ReShape® and Orbera® stomach balloons for weight-loss have been linked to dozens of injuries and at least 5 deaths. The most severe side effects include pancreatitis, spontaneous balloon over-inflation, and esophageal or stomach perforations.
Need a Texas Stomach Balloon Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one was injured by an intragastric balloon for weight-loss, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
What is a Stomach Balloon?
Stomach balloons (or “intragastric balloon systems”) are medical devices that help obese people lose weight. The balloon is swallowed or inserted non-surgically down the patient’s throat into the stomach, where it is filled with fluid. This provides a feeling of fullness.
There are 3 stomach balloons approved in the United States:
- Orbera® Intragastric Balloon System (Apollo Endo-Surgery)
- ReShape® Integrated Dual Balloon System (Reshape Medical)
- Obalon® Balloon System (Obalon Therapeutics, Inc.)
5 Deaths Linked to Stomach Balloons in 1 Year
In August 2017, the FDA warned about 5 deaths since 2016 in patients who received an Obalon or ReShape stomach balloon. All of the patients died within 1 month of placement, and 3 victims died within 1-3 days of placement. The FDA is investigating 2 additional deaths from stomach or esophageal perforations. Click here to read more.
Stomach Balloons and Pancreatitis
In February 2017, the FDA warned that “several dozen” people were injured when their stomach balloon spontaneously over-filled with fluid or air. In some cases, spontaneous hyperinflation occurred as soon as 9 days after placement. Symptoms may include severe abdominal pain, swelling, difficulty breathing, and vomiting.
Stomach Balloons and Spontaneous Over-Inflation
The FDA also warned that fluid-filled stomach balloons can compress internal organs and cause pancreatitis (sudden pancreas inflammation). At least 4 patients were hospitalized for this life-threatening side effect. Pancreatitis was not on the label until February 2017, so patients and doctors might not be aware of the risk.
What is the problem?
The Clark Firm, LLP is nationally recognized as a class action law firm in Texas, but we are not filing a stomach balloon class action lawsuit. Instead, we are filing individual lawsuits for people who were injured by severe side effects of intragastric stomach balloons for weight-loss.
About Class Actions
Class actions make sense when a lot of people have a relatively minor legal claim, such as seeking a refund. Everyone in a class action shares any payout awarded by a legal settlement or a jury verdict.
Why Our Law Firm is Filing Individual Lawsuits as Opposed to a Class Action
Class actions can have disadvantages for individuals who have far more serious injuries than the average plaintiff. Members of a class action will have to share the payout with less-seriously injured people. They may have to accept a low settlement or higher attorney’s fees.
Our lawyers are filing individual lawsuits so we can focus on maximizing compensation for people who were severely injured by Orbera, ReShape, and other stomach balloon systems for weight-loss. If you were injured, you could be entitled to financial compensation.
Need a Stomach Balloon Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our Texas stomach balloon lawyers for a free lawsuit review.