Gadolinium Lawsuits – Ron Bell Injury Lawyers

Lawsuits across the country have been pouring into district courts over complications related to gadolinium-based contrast dyes which are routinely used prior to MRI’s and MRA’s. If you think you may have been exposed to gadolinium and are experiencing symptoms related to gadolinium deposition disease (described below) please contact us as soon as possible to see if we can help you recover compensation for your injuries.

Was I Exposed to Gadolinium?

Gadolinium is a heavy metal used in contrast dyes and it is estimated that between one third and one half of all MRI’s performed, use a gadolinium-based contrast agent. Contrast dyes enhance the images that an MRI produces making them more useful, but recent studies are showing that this element does not simply flush out of the body as previously hoped and can be retained in the kidneys leading to devastating results.

If you were given a contrast dye prior to receiving an MRI, chances are that you were exposed to this toxic heavy metal and may be experiencing some of its negative effects.

Symptoms of Gadolinium Deposition Disease

Gadolinium Deposition Disease (GDD) is the name given to the symptoms that arise shortly after being given a gadolinium-based contrast dye. Symptoms can arise a few hours after or up to a few months after exposure. Symptoms of GDD include:

• Persistent headache;
• Brain fog;
• Skin that appears spongy or rubbery;
• Tightness in hands and feet;
• Painful and tight muscles and tendons;
• Muscle twitching;
• Pins and needles sensation

Other Complications

Gadolinium poisoning can also result in an even more serious condition called Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) which involves severe damage to the kidneys. Symptoms include:

• Internal scarring to organs;
• Darkened and/or reddened skin;  
• Muscle weakness;
• Chronic pain in bones and joints;
• Stiffness in extremities; and
• Hardened skin.

In some cases, NSF can be fatal, as the victim’s damaged kidneys are unable to rid the body of the gadolinium deposits.

Since the discovery of the potential link between these medical conditions and gadolinium, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a safety warning that GBCAs cause the retention of the metal in the body. GBCAs are also required to carry a warning stating that the element is retained in the body following its injection.

Gadolinium Lawsuits

In March of 2013, a jury in Ohio awarded $5 million to a patient who had experienced adverse effects after being administered Omniscan, a gadolinium-based contrast agent manufactured by GE Healthcare.

Dangerous symptoms related to gadolinium retention in the body may occur in healthy patients without any preexisting conditions. More and more people are filing gadolinium lawsuits after discovering that they’ve developed symptoms prior to exposure.

Recently, there have been attempts to consolidate a number of individual lawsuits into a multi-district litigation but last month, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation decided against the consolidation. Lawsuits will now proceed to be reviewed on a case by case basis in the district courts in which they are filed.

Do I Have a Case?

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above and have recently been given a contrast agent prior to receiving an MRI, you may have been exposed to this dangerous metal and may have the basis for a claim that would make you eligible to receive compensation.

Call us today to discuss whether you may have a gadolinium case – (505) 898-BELL!