Morcellator Lawsuit Funding May Help Cancer Victims

Whitney Taylor | November 10th, 2014

female patient with doctor Power morcellators, devices used during some endoscopic hysterectomies and myomectomies, have been linked to the possible spread of a rare but deadly uterine cancer. Women who have filed lawsuits against manufacturers of these devices may discover morcellator lawsuit funding will help to pay medical bills and other expenses while their case slowly progresses through the court system.

The morcellator is an electrical device used to cut away uterine tissue during these minimally invasive procedures, resulting in less trauma to the woman’s body and a shorter recovery time. However, use of the device can also spread undetected cancer cells to other parts of the body, making the cancer more difficult to treat and greatly impacting the patient’s prognosis. The cancer may not be easy to detect in the early stages, leaving all women vulnerable to the possible spread of a cancer they did not even know they had.

Morcellator use common

It is estimated that around 50,000 women undergo surgical procedures using morcellators every year. The most common use is during a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) or a myomectomy (removal of uterine fibroids). By agreeing to use of the morcellator during the surgery, women can effectively lower their discomfort and recovery time after surgery, minimize incisions and post-surgical scarring and reduce the risk of infection after the procedure.

However, if a woman has undetected uterine sarcoma cells in her uterus, using a morcellator to cut into tissue could actually spread those cancer cells to other areas of the body. The cells are not always detectable prior to the procedure, which is why biopsies are usually performed on removed tissue after a hysterectomy or myomectomy. Unfortunately, if cancer cells were present, the biopsy will attest to the fact but will not be able to prevent the potential spread of the cancer that already occurred during the procedure.

FDA warns of morcellation cancer threat

In April 2014, the FDA issued a safety communication, warning health care providers and the general public about the risks associated with morcellator use. The agency warned that morcellators should not be used on women who are suspected of having uterine cancer. The agency also cautioned that women should be given all the risks and benefits of morcellation so they can make an educated decision about their own health.

By July, Johnson & Johnson had stopped sales of power morcellators in response to the FDA warning and after concerns over potential cancer spread. However, other manufacturers have failed to take similar action, leaving women at risk for this deadly problem. Some of those women have begun to file lawsuits against manufacturers, claiming warnings and other action came too late to protect them from potentially deadly cancer diagnoses.

Morcellation cancer settlement loans

Uterine sarcoma is a serious form of cancer with a relatively low survival rate once the cancer has metastasized. Treatment is extensive, and may include chemotherapy, radiation treatment and other types of cancer therapies. The cost of such medical treatment can become very high, particularly when you are unable to work due to your illness.

Filing a lawsuit is a good way to pursue legal compensation for your injuries and medical bills. However, litigation can take some time, particularly in the situation like this, where similar cases with common statements of fact may lead to pretrial coordination and a general lag in the early court proceedings. For women who find themselves in this situation, morcellator lawsuit funding is certainly a viable option.

Morcellation cancer settlement loans float you the cash you need while you are waiting out the legal process. This funding is not a loan in the true sense of the word, but more of a cash advance on the amount of the legal settlement or jury award you are expecting to receive.

Approval is fast and easy, and funds can be transferred into your account within 24 hours. No money is due on the cash advance until your case goes to court or is settled outside of court, leaving you with all the funding you need to pay hospital bills, take time off work and pay for any additional expenses that might arise.

To learn more about lawsuit funding, contact LawStreet Capital toll free to speak to one of our representatives.