Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Wrongful Death, Medical Malpractice, Bad Faith Insurance, Car Accidents, T-Bone Tractor-Trailer Accidents, Dangerous Drugs
Metal hip implants were designed to restore mobility and reduce pain, especially for aging patients or those with chronic joint damage. But for many who received the DePuy Pinnacle hip implant, the result has been far from what they expected. Instead of relief, some patients have experienced severe pain, health complications, and the need for additional surgery.
In a significant product liability case, Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiary DePuy Orthopaedics were ordered to pay $500 million to five injured patients. This case highlighted the risks of defective metal-on-metal hip implants and set the stage for thousands of similar lawsuits.
In 2016, a federal jury in Texas ruled in favor of five individuals who experienced severe complications after receiving DePuy Pinnacle metal hip implants. The implants, which were supposed to be long-lasting and durable, failed much sooner than expected and caused significant health problems.
In 2016, a Texas jury awarded $500 million to five patients harmed by DePuy Pinnacle metal hip implants, citing defective design and failure to warn.
The jury found that the implants were defectively designed and that Johnson & Johnson failed to warn doctors and patients about the risks adequately. This verdict was one of the first major wins for patients in the hip implant injury lawsuit battle.
Unlike ceramic or plastic-lined implants, metal-on-metal (MoM) devices use both a metal ball and a metal socket. This design was marketed as more durable, but it came with serious risks.
According to the FDA, metal-on-metal hip implants can release metal ions into the bloodstream, potentially leading to severe health issues like tissue damage and metallosis.
As the metal parts rub together, they can shed tiny metal particles. These fragments may enter surrounding tissue or the bloodstream, leading to inflammation, bone erosion, tissue death, and a condition called metallosis—a toxic reaction to metal debris.
Many patients didn’t know their hip implant was failing until their health began to decline. Here are some of the most common symptoms associated with defective hip implants:
Symptom/Complication | Description |
| Hip or Groin Pain | Persistent pain not improving with recovery |
| Swelling/Inflammation | Localized swelling due to tissue irritation |
| Metallosis | Toxic reaction to metal particles in the blood |
| Bone Deterioration | Loss of bone around the implant site |
| Implant Loosening | Device detaches or shifts from intended position |
| Revision Surgery Required | Follow-up surgery to remove or replace implant |
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, speak with your doctor immediately. Even if your implant was placed years ago, symptoms can appear much later.
Many injured patients have chosen to file a hip implant injury lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson. These lawsuits are based on product liability law, which allows consumers to hold companies accountable for dangerous products.
More than 8,000 DePuy Pinnacle lawsuits have been consolidated in federal court as part of multidistrict litigatio (MDL 2244).
Even if your implant was not recalled, you may still be eligible to file a claim. Lawsuits focus on the failure to warn, defective design, and the long-term harm caused by the metal-on-metal system. Many claims have led to settlements or jury awards for pain, medical costs, and future care needs.
The original verdict was part of a broader legal battle. Since then, over 8,000 lawsuits related to DePuy Pinnacle implants have been filed and consolidated in Texas federal court. These cases are ongoing, and while Johnson & Johnson stopped selling the Pinnacle system, it was never officially recalled.
Metal-on-metal implants have shown higher failure rates compared to ceramic or polyethylene-lined devices, often requiring costly and painful revision surgeries.
Each case is evaluated on its own merits. The timeline for filing may depend on when symptoms began or when you first learned the implant may be defective. Acting early can help preserve your right to seek compensation.
Cases involving defective medical devices are often complex. Medical records, product details, and timing all play a role in how these cases are handled. That’s where Graves McLain Injury Lawyers can step in.
The firm has experience representing clients in product liability cases, including those involving failed metal-on-metal hip implants. They investigate your unique situation, work with medical experts, and build a case that reflects your injuries and losses.
Graves McLain Injury Lawyers takes these cases on a contingency basis, which means you don’t pay unless there’s a recovery. This allows you to pursue your claim without taking on financial risk.
The lawsuit alleges that the Pinnacle metal-on-metal hip implant was defectively designed and caused serious harm to patients.
Possibly. The timeline to file may depend on when you first experienced symptoms or complications.
Common symptoms include hip pain, swelling, difficulty walking, and elevated metal levels in the blood.
While Johnson & Johnson stopped selling the Device, it was not officially recalled. Many lawsuits argue it should have been.
Compensation may include medical costs, pain and suffering, lost wages, and future care needs. Every case is different.
Most product liability lawyers, including Graves McLain Injury specialists, work on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no upfront fees unless a recovery is made.
The $500 million verdict against Johnson & Johnson brought national attention to the risks of DePuy Pinnacle metal hip implants. For those affected, this case is a reminder that medical device companies can be held accountable when safety fails.
If you or someone you love has experienced pain, complications, or revision surgery after receiving a hip implant, it’s essential to know your legal rights. A defective medical device claim may help you recover damages and hold the manufacturer responsible.
Graves McLain Injury Lawyers helps clients throughout Tulsa and beyond navigate these complex cases with skill, care, and determination. If you’re dealing with a failed implant, they’re ready to help you understand your options.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
