Metal Hip Implants
Experienced Oklahoma Metal Hip Implant Failure Attorneys
Industry-Wide Hip Failures Lead to Product Recalls
Each year, hundreds of thousands of patients undergo hip replacement surgery to improve their quality of life; however, we now know that several of the leading hip implant devices have been recalled due to product defects and the adverse side-effects that they can cause. Several of these devices erode the replacement joint while also releasing metallic ions into the patient’s bloodstream, resulting in a metal poisoning called Metallosis. Some common problems that are associated with recalled hip implants include a loosening of the implant device, joint dislocation, “squeaky” hip or severe pain.
Graves McLain represents patients throughout the United States who have required revision surgery as a result of a faulty hip implant device as well as patients of have suffered additional adverse reactions from these defective medical devices. Unfortunately, hip implant revision surgery can be a lengthy and painful process for many people that limits their ability to maintain steady income or maintain their existing quality of life. Many times, a patient’s only option to correct the problem is to replace the recalled implant with a different type, resulting in months of pain, suffering and extensive rehabilitation.
Areas of Practice
Several hip implant manufacturers have been the subject of extensive recalls and class action lawsuits due to the adverse reaction patients that received them have had. Graves McLain has qualified lawyers ready to review your hip implant recall case, compile evidence that side effects were experienced and prove the extent of the injuries or suffering that occurred as a result. Our knowledgeable attorneys know how devastating these faulty medical devices can be to both patients and their families.
DePuy™ Orthopedic Pinnacle™ Hip Replacement System allows surgeons to choose between a metal liner, ceramic liner, or polyethylene liner. The allegations made in DePuy Pinnacle hip implant lawsuits involve Pinnacle devices that utilize the metal liner. It was thought that all-metal hip implants would be more durable and longer-lasting than other implants made from alternative components. However, many people claim their metal-on-metal device failed within just a few years.
In September 2007, Smith & Nephew, PLC, along with Biomet Inc., DePuy Orthopedics, Inc., and Zimmer Holdings, Inc. entered into settlement agreements, under which they agreed to pay up to $300 million in total to adopt industry overhauls and undertake corporate monitoring to avoid criminal charges of conspiracy. In February 2012, Smith & Nephew, PLC agreed to pay $22.2 million to settle US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) offenses committed by its U.S. and German subsidiaries.
For thousands of patients throughout the United States, Stryker Corporation’s Rejuvenate and ABG II metal hip implants are failing and causing serious, and even life-threatening injuries. Patients that received either a Rejuvenate or ABG II metal hip implant have experienced extreme pain, severe side effects, and often require second revision surgery to remove the defective device. Revision surgery is a painful, expensive, and dangerous process.
Wright has experienced success with its ceramic-on-ceramic products, though the same cannot be said for its metal-on-metal product designs. On September 20, 2004, Wright Medical Group, Inc.™ voluntarily recalled its CONSERVE® hip system, as it proved to be prone to shedding metal particles into surrounding tissue and blood, leading to high levels of metal toxicity. This may lead to metal poisoning, tissue necrosis, loosening of the device and other serious problems.
The Zimmer Durom Cup is not cemented or screwed in place during implantation. Instead, it was designed to bond to the patient’s hipbone. Unfortunately, many patients are finding that their Zimmer Durom Cup implant resists bone growth. Instead of adhering to the bone, the Durom Cup comes loose and/or pops free from the hip. This unintended result can cause moderate discomfort to extreme and devastating pain.
Graves McLain Gets Results
When a hip implant recall occurs, it can be a scary situation that hinders the ability to find a partner that has your best interests in mind. Since there is so much at stake including your physical health, medical bills or lost wages and suffering, you need to ensure that you have a knowledgeable team working to protect you and thoroughly review the case to determine what is possible. Our experienced attorneys are ready to fight for your claim to get the compensation you are owed following a hip implant recall.
The defective medical device attorneys at Graves McLain have a proven track record of securing the maximum recovery for our clients. Our team will fight to ensure you get the level of compensation you are owed following a claim.
Graves McLain has helped clients recover over $8Million in settlements, verdicts, and judgments.
After a hip implant recall, you should be able to focus on getting better – not negotiating with manufacturers or ensuring your best interests are being considered over profit. Contact us today to let our defective medical device attorneys begin reviewing every detail of your accident at no cost to you so we can start fighting for your rights and fair claim.
Protect Yourself
The law in most states provides individuals with legal claims including the right to compensation for past injuries they suffered as a result of a medical device that is defective or fails to perform as advertised under certain circumstances.
These damages may include:
Choosing a lawyer is an important decision. You should seek a law firm with substantial experience in successfully prosecuting similar cases such as Medical Malpractice, Defective Medical Device cases, etc. The attorneys at Graves McLain have substantial experience in representing these often difficult, complicated cases. We additionally have the financial resources to conduct a thorough investigation to prosecute the case through trial and appeal if necessary.
What to Do After a Hip Implant Recall
Once a hip implant recall is initiated, patients will often be contacted by the manufacturer with documents that they may encourage you to sign. At Graves McLain, we recommend that you not sign any documents given to you by any hip implant manufacturer representative until you have consulted with an experienced personal injury/mass tort law firm. Once a hip implant recall occurs, there are 4 key steps you should take to determine if you are entitled to compensation.
Contact Your Primary Care Provider
While it may be hard to trust medical professionals following the pain and suffering caused by a defective hip implant or medical device, it is important to ensure you are receiving the appropriate level of care and revision surgery as needed to correct the problem.
Document Associated Injuries
Many patients will experience long-term effects following the failure of a hip implant device. From bone erosion to potential metal poisoning, documenting these problems with the appropriate health provider can establish the extent of pain and suffering.
Research Current Lawsuits
When a hip implant device is recalled, most manufacturers will voluntarily begin the settlements process for affected patients to bypass potential court proceedings that may arise. Working with an experienced attorney can help determine what is possible at the current time and the next steps to take.
Request a Legal Review
With the above information compiled, you should have a great outlook into what is possible if you were to seek legal damages. No matter how small a patient’s symptoms may seem, that does not mean a faulty hip implant manufacturer should not be held responsible. The attorneys at Graves McLain can help review your case and provide legal guidance as needed.
Although you are not required to use an attorney to resolve claims you may have against a hip implant manufacturer, our attorneys believe that your interests will be better protected by an independent law firm that is working for patients directly, not the manufacturers. When you feel ready to seek legal action, the experienced attorneys at Graves McLain are here to ensure you have the insight and experience needed to complete the process.
We Can Help
If you or a loved one has undergone revision surgery for a defective hip implant, call Graves McLain right away at 918-359-6600. When you call one of our attorneys, we will speak with you for FREE and determine the best course of action.