Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers

Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Vaccine Injuries

Metal hip replacements were once considered a long-term solution for people with severe joint problems. But for many patients, these devices have led to painful complications, revision surgeries, and legal action. If you or someone you love received a metal-on-metal hip implant and experienced complications, it’s essential to understand your rights and options.

This post breaks down the key facts about defective hip implants, major recalls, legal developments, and what patients in Oklahoma should know about filing a claim.

Major Hip Implant Brands Involved in Lawsuits and Recalls

Several manufacturers have faced recalls and lawsuits related to defective hip replacement systems. These devices were marketed as durable and long-lasting but, in many cases, failed much earlier than expected.

Common brands named in lawsuits include:

  • DePuy Orthopaedics: Known for its ASR XL Acetabular System and Pinnacle device. DePuy, a division of Johnson & Johnson, recalled the ASR system in 2010 after high failure rates.
  • Stryker: Issued recalls for its Rejuvenate and ABG II modular-neck implants in 2012 and later for the LFIT V40 femoral head in 2016 due to component failures.
  • Zimmer Biomet: Lawsuits have been filed over issues with the M/L Taper Hip Prosthesis and M2a Magnum devices.
  • Smith & Nephew and Wright Medical: Both companies have faced legal claims over loosening, early failure, and metallosis from their metal-on-metal devices.

These devices often fail because of their metal-on-metal design, which can release metal particles into the body and lead to serious health risks.

Known Complications From Defective Hip Implants

Patients with defective hip implants have reported a wide range of complications. Some symptoms show up soon after surgery, while others develop slowly over time.

The most common problems include:

  • Chronic pain in the hip or groin
  • Swelling or limited range of motion
  • Loosening or dislocation of the implant
  • Implant fractures or mechanical failure
  • Metal poisoning (metallosis) from cobalt or chromium particles
  • Infections or inflammation
  • The need for revision surgery

Patients who’ve undergone revision surgery due to a defective implant often face more pain, longer recovery, and higher risk of complications than those with initial procedures.

In some cases, the tissue and bone around the implant begin to break down, requiring more complex surgery and leading to long-term disability.

Legal Grounds for Filing a Hip Implant Lawsuit

If your implant failed, you may have legal options under Oklahoma’s product liability laws. These cases typically argue that the manufacturer:

  • Released a defective design
  • I was unable to test the device properly
  • Did not warn doctors or patients about known risks

Lawsuits may seek compensation for:

  • Medical bills and revision surgeries
  • Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of mobility or quality of life
  • Long-term care costs

If you’ve undergone revision surgery or been advised to have one, that often strengthens your claim.

Timeline of Key Recalls and Lawsuits

Many primary hip implant recalls and settlements have taken place over the past decade. The timeline below highlights essential events and ongoing litigation.

The FDA has received thousands of adverse event reports related to metal-on-metal hip implants, citing device failure, tissue death, and the need for revision surgeries. – U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Hip Implant Recall and Litigation Timeline

YearManufacturerDeviceRecall/Litigation StatusNotes
2010DePuyASR XLVoluntary global recall~93,000 devices recalled
2012StrykerRejuvenate, ABG IIVoluntary recallMetal corrosion issue
2014BiometM2a MagnumLawsuits filedNot officially recalled
2016StrykerLFIT V40Urgent safety noticeModular neck failure
2020+Smith & Nephew, ZimmerVariousOngoing litigationPatient claims still active

Oklahoma Law and Filing Deadlines

In Oklahoma, product liability claims—including defective medical device cases—must generally be filed within two years of discovering the injury.

Under Oklahoma law, the statute of limitations for defective product claims is two years from the date the injury is discovered. – Oklahoma Statutes §12-95

Waiting too long to file may bar your right to compensation. If you’ve recently learned about complications or received a recall notice, don’t delay seeking legal guidance.

Many of these claims are handled through mass tort litigation, which allows individual cases to be grouped but still reviewed separately for compensation. This is different from a class action.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my hip implant is defective?

Symptoms such as pain, swelling, reduced mobility, clicking sounds, or signs of metal poisoning (e.g., fatigue, rash, confusion) may indicate a defective implant. Medical testing and imaging are essential to confirm.

What compensation is available in a hip implant lawsuit?

You may be eligible for damages, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and the cost of revision surgery or future treatment.

Do I need to have had revision surgery to file a lawsuit?

While revision surgery strengthens a claim, it’s not always required. If you’ve experienced serious complications or a physician has recommended revision, you may still qualify.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Oklahoma?

In most cases, you have two years from the date of injury or when you reasonably discovered the harm. Consulting a lawyer promptly is crucial to protect your rights.

Are these lawsuits individual or part of a class action?

Most hip implant cases are handled as part of a mass tort, meaning they are grouped but evaluated individually for compensation.

What makes Graves McLain qualified for these cases?

The firm has experience in product liability litigation, including complex medical device cases. They offer personalized attention and pursue compensation through trial or settlement, as needed.

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Conclusion: Know Your Rights and Get the Help You Need

Metal-on-metal hip implants were supposed to improve quality of life, not create long-term pain. If you’ve suffered complications, needed revision surgery, or received a recall notice, you’re not alone. Thousands of patients across the country are holding manufacturers accountable for the harm caused.

Oklahoma law gives you a limited window to act. Filing a lawsuit may help you recover medical costs and secure future care. Graves McLain Injury Lawyers has represented clients in complex product liability cases, advocating for those injured by unsafe medical devices.

They understand how serious these injuries can be—and they take your case seriously.

Please make an appointment for a free consultation with Graves McLain Injury Lawyers right now to find out how they can support your future.

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.

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  • My orthopedic doctor recommended Graves McLain Injury Lawyers, PLLC, to me following the need for revision hip surgery due to a hip from Stryker that was putting poison into my system. The doctor took care of the hip, and Graves McLain Injury Lawyers, PLLC, took care of the legal case. They were very thorough, professional, courteous, and always ready to answer the questions I had throughout the length of the case. In a word, the entire office is fantastic. I’m sure they were tired of my inquiries on the case’s progress, but they did not show it. They were always willing to respond and were very positive. If I ever have a claim in the future, they will be the first group to whom I reach out.

    Robert S.

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