An Encore hip implant lawsuit have been filed alleging serious injuries, including the poisoning of the bloodstream from the metal on metal articulation between the cup and the ball of the implant. Encore hip implant attorneys note that this complication, known as metallosis, can lead to a variety of life-threatening issues in the implant patient.
If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with an Encore hip implant or any metal on metal hip replacement, contact Attorney Group for more information. We offer free, no obligation consultations. We can answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a claim we connect you with an affiliated hip replacement lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
FDA Adverse Event Reports
The Encore hip implant, now owned by DJO Orthopedics of California, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2003, under the 510(k) approval process. This process allows new devices, like the Encore hip implant, to enter the market without requiring up-to-date safety studies, as long as the new devices are substantially equivalent to a pre-existing product.
Since then, the FDA has received numerous adverse event reports describing metallosis and other injuries associated with the Encore hip replacement, including one patient who needed revision surgery just two years after being implanted with the device.
Encore Hip Replacement Safety Issues
The Encore hip implant includes a plastic liner in the acetabular shell or cup. This liner is made of cobalt chromium. Over time, tiny particles of cobalt and chromium can accumulate around the hip joint because of the constant grinding between the metals. These particles can enter the bloodstream and cause metal poisoning or metallosis. This is just one risk associated with an Encore hip implant.
Encore hip implants have many safety risks that may include:
- Loosening or dislocation of the hip
- Inflammation and swelling
- Chronic pain
- Revision surgery
- Infection
- Metal poisoning (metallosis)
- Limited mobility
FDA Safety Warning
In addition to these serious side effects, the FDA has issued a safety warning for systemic reactions in other areas of the body due to toxic metals in the bloodstream, including:
- General hypersensitivity reaction (skin rash)
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Heart problems
- Psychological changes including depression
- Neurological changes including sensory changes
- Renal function impairment
If the conduct of a device maker in manufacturing and selling a hip replacement is found to be highly reckless, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the company and deter similar conduct in the future.
Injured Patients May be Eligible for Compensation
Device makers have a duty to design and produce safe products, and to warn of possible risks associated with their products. Failure to fulfill that duty can result in injuries to patients, and the device maker being held liable for those injuries.
Patients who are injured by metal-on-metal hip replacements may be entitled to compensation for damages resulting from injuries. Compensation can be based on factors including:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish from an injury
- Loss of income or ability to work due to loss of mobility
If a loved one dies after complications from a metal-on-metal hip implant, family members may be able to pursue claims for wrongful death damages, including:
- Conscious pain and suffering of a loved one prior to death
- Loss of financial support
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish resulting from the loss of a loved one
Affected patients and their families are encouraged to seek the advice of a hip replacement attorney to discuss their legal rights and options for compensation.
If you have been injured by a metal-on-metal hip replacement, contact Attorney Group. When you contact us, an attorney will follow up with you to speak with you about your case or 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 for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
