An Arizona metal hip replacement lawsuit may be an option for patients who have suffered complications after having a metal-on-metal hip replacement procedure. Replacing joints within the body is meant to relieve discomfort, but some recipients of a metal-on-metal hip joint have actually discovered that the treatment increased their pain. Affected patients and their families may be able to file an Arizona metal hip replacement lawsuit and recover damages as a result of their injuries.
For more information, contact the Washington Injury Attorney Group. We offer free, confidential, no obligation consultations. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a case we can connect you with an Arizona metal hip replacement lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
Who Needs Hip Replacement Surgery?
The main cause of hip pain requiring a metal replacement is osteoarthritis. While this condition is primarily associated with elderly persons, several other factors may lead to this condition, as reported by the Mayo Clinic. Some risks cannot be avoided, such as a birth defect that alters the shape of the bone or a genetic history of osteoarthritis. Other factors have to do with lifestyle choices and include a person’s job function, weight and past injuries. Studies have also found that osteoarthritis is less common among men than women.
When a patient gets to the point of needing a hip replacement, they have often been suffering from worsening symptoms for years. Common complaints among those who may be in need of hip replacement surgery include:
- The inability to fully rotate the joint
- A sensation referred to as grating
- Tenderness around the joint
- Particular pain and stiffness following inactivity
- A sensation referred to as grating
Lumps of bone called bone spurs may also form around the joint. The increased pain and inability to fully use the joint is often what drives people to seek medical advice and consider surgery.
Other Options
While a hip replacement is sometimes necessary, there are alternative treatments that can prolong the time until a patient requires surgery. These methods can be useful for those who have risk factors that make them unable to endure surgery, such as persons who suffer from diabetes or heart issues, or have a tendency to create blood clots. WebMD states that the most common treatments include the following:
- Injections of cortisone
- Drugs to reduce inflammation
- Use of assistance devices, such as walkers
- Physical therapy sessions
These options can sometimes be used for several months or years before surgery will be required.
Metal Hip Replacement Side Effects
CBS News reports that millions of patients have been recipients of metal-on-metal hip replacements and have thus been subjected to adverse side effects. An internal memo was discovered during an investigation, which revealed that the manufacturer of the implants was aware of the possibility of metal toxicity in patients’ bloodstreams as far back as 2005. Despite this knowledge, replacements continued to be given in what one group called a, “very large, uncontrolled experiment.”
The investigation also discovered that metal-on-metal hip replacements can cause detrimental effects throughout the body, possibly even causing genetic changes. These side effects happen when bone and muscle is damaged by leaking metal ions in the areas where the implant lies. Organs and lymph nodes can also be affected and cause unforeseen complications within a patient. In fact, the internal memo found during the investigation states that within a decade following surgery, the leukemia and lymphoma risks may be three times as high. This knowledge affirmed the fear of carcinogenic material being spread by wear on the metal joint, something that was stated as being a “concern for some time” for the manufacturer.
Metal Hip Replacement Lawsuit Claims
As more metal-on-metal hip replacements begin to fail or cause additional damage, an Arizona metal hip replacement lawsuit attorney notes that affected patients have begun filing lawsuits against manufacturing companies. While millions of dollars have been awarded already, the damage to tissue and organs sustained by these patients often prevents them from living a normal life and causes daily pain for the rest of their lives.
How an Arizona Metal Hip Replacement Lawsuit Can Help
Device makers have a duty to provide safe products. If there are risks of harm associated with their products, they also must provide adequate warnings. If a device maker fails to fulfill this duty, it could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result.
People injured by the fault of others may be eligible to recover money for:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
The families of those who have died may be eligible to recover money for funeral expenses and the pain that comes with losing a loved one.
The time you have to pursue a claim is limited. Contact us for more information.Get Help Now.
For more information, contact the Attorney Group for Arizona. You can fill out the form on this page or contact us by phone or email.
After you contact us, an attorney will follow up to answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
