A Massachusetts metal hip replacement lawsuit is an option for patients injured by hip replacement complications. Metal hip implants are thought to provide patients a more durable option when it comes to hip replacement surgery. However, metal implants have been linked to a number of side effects, including loosened or dislodged implants, fractures and changes in leg length. Patients are also at risk of experiencing serious complications resulting from metal particles making their way into the bloodstream, a form of blood poisoning called “metallosis.” A Massachusetts metal hip replacement lawsuit may be an option for patients who have suffered complications as a result of a metal on metal hip replacement procedure.
If you or someone you love has had a metal-on-metal hip implant and experienced complications, contact Attorney Group for Massachusetts. 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 Massachusetts metal hip replacement lawsuit attorney who can help you throughout the legal process.
What Causes Hip Pain?
According to WebMD, hip pain can result from a wide range of causes, including arthritis, fracture and the general wear and tear of the joint associated with aging. The muscles that support the joint can become damaged due to overuse, and the cartilage that acts as a cushion surrounding the ball and socket can eventually break down.
In some cases, hip pain can become so severe that it may begin to impact a person’s range of motion. Walking, bending over or going up or down stairs can become too much to handle, which can significantly impact the quality of life. In such cases, a doctor may recommend a hip replacement.
How Do Hip Replacements Help?
While over the counter pain medication or anti-inflammatory drugs can sometimes help to reduce hip pain, there are cases in which a hip replacement is the best option. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, a total hip replacement removes the damaged or diseased tissues from the body, replacing them with an artificial joint that works just like the original. This can help reduce or even eliminate hip pain by providing a patient with a sturdy prosthetic that is designed to restore mobility and withstand daily use.
Concerns Over Metal-on-Metal Implants
There are several materials that hip implants are manufactured from, and most implants are included in one of the following categories:
- Ceramic on plastic
- Metal on plastic
- Ceramic on ceramic
- Metal on metal
An implant is made up of several components, including the ball, stem and cup, all of which can be made of different materials or may all be made of one single material.
Some concerns have been raised over the safety of metal-on-metal implants. According to a 2012 study published in the British Medical Journal, the constant friction of all-metal hip replacements could cause toxins to be released into a patient’s bloodstream, resulting in genotoxicity. The researchers worry that because little is known about what could happen when high levels of metal ions are present in the body patients are being placed at risk for potential medical issues in the future, such as cancer.
FDA Warnings
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released warning information surrounding all-metal hip replacements, noting that some patients may experience severe reactions from the metallic debris released from the implants. The FDA states that patients could end up with inflammation of the joint, pain and damage to the surrounding tissues that could cause the implant to fail and need to be replaced again.
Metal Hip Replacement Lawsuits Filed
In 2015, a woman was awarded $11 million after filing a lawsuit against a major manufacturer of metal hip prosthetics. She claimed that she was told an all-metal implant was the more durable option and underwent surgery in 2006. Just a few years later, she began to experience severe pain that was at first mistaken by medical professionals to be a loose component but was later found to be damaged soft tissues surrounding the joint resulting from metal debris from the components rubbing together.
The Attorney Group for Massachusetts can connect you with an experienced metal hip replacement lawyer who can help you throughout the legal process.
How a Massachusetts 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 metal hip replacements 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 Massachusetts. 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.
