Metal on metal hip replacement surgery is meant to help restore mobility, relieve pain and increase the function of a diseased hip joint. Many patients find improvement in their daily life following a total hip replacement. Some patients however, have experienced failure of the devices and other complications, including a type of blood poisoning called “metallosis.” A New Jersey 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 New Jersey. 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 New Jersey or another state who can help you throughout the legal process.
What is a Hip Replacement?
The hip is a complex joint that must bear the weight of the body while maintaining the ability to rotate in any direction. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons explains that the ball-and-socket contains several features to prevent the frequent movement and pressure from wearing the bones away due to friction. Cartilage, ligaments and a tissue membrane that acts as a lubricant cushion and protect the joint.
Replacement hips have a similar structure in order to allow them to perform the same functions. The hip joint consists of two parts: the femoral head, which is the stem, and the acetabulum, which is the cavity the stem fits into. During a standard hip replacement, the femoral head would be made of a stainless steel component, while the acetabulum would be made of polyethylene. Metal on metal replacements, however, require both structures be made of metal. The idea behind this transition was to increase the durability of replaced joints.
One of the biggest issues with any hip replacement, regardless of the material, is that the two parts of the joint rub against each either causing friction. This friction can cause serious health complication s for the patient and must be monitored closely by a medical professional.
Risks Associated With Metal Hip Replacements
Studies have found an increasing level of potential problems arising from the use of metal on metal hip implants. CBS News states that these implants could cause the following complications:
- Bone deterioration
- Inflammation
- Genetic changes
- Carcinogenic issues
There is also a potential for the material that is worn off of the hip replacement parts to travel to the lymph nodes and studies even suggest a potential link to leukemia and lymphoma. Studies also found that the bone and tissue surrounding the hip had increasing levels of cobalt and chromium and cobalt. These ions were linked to the metals used for the replaced joints, which were wearing down with the patient’s movement.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also stated its concerns about metal-on-metal hip implants. The agency stated that soft tissue damage could be caused by particles from the metal hip implants. Device failure, pain, implant loosening, and possible revision surgery, are possible effects connected to this type of injury.
Metal Hip Replacement Lawsuits Filed
Johnson & Johnson, a manufacturer of metal on metal replacements, agreed to pay a settlement in the amount of $2.5 billion to patients that have used their hip device. Plaintiffs alleged that the company’s metal-on-metal hip implants resulted in the need for revision surgeries to replace the devices after they suffered from complications caused by elevated levels of chromium and cobalt, and “adverse tissue reactions.” The 2013 settlement details included $250,000 as a standard payment to the 8,000 patients who were part of the settlement. The settlement followed the 2010 recall of Johnson & Johnson’s metal to metal system known as the ACR XL Acetabular hip implant.
Attorney Group for New Jersey can connect you with an experienced metal hip replacement lawyer who can help you throughout the legal process.
How a New Jersey 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 New Jersey hip replacement 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey today.
