There are many positive things about getting older, but the deterioration of your joints is not one of them. Many people suffer from pain in their hips and knees as time goes on, and eventually, it may lead to the need for a joint replacement. We are lucky to live in an age when modern medicine has given us the ability to regain the mobility lost in the aging process and reduce the suffering that so many people face in their later years. Sadly, such invasive procedures come with risks, and one of them is the negligence of the product’s manufacturer. When a company fails to safely design or produce a product, it can lead to disastrous and sometimes fatal results. The replacement of a joint with a defective hip can ultimately have the opposite effect than it was intended to have, reducing mobility and causing chronic pain.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a defective hip implant, then you may be entitled to compensation. At The Law Place, our team of personal injury lawyers has over 75 years of combined experience. Our free consultation service will give you the chance to talk to us personally, with no strings attached.
Our lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. So if you have suffered after receiving hip replacement surgery, call us today at (941) 444-4444.
Procedure Overview
Replacing a damaged or deteriorated hip joint with an artificial one is a common medical procedure in the United States. A hip replacement can be given to adults of any age and for a variety of reasons. However, most metal hip replacements are given to those aged between 60-80 years old. The goal of a hip replacement is to allow the patient a bigger range of mobility, as well as a reduction in pain. Today, hip implants are designed to be functional for at least 15 years before they need replacing.
Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of hip replacements today, but there are a variety of conditions that affect the hip joint. Hip fractures, rheumatoid arthritis, and septic arthritis are all disorders that may lead to hip implants.
Because hip replacement surgery is so invasive, it is only given in situations where every other treatment has been ineffective. Steroid injections and physiotherapy can also be used to treat hip pain and will usually be tried first. Furthermore, patients must meet physical requirements to ensure that they are healthy enough for both surgery and the intensive recovery period afterward.
A patient will be given either a general anesthetic or a spinal anesthetic before receiving their metal hip replacement. The procedure will then be done through an incision into the hip, allowing the surgeon to remove the damaged joint and insert an implant or metal hip joint in its place.
What Defective Hip Implant Effects Give Me Sufficient Grounds for a Case in North Port FL.
Here is a list of some of the common side effects that a faulty implant can have on your body:
- A reduction in mobility.
- Inflammation of the hip joint.
- Infections. These can lead to more serious consequences like further surgery or hospitalization.
- Metallosis
- Damage to the bone.
- Serious or chronic pain.
Your case will be built on the negative effects your implant has had on your life. The faulty product is grounds enough to file a lawsuit in the United States. Your personal injury claim will be based on the losses you have suffered as a result of your metal-on-metal hip implant. This type of case differs from a normal medical malpractice or product liability case.
Contact one of our injury lawyers today if you have any doubts regarding your case’s eligibility. The Law Place is ready to answer any questions you have. Your chances of success are based on your representation, so make sure you have a hip replacement lawyer who can get you the compensation you deserve.
What Is Metallosis?
Metallosis is a blood poisoning condition that develops when toxic metal particles are released into the bloodstream and soft tissue. Defective hip replacements cause this condition when two parts of the implant rub against each other, causing metal particles to enter into the body, usually around the implant itself.
The effects can be severe, with metal poisoning getting worse over time and causing a serious risk to the person’s health. Furthermore, the particles can cause lasting damage to bone, muscles, and the tissue that surrounds the implant, leading to intense pain.
Defects by Design and Manufacturing
We know that deciding to have a major surgery like a hip replacement is a decision you make out of necessity, not a choice. Therefore, it is understandable that you are too busy physically and mentally preparing yourself to think about the possibility of the product being defective. Sadly, we cannot trust that every manufacturer will provide us with a safe and trustworthy product. Here are some companies whose products are known to have been ineffectually designed or produced.
Smith & Nephew
Smith & Nephew proudly released an R3 Acetabular Hip System that was advertised as an innovative hip implant for broken bones, sports injuries, and severe joint injuries. Despite their promises, these hip devices led to many patients suffering from bone fractures, infections, and dislocations, so they were ultimately recalled in 2012.
