDA or the public.”
Additionally, the lawsuit claims that Allergan should have more closely monitored the safety of the product and disclosed evidence of adverse events. Specifically, the lawsuit alleges that “Allergan did not accurately report adverse events each time an injury or malfunction occurred concerning the BIOCELL textured implants,” the complaint reads.
Before the FDA was forced to issue a recall, there was already enough evidence for Allergan’s BIOCELL breast implant sales to be suspended in many countries across the world.
In December 2018, sales of textured Allergan breast implants were suspended in all 33 countries in Europe as well as Israel, Brazil, and Australia. Canada suspended Allergan’s license for its BIOCELL breast implants in May 2019 after an internal safety review concluded that these implants were linked to an increased risk of cancer.
Filing a Lawsuit with Douglas & London
Allergan was recently directed by the FDA to recall certain BIOCELL breast implants due to concerns that they cause cancer, but the recall only covers the cost of replacement implants but does not cover the cost of other damages such as pain and suffering, additional medical expenses, or lost wages.
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with Large Cell Lymphoma, Breast Cancer, or BIA-ALCL after having Allergan BIOCELL Breast Implants, you may be eligible to compensation. Chat with a live representative, submit an inquiry through the form below, or call us (212) 566-7500 today for a free consultation.