Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Vaccine Injuries
Thousands of patients across the U.S. have faced serious health problems after receiving a Stryker Rejuvenate or ABG II modular hip implant. These medical devices, once promoted as advanced solutions for hip replacement, were later recalled due to a high rate of failure and serious side effects. Many patients experienced pain, tissue damage, and the need for painful revision surgeries—all tied to a product that was supposed to improve mobility and quality of life.
The widespread impact of these defective implants led to a significant settlement in 2014 and ongoing legal action in subsequent years. If you or someone you care about had complications related to a Stryker hip implant, understanding the history of the recall and your legal options is essential. This blog breaks down the key facts, including what went wrong, who qualified for compensation, and how a Stryker hip implant lawsuit may still be an option today.
On November 3, 2014, Stryker announced a settlement aimed at resolving thousands of lawsuits. These claims were brought by patients who suffered complications after receiving the Rejuvenate or ABG II hip implants. The devices were recalled in 2012 after mounting reports of pain, metal corrosion, and implant failure.
The Stryker Rejuvenate and ABG II implants were recalled in 2012 due to a high rate of failure linked to metal corrosion and adverse tissue reactions. — U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
While the recall was a critical step, the damage had already been done for many. The settlement that followed was intended to provide compensation for those harmed and to help patients move forward.
Stryker estimated the value of the November 2014 settlement at $1.43 billion. It included base payments of $300,000 to each patient who had undergone revision surgery to correct a failed Rejuvenate or ABG II implant prior to November 3, 2014.
The $1.43 billion settlement offered base compensation of $300,000 per revision surgery, with no cap on Stryker’s total liability.
But this base amount wasn’t the final word. Some patients were eligible for larger payouts based on the severity of their injuries or the need for additional surgeries.
Category | Compensation Details |
| Base Amount per Revision Surgery | $300,000 |
| Additional for Bilateral Implants | Up to +$300,000 |
| Infections or Extended Hospitalization | Variable, case-specific |
| Re-revision Surgeries | Additional compensation depending on need |
| Pain, Suffering, and Lost Income | Evaluated individually |
| Total Settlement Estimate | $1.43 billion+ (no liability cap) |
A significant issue in the Stryker lawsuits was the alleged misrepresentation of the product’s safety. While Stryker’s marketing promoted the implants as having an almost unheard-of 1% failure rate, legal investigations suggested otherwise.
Although Stryker claimed a 1% failure rate in marketing, legal investigations revealed the actual failure rate may have been as high as 95% in some patient groups.
This gap between the advertised and actual performance created serious consequences for patients. The failure of these implants led to severe pain, metal poisoning (metallosis), infections, and multiple surgeries. Attorneys argued that Stryker failed to disclose known risks and continued to promote a dangerous product.
The fallout from these implants wasn’t limited to early failure. Many patients also experienced long-term harm, including:
The damage from Stryker’s defective implants went beyond mechanical failure. Many patients faced permanent injury and long-term medical complications that impacted their quality of life.
Some patients required not just one, but two or more revision surgeries. Others suffered infections and complications that required prolonged hospital stays or rehabilitation.
Patients who experienced harm may have had valid legal claims under Oklahoma product liability law. Grounds for filing included:
Under Oklahoma law, product liability claims must be filed within two years of the date the harm was discovered or should have been discovered. — Oklahoma Statutes §12-95
While the original settlement covered surgeries performed before November 3, 2014, patients who experienced complications afterward may still be eligible to file, depending on when they became aware of the implant failure.
The original deadline for eligible patients to file a claim under the 2014 settlement was March 2, 2015. Payments began rolling out in the summer of that year.
But not all patients were aware their implants had failed or were defective. Some only discovered the issue after undergoing additional procedures or learning about the recall much later. That’s why legal teams continue to review new cases.
Stryker’s liability in this settlement agreement is not capped, leading some within the industry to speculate that the final amount paid to plaintiffs may far surpass the original $1.43 billion estimate.
These implants were recalled due to corrosion, which released metal particles into the body. This caused pain, swelling, tissue damage, and early failure, often requiring patients to undergo complex and painful revision surgeries.
Revision surgery is a follow-up procedure to replace a failed implant. Many Stryker implants broke down early, causing harm that required doctors to remove the original device and install a safer replacement.
Patients who had a revision surgery due to a failed Rejuvenate or ABG II implant before November 3, 2014, were eligible. Some exceptions may apply depending on the timing of diagnosis and treatment.
The base payment was $300,000 per revision surgery. Additional compensation was available for individuals with more severe injuries, multiple surgeries, or complications such as infections or prolonged hospital stays.
Possibly. In Oklahoma, claims must generally be filed within two years of the date of discovery of the injury. If you learned of the issue later, legal options may still be available.
Most lawsuits focused on design defects, failure to warn patients and doctors, and misleading marketing about the implant’s safety and failure rate. These claims fall under the realm of product liability law.
Stryker’s Rejuvenate and ABG II hip implants have left a lasting impact on thousands of patients across the U.S. Despite the billion-dollar settlement, many are still dealing with complications years later. If your implant failed after the original settlement or you were unaware of the recall until recently, you may still have options under Oklahoma law.
Graves McLain Injury Lawyers represents patients in Tulsa and statewide who have suffered due to defective medical devices. Suppose you’re dealing with ongoing pain, multiple surgeries, or complications related to a Stryker hip implant. In that case, our team can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the following steps toward recovery.
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.
