A Virginia Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit may be an option for patients who have suffered severe complications from metal hip replacements. The Zimmer Kinectiv hip replacement device is one type of metal-on-metal hip replacement option that exists today. Despite the benefits of these devices, components in some of these devices have been alleged to cause severe pain, loss of mobility, and even the need for additional surgery for the patient. The Zimmer Kinectiv hip replacement has been the subject of a recall, and it is expected that a Virginia Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit may be filed on behalf of affected patients who have suffered pain and injury as a result of a hip replacement procedure.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Virginia. We offer free, confidential, no obligation consultations. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a case we can connect you with an affiliated Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
Why Hip Replacements Surgeries Are Necessary
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, damage to the hip joint may be caused by a fracture or several different types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, the inflammation of the synovial lining; osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease resulting in the breakdown of cartilage or bone in the area; or traumatic arthritis, resulting from a past injury. Doctors usually recommend total hip replacement surgery when a hip joint is damaged to the point of causing severe pain and immobility in a patient.
During hip replacement surgery, a surgeon removes the damaged joint, typically including the ball at the top of the femur and the socket, replacing them with prostheses designed to move in the same way that the natural joint would.
Metal Hip Implants
Metal hip implants come with several unique risks, as the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explains. One of the most serious risks is that people will suffer damage to their muscle, bone and nerves. With metal-on-metal hip implants, like the Zimmer Kinectiv, just normal wear and tear can lead to particles from the metal breaking off and making it into the person’s bloodstream, causing serious issues such as metallosis, according to the FDA. In addition, the metal ions and particles that are released when the prosthesis experiences friction from walking or everyday movement may cause a reaction in the tissues surrounding the area. This could result in injury and the need for future revision surgery.
Zimmer Kinectiv Recall
Zimmer Kinectiv hip implants were designed to account for the wide array of differences in leg length and height from person to person, according to the manufacturer. It also aimed to last longer than the 15 years a hip replacement is expected to last.
In June 2015, the FDA announced a class 1 recall of the Zimmer M/L Taper with Kinectiv Technology Prosthesis. The recall followed a notification letter sent by the manufacturer, Zimmer, in May 2015, which alerted those in the medical community, as well as distributors of the product that it had been discovered that residue from the manufacturing process was left on devices made between March 31 and April 20, 2015. According to the FDA, this residue has the potential to cause serious harm to patients with the affected prostheses, including death, infection or allergic reaction.
Zimmer provided instructions hospital staff members and distributors on how to proceed with the recall. Hospitals were advised to work with Zimmer personnel to identify and quarantine affected products, and also notify patients who may require revision surgery to replace tainted prostheses. Distributers were to notify any hospitals where the prostheses were distributed of the information provided by Zimmer, Additionally, they were told to quarantine all affected products and return them to Zimmer.
Zimmer Kinectiv Hip Recall Lawsuits
Some patients have alleged that Zimmer does not perform due diligence in checking that its products, including its hip implants, are safe for consumer use. Many of the current lawsuits claim that the company failed to warn consumers of the potential risks associated with its device. Furthermore, this is not the first time that the company has been sued over its hip replacement devices. In a 2012 SEC filing, Zimmer revealed that more than $388 million had been paid in Zimmer hip settlements, with an additional $230 million set aside to compensate other injured plaintiffs.
How a Virginia Zimmer Kinectiv 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.
