Some patients who have had metal-on-metal hip replacement procedures have filed lawsuits against the manufacturers of these medical devices. The plaintiffs allege that the friction of the components led to wear that shed debris into their systems, causing severe reactions including a blood poisoning called “metallosis.” Some patients have required a second surgery to have the metal joint removed and a new one implanted. A Michigan metal hip replacement lawsuit may be 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 Michigan. 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 Michigan or another state who can help you throughout the legal process.
Risks Associated With Metal-on-Metal Hip Replacements
A safety communication from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notes that some people are susceptible to reactions from the metal debris. It could cause a local effect, with swelling, inflammation, pain or numbness that make it difficult for a person to walk. A reaction could also cause the joint to begin making squeaking, grinding or popping noises, or fail altogether. In some cases, it may lead to bone disintegration and loosening of the device.
The FDA warns that the problem is not necessarily isolated to the joint, as the metal particles are able to enter the bloodstream and cause possible blood poisoning. They may affect a person adversely in several other ways also. This complication may cause kidney, heart or thyroid problems, or the metal ions could even cause mental health issues or changes in a person’s hearing or eyesight.
Patients at Higher Risk
The FDA notes that some patients are more likely than others to suffer from adverse local tissue reactions. These include people who are:
- Female
- Extremely overweight
- Extremely physically active
- Sensitive to metal
- Recipients of bilateral implants
- Known to have kidney problems or suppressed immune systems
Other factors include the size and alignment of the replacement. Severe pain and changes in surrounding skin, sensory abilities, cognitive abilities, and thyroid function may be signs of a reaction and device failure.
Michigan Metal Hip Replacement Lawsuit Filed
WNEM.com reports that two recalled hip replacements made by manufacturer Stryker have been implanted in 300 to 500 people in Michigan. One of these people was a car accident victim. The implant he received gave him continuous pain, limiting his mobility. He joined a class action lawsuit that resulted in Stryker agreeing to pay almost $1.5 billion to thousands of affected patients. The car accident victim underwent a second surgery that allowed him to walk pain free. Other recipients must undergo revision surgery using a different Stryker product to qualify for the minimum settlement of $300,000.
Other Hip Implant Recalls
Fox News has reported that Johnson & Johnson’s DePuy Orthopedics line has had two recalls. The more recent one was for their Pinnacle hip replacement, which had over 1,600 lawsuits in 2012. Johnson & Johnson has fought these claims and said the recall was based on performance issues. The other recall was for Pinnacle’s predecessor, ASR, and was one of the most expensive failures among all U.S. medical devices, costing the company $3 billion. In March 2016, a jury returned a $498 million Pinnacle metal hip verdict against device maker Johnson & Johnson and its DePuy Orthopaedics subsidiary in favor five plaintiffs who claimed that their metal on metal Pinnacle hip replacement system was defective and caused them significant injury.
Attorney Group for Michigan can connect you with an experienced metal hip replacement lawyer who can help you throughout the legal process.
How a Michigan Metal Hip Replacement Lawsuit Can Help
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 Michigan metal hip replacement lawsuit attorney to discuss their legal rights and options for compensation.
Contact Us For More Information
If you or a loved one suffered severe complications from a metal-on-metal hip replacement, contact Attorney Group for Michigan for more information. You can fill out the form on this page, call us at the number listed at the top of the page, or email us at info@attorneygroup.com.
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 or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
See our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information, and contact Attorney Group for Michigan today.
