A Virginia 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 Virginia 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 Virginia. 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 Virginia or another state who can help you throughout the legal process.
The Hip Joint
In the pelvis is a socket joint designed to hold the ball at the top of the femur, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons explains. Synovial fluid allows smooth movement of the ball inside the socket and prevents excess bone wear, and fibrocartilage acts as a gasket or seal that also facilitates safe motion.
According to WebMD, a break in the femur, the ball or the pelvis can cause serious injury to the hip joint.
Other sources of harm to the joint may come from cartilage wear and tear, typically caused by use, age or arthritis. Whether it is sudden or develops over time, pain is a signal the body sends to warn of a problem. This may come from the buttocks, the groin, the thigh or from the hip joint itself. A sudden injury that immobilizes the hip, a deformed joint or intense pain signal the need for immediate medical attention.
Hip Prosthetics and Side Effects
A severe injury or damage from arthritis may lead a health care provider to recommend removing the original joint and implanting a partial or complete artificial hip, BoneSmart.org reports. This may be constructed of a variety of materials. Some, such as ceramic or plastic, sustain wear more readily, leaving residue in the system. For this reason, metal implants were manufactured that are intended to be more durable.
Even though metal-on-metal implants last longer and produce fewer particles, there are some indications that these soluble metal ions may travel through the system more readily, and may be more dangerous for some people. Problems related to these prosthetic hips has led the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to recall some of the devices. The agency has also issued warnings to physicians and consumers recommending close monitoring for early identification of side effects.
Metal-On-Metal Hip Complications
The FDA warns that pain within the hip joint or the surrounding area is a sign that a person should follow up with the orthopedic surgeon who performed the procedure. Popping noises, problems walking, swelling or numbness are also problems that warrant immediate medical care. Joint dislocation, bone loss, breaks or cracks in the device or the bone and infection are all problems that may develop regardless of the materials that make up the implant.
However, a reaction to the metal ions may cause symptoms that do not appear to be related to the hip.
By entering the bloodstream from the area around the prosthetic, the ions can affect a number of different systems within the body, causing blood poisoning also known as metallosis. A person who is suffering from a reaction may develop thyroid problems, kidney or heart damage, sensory impairment, rashes or even mental health issues.
Metal Hip Replacement Lawsuits Filed
Not everyone who has a recalled metal hip prosthetic should have it removed and a replacement implanted. The FDA urges doctors to weigh the risks of the surgery against the possibility of a reaction on a case-by-case basis. Revision surgeries have a lower success rate than the originals, and those who must undergo this procedure often have a more difficult recovery.
When a person does experience a serious injury after receiving a metal hip, the resulting revision surgery, medical costs and extended recuperation time can be devastating. Thousands of people have sued the manufacturers in order to recover some of their financial losses. The sheer number of lawsuits has led to multidistrict litigation in many cases. This method combines the cases to be heard in a single trial to reach a verdict much more quickly.
The Attorney Group for Virginia can connect you with an experienced metal hip replacement lawyer who can help you throughout the legal process.
How a Virginia 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 the fault of others 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 Pursue a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Virginia. 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.
