An injured hip joint can cause serious pain and debilitation, and a hip replacement may be able to restore mobility and function. However, the components in some hip implants have been alleged to cause serious complications resulting in pain, loss of mobility, and even the need for additional surgery. The Zimmer Kinectiv hip replacement has been the subject of a recall, if that device causes similar complications, affected patients may be able to file a Pennsylvania Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit and seek compensation for their damages.
If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with a Zimmer hip implant or any metal-on-metal hip replacement, contact Attorney Group for Pennsylvania today. We provide free, confidential, no-obligation consultations, and if you have case we can connect you with an affiliated Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process. The time to pursue a claim is limited, so contact us today.
When Is A Hip Replacement Used?
Many patients have a total hip replacement surgery performed when they experience severe hip pain or disability due to traumatic arthritis, polyarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, congenital hip dysplasia and other disorders of the hip. Also, a hip implant device might be used is when a hemi-hip replacement is needed. Patients who are elderly, who experience fracture dislocation of the hip and who experience osteoarthritis where the femoral head of their hip is affected may be good candidates for a hemi-hip replacement.
Doctors begin hip implant surgery by removing the cartilage and bone damaged by arthritis to make room for the artificial joint. The implant itself simulates the natural ball-and-socket hip joint and is affixed to the bone via a metal rod. While implants can be made from a variety of materials, metal-on- metal designs are most often used due to claims that they are more durable than hip implants made from other materials.
Complications With Metal-On-Metal Hip Implants
Metal-on-metal hip implants pose an additional risk along with those commonly associated with hip replacement surgery. When two pieces of metal rub up against each other, tiny metal particles can be released into the area near and around the implant. In some cases, metal particles, such as chromium or cobalt, can enter the bloodstream when this occurs.
These metal particles may also damage tissue and bone that surround not only the implant, but the hip joint. This damage can lead to the hip replacement failing, the implant loosening, soft tissue damage and the need for an additional surgery to repair muscles, nerves and bones that were damaged.
Zimmer Kinectiv M/L Taper Recall
In addition to these potential complications that may occur from a metal-on-metal hip replacement, the FDA has also issued a Class I recall on the Zimmer M/L Taper with Kinectiv technology prosthetics. This type of recall is the most serious, indicating that there is a significant likelihood of severe adverse events that could be fatal. These medical devices left the factory with contaminants from the manufacturing process still on them, and while the FDA does not clarify the nature of the substances, the agency warns that they could cause fatal reactions.
Affected Patients May Be Eligible To File A Pennsylvania Zimmer Kinectiv Lawsuit
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 Pennsylvania Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit attorney to discuss their legal rights and options for compensation.
Contact Us For More Information
If you have been injured by a metal-on-metal hip replacement, or to find out more about a Pennsylvania Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit, contact Attorney Group for Pennsylvania. 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 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 Pennsylvania today.