Biomet
This company manufactures a range of metal-on-metal implants that can be used to replace hips, shoulders, and knees. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received hundreds of complaints stating that Biomet’s M2a Hip Implant products caused many health complications, including Metallosis.
DePuy ASR and Pinnacle
The reason companies use metal-on-metal designs is to reduce the risk of wear and tear. DePuy Orthopaedics, a subdivision of Johnson & Johnson, has produced a number of joint replacement devices that have since caused health problems, including infections, pain, immobility, and Metallosis. The ASR XL Acetabular System was recalled due to roughly 40% of all recipients needing another hip replacement surgery after experiencing serious side effects.
Stryker Rejuvenate and ABG II Modular-Neck Hip Stems
In 2012, two implant products produced by Stryker were recalled after causing a great amount of harm. Unfortunately, the controversy regarding their products seems not to have greatly affected the company. Nonetheless, their seemingly innovative Rejuvenate and ABG II Modular-Neck Stems received many complaints after they quickly deteriorated following implantation. The design was complex, involving many individual parts, which made the implant more anatomically accurate. Unfortunately, corrosion led to the loosening of the components, as well as the release of metal particles that cause Metallosis.
Zimmer Hip Replacements
Zimmer uses Kinectiv Modular-Neck Technology and produces another product reported to have caused serious health issues. Using forged metal to increase durability, the technology had the potential to be successful. However, in failing to properly construct their Zimmer Durom Cup or design a competent fixation surface, the company’s failures led to many people facing second hip replacements and severe pain.
Wright Medical Hip Replacements
The Wright Medical company has been active since 1950 and has designed, made, and sold many models of implants over the last 70 years. Conserve Plus and the PROFRMUR Z system are two of these products that have seen high rates of deficiency. More than 200 reports were received by the FDA citing serious pain, metal poisoning, and device defects after these products were released on the market.
What Kind of Compensation Am I Entitled To?
If you have been a victim of a defective hip replacement, then there are a variety of losses for which you can seek compensation, including:
- Pain and suffering.
- Medical bills.
- Lost income.
- Reduction in quality of life.
- Damage to relationships.
How Common Are Hip Replacement Surgery Cases?
Florida has seen many successful hip replacement defect claims, despite the procedure being a relatively low-risk one. Zimmer, Biomet, and DePuy have all been at the center of some well-known hip replacement cases recently. You are entitled to compensation if you have experienced any side-effects due to a defective hip replacement device. Getting a reputable hip replacement attorney to represent you will give you the best chance of success against these large corporations.
Time Limits
In Florida, there is a statute of limitations, as stipulated in Florida Statute 95.11, that allows a person up to four years to file a personal injury case after first receiving medical treatment for the defect. However, we recommend that you file your claim as soon as possible to give your hip replacement attorney a better chance of collecting evidence and building a strong case.
Why You Should Pursue a Product Liability Lawsuit
If your life has been affected by a defective hip replacement device, then it is vital that you file a lawsuit in response. Companies do not always stop manufacturing a defective product, despite receiving evidence of its dangers. By filing a lawsuit against these corporations, you are sending the message that they cannot deny facts and endanger the wellbeing of their clients simply to make a profit. Contact a lawyer today. Do not let your suffering does not go unheard.
Contact Our Team at The Law Place Today
If you or a loved one has suffered as a result of a defective hip replacement device, then you need the help of a trusted hip replacement lawyer. Your lawsuit can help you pay for hefty medical bills and ease the pain you have endured.
Our law firm in North Port, FL., has the experience you need to make these large companies take responsibility for their actions. We will use the knowledge we have gained through working on cases like yours to ensure that your voice is heard.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation where you will have the opportunity to receive confidential advice, no strings attached. One of our hip replacement lawyers will give you a case evaluation to help you decide on the best steps to take next.
Our lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so call us now at (941) 444-4444.
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