Georgia Smith and Nephew R-3 Recall Attorneys
Georgia Smith and Nephew R-3 recall attorneys are currently on-call for patients who have been implanted with malfunctioning R-3 hip prosthetic devices. The Smith and Nephew R-3 hip replacement device is a modulating hip replacement device whose design allows for adjustments to individual anatomy, a feature that was its main selling point. The device includes a femoral head, a stem, an acetbular shell (used to replace the hip socket), and a metal liner. The metal liner was built to assist the patient’s movement to allow for greater range of motion while minimizing some of the more serious side effects associated with other metal-on-metal hip replacement devices. The Smith and Nephew R-3 materials’ were meant to allow the bone to continue growing, while strengthening and supporting existing bone.
However, like many metal-on-metal hip replacement devices (twenty-one of which have been recalled by the FDA thus far), the Smith and Nephew R-3 Hip Replacement Device has proven to present a health risk to patients that is disproportionate to the amount of good it claimed to do. The company itself initiated a recall of its devices a mere five years after its release. However, by that time the device had been implanted in nearly 8,000 patients, a significant percentage of whom have since required hip revision surgery. Each and every one of these patients should consider seeking the legal counsel of Georgia Smith and Nephew R-3 recall attorneys.
Like Wright Conserve, Smith and Nephew Orthopedics had experienced legal difficulties for unethical business practices in 2007—the year their products were released onto the market. The company was found guilty of providing financial incentives for doctors to use the Smith and Nephew R-3 Hip Replacement Device and paid close to $30 million in fines for this infraction at the hands of lawyers like Georgia Smith and Nephew R-3 recall attorneys. In addition, the U.S. Department of Justice monitored the business practices of the company for over a year after the sentencing.
What are the Side Effects of the Smith and Nephew R-3 Hip Replacement?
Georgia Smith and Nephew R-3 Recall Attorneys are representing cases of individuals who have experienced grave complications due to Smith and Nephew R-3 implants. Like many metal-on-metal hip replacement devices, the Smith and Nephew R-3 Hip Replacement Device did not undergo any testing or safety trials before being placed on the market. Through an expedited 510K process, the device was deemed sufficiently comparable to existing devices, and thus was released. Thus, Georgia Smith and Nephew R-3 recall attorneys filed a lawsuit on behalf of individuals who have experienced complications and have found particular side effecs to be common:
- Swelling, rash, or dermatitis at hip
- Tissue and bone necrosis
- Malaise
- Metal toxicity
- Headaches
- Infections
- Neurological issues
- Loosening of implant
- Impaired mobility
Had Smith and Nephew’s R-3 system been subject to thorough safety and clinical trials, individuals who received the implants might not have been subject to such complications. However, since this did not take place, the list of complications may exceed what is included above. It should be noted that the FDA has since declared that metal-on-metal hip replacement devices, of which Smith and Nephew R-3 is one, have demonstrated unreasonable risk and heighten the probability that the patient will need hip revision surgery. Hip revision surgery is a depleting and costly process for many patients, especially elderly, obese, or otherwise immobile patients. It should also be noted that many of the complications can lead to fatalities. Many individuals seeking compensation for complications experience multiple side-effects and, sometimes, to a serious, life-threatening degree. Anyone who has been injured or subject to complications should seek legal counsel immediately through Georgia Smith and Nephew R-3 recall attorneys.
What Attorney Group for Georgia Can Do
If you or someone you know has experienced complications after a Smith and Nephew R-3 Hip Replacement device, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical expenses, loss of income, pain, suffering, and more. Georgia Smith and Nephew R-3 Recall Attorneys are working assiduously to achieve justice for all victims of Smith and Nephew R-3 Hip Replacement devices. Georgia Smith and Nephew R-3 recall attorneys affiliated with our group have experience litigating personal injury cases and the legal expertise to navigate extremely complex legal issues. We understand that each case is unique and bring compassion and individual attention to each of our clients. If you believe that you may be eligible to receive compensation, please contact us today to set up a free, confidential, and thorough consultation with one of our attorneys. Statutes of limitations, which determine how much time an individual has to seek legal redress and compensation for a personal injury, may apply to particular states so please contact Attorney Group for Georgia as soon as you are able.