Gadolinium Lawsuits
Lawsuits have recently been filed in Ohio and Florida on behalf of people who underwent magnetic resonance imaging and contracted the incurable disease known as nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. Scientists have associated NSF with gadolinium—a metallic dye used as a contrast agent for MRIs. Any person who has been diagnosed with NSF has good reason to contact a gadolinium attorney to learn more about filing a legal claim to recover losses.
Five brands of gadolinium, and all are dangerous
Gadolinium lawsuits will continue to be filed against the companies that produce the five brands of gadolinium-based MRI dyes: Omniscan (GE Healthcare), OptiMARK (Tyco), Magnevist (Bayer Schering), ProHance and MultiHance (both made by Bracco Diagnostics). Gadolinium attorneys are claiming that this toxic element is unreasonably dangerous to patients, especially those with kidney disease because the kidneys are responsible for flushing fluids from the body. And when gadolinium stays in a person’s body, it dramatically raises the likelihood of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis.
The people who are most at risk of developing nephrogenic systemic fibrosis after undergoing a gadolinium-based MRI are those with advanced kidney problems, but patients with liver malfunction are also at higher risk. In December 2006, the Food and Drug Administration confirmed that patients with even moderate renal insufficiency are at risk for NSF after receiving a gadolinium-based MRI.
No gadolinium recall yet
According to the FDA, this disease can develop after just one injection. NSF symptoms can manifest as soon as a few days, or it can take up to 18 months. Although the agency has not issued a gadolinium recall, it put out a public health advisory in 2006 and followed that up with a “black-box” warning. Patients who have been injured by a gadolinium-based contrast agent have the right to take legal action against the product’s maker.
By filing a gadolinium lawsuit, a person may be able to recover compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering and mental anguish. Statutes of limitations do apply, so a person is wise to consult with a gadolinium attorney sooner rather than later.
The injection of gadolinium prior to an MRI is the only identified cause of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, the first case of which was reported in 1997. Since then, more than 200 cases of this disease have been reported.
A gadolinium attorney can help
Do you need a gadolinium lawyer to review your case? If you have undergone an MRI procedure using gadolinium and subsequently developed NSF or its symptoms, contact a qualified gadolinium attorney to discuss your legal options.