An Indiana metal hip replacement lawsuit may be an option for patients who have experienced complications associated with metal-on-metal hip implants. Once considered to be sturdier and longer-lasting than traditional solutions, metal-on-metal hip replacements have recently come under fire for their high failure rate. When a joint replacement system fails, patients experience side effects such as mobility issues and severe pain, and they may even need to undergo corrective surgery. Individuals and their families who have been affected by metal-on-metal hip implants may be able to file a lawsuit and seek damages with the help of an Indiana metal hip replacement lawsuit attorney.
If you or someone you love has had a metal-on-metal hip implant and experienced complications, contact Attorney Group for Indiana. We can help answer your questions and explain your options to you. If you choose to pursue a case, we can connect you with an affiliate hip replacement lawsuit attorney in Indiana or another state who can help you throughout the legal process.
Common Causes of Hip Pain
According to WebMD, joint pain is frequently caused by osteoarthritis. Unlike other forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis is sometimes difficult to manage with over-the-counter pain relievers. The condition can also cause frequent and oftentimes severe pain that leads to a variety of mobility issues for sufferers.
The hip bone can also be damaged by traumatic events, such as slip-and-falls. The hip joint is the largest joint in the human body, and its hardy nature allows it to withstand large amounts of stress and strain. However, the hip joint (ball-and-socket joint), like other parts of the body, can also fall victim to wear and tear. Like osteoarthritis and trauma, wear and tear can also reduce range of motion and cartilage levels, causing a noticeable increase in pain. When this occurs, it may be time for a sufferer to consider hip replacement surgery.
Metal-on-Metal Replacement Systems
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there are two distinct types of metal-on-metal hip replacement systems; resurfacing and traditional total replacement. After damaged cartilage and bone is removed from the body of a surgical patient, resurfacing systems fill the space with a metal-covered, trimmed femoral head. Traditional total hip replacement systems utilize a metal femoral stem, ball and cup. In order to reduce friction and pain, within the hip bone, doctors place a metal cup, and the taper of the stem is attached to the ball. Both types of systems are composed solely of metal components.
Metal replacement systems are renowned for their ability to offer the following benefits to patients:
- Their extreme durability makes them less susceptible to breaks and fractures.
- Joint dislocation is less likely.
- The metal materials are less likely to deteriorate and cause friction.
As mentioned above, metal systems were once considered to be favorable alternatives to other systems, but they have recently been discovered to have a variety of drawbacks.
Implant Side Effects and Failure Rates
According to the Arthritis Foundation, metal-on-metal implants have the highest rate of failure when compared to other hip replacement systems. Common causes of failure include:
- Dislocation
- Loosening
- Bone erosion
- Infection and inflammation resulting from toxic metal debris making its way into the body.
A British study examined the failure rates of ceramic, metal, and plastic hip replacement systems. It noted that patients who had received implants with larger heads, and younger, female patients, had the highest failure rates. The results of the study also indicated that 1.7 percent of plastic systems, 6.2 percent of metal implant systems, and 3.2 percent of ceramic implant systems failed within five years. Corrective surgery, which usually involves inserting a new implant, is usually needed after the original metal-on-metal implant fails. As time progresses, bone erosion can make correcting the problems associated with metal-on-metal implants more difficult to correct with surgery.
Metal Hip Replacement Lawsuit Claims
In Northern California, a woman claiming that she had received a defective metal hip implant decided to sue the makers of her implant system. Her claim asserted that the maker of her implant, Wright Medical Technology, failed to provide an adequate safety warning. In April of 2016, she was awarded $1.1 million by a Santa Clara court.
How an Indiana 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 File a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Indiana. 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.
