Reasons to file a DePuy hip implant lawsuit

While many medical devices dramatically improve the lives of patients, some, including DePuy hip implants, come under scrutiny over concerns they do not perform as expected.
In August 2010, a worldwide recall of the DePuy ASR hip implant was issued, following a study from the National Joint Registry of England and Wales which revealed 1 in 8 patients with the recalled DePuy ASR hip implant had to have repeat surgery. Almost 150 DePuy lawsuits have been filed since the recall in August, and many more DePuy hip lawsuits are expected. Almost every DePuy hip lawsuit was filed by the recipient of DePuy hip replacements because of issues sustained as a result of the DePuy ASR hip implant’s early failure. Some are seeking damages for the medical bills and surgery costs they were forced to pay out for due to their DePuy hip replacement wearing down earlier than forecast.
In their DePuy hip lawsuit, many plaintiffs allege the device lasted a mere five years before they were forced to undergo repeat surgery, despite the fact that DePuy hip replacements were designed to function  at least 15 years.
DePuy lawsuits have also arisen over the risks of cobalt poisoning. The early decay of the metal-on-metal composition DePuy hip implants has in some cases resulted in a build-up of metal fragments in the bloodstream, leading to serious health conditions. Ignoring pain from a hip replacement implant could therefore have serious consequences for your health. But still there is something you can do for justice to triumph. Learn more about your legal options in initiating a DePuy ASR lawsuit.

DePuy hip implant lawyer can help you file a lawsuit

If you suspect any of the hip replacement failure symptoms, which include joint pain hip inflammation, walking troubles etc., consult your doctor immediately. Moreover, don’t keep silent and assert your rights via filing a Depuy lawsuit. Our personal injury law firm specializes in these cases and our DePuy hip implant lawyer can help you to get medical expenses coverage and compensation for pain and suffering. If you’d like to speak with one of our attorneys regarding your Depuy lawsuit, simply fill out the form on the right, and a Parker Waichman LLP DePuy hip implant lawyer will evaluate your case. They will be able to determine whether you are eligible to file a DePuy hip replacement lawsuit. If found eligible, our lawyers will do their best to see that you receive compensation for any damages you sustained to your health, and for any medical bills you were forced to pay as a result of DePuy hip replacement problems.

]]> http://www.defective-hip-replacement.com/main/filing-depuy-asr-lawsuit/feed/ 0 http://www.defective-hip-replacement.com/main/depuy-hip-implants-complications-depuy-lawsuit/ http://www.defective-hip-replacement.com/main/depuy-hip-implants-complications-depuy-lawsuit/#comments Thu, 10 Feb 2011 15:27:10 +0000 admin http://www.defective-hip-replacement.com/?p=189 DePuy hip replacement implants

Hip replacement surgery involves replacing a person’s hip with a metal implant to relieve  severe joint pain caused by injury or diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
DePuy hip replacements, which are manufactured by a unit of Johnson & Johnson, are one of many types of hip replacement implant, used in such hip replacement surgery. There are several different kinds of DePuy implants that range in size and shape.  There are also different types of DePuy hip repacement bearings, comprising different materials, from plastic, metal or ceramic. Unfortunately, these hip replacement implants can cause serious adverse reactions, which has led to an increase in the number of people filing a Depuy lawsuit.

DePuy implants dangers,  replacement problems

While for a time metal-on-metal DePuy hip replacements proved extremely popular, a study reporting early failure of some models of the DePuy hip replacements, prompted Johnson & Johnson to issue a recall of the devices in August 2010.   Meant to last for at least 15 years, the defective hip replacements such as the DePuy ASR XL Acetabular System and the ASR Hip Resurfacing Systems, were failing after just 5. Australian doctors found the hip surgery complications were particularly prominent in certain types of patient. Moreover, defective hip replacements were found to occur more in patients of a smaller stature – namely women and those with fragile bones. In addition, it is a widely held view that patients with ill-fitting and painful metal-on-metal DePuy implants may face an increased risk of cobalt poisoning. Many DePuy implants, such as the DePuy Acetabular Hip Replacement System can decay overtime, leaving a build-up of chromium and cobalt deposits in the bloodstream. These adverse reactions made many think of filing a DePuy lawsuit.

DePuy hip implant attorney. DePuy lawsuit

Almost 150 lawsuits have already been filed against the makers of DePuy. Almost every DePuy lawsuit states the early failure of the DePuy hip replacements.  If you or a loved one feel you were injured due to a defective hip replacement, our hip replacement implant lawyers are waiting to hear from you today. If you were sustained injuries from a defective hip replacement, resulting in costly repeat surgeries, and medical bills, you could be entitled to compensation. Simply fill out the form to the right to get a free case evaluation from a qualified DePuy hip implant attorney at our firm. They will be able to tell you whether you are eligible to file a DePuy hip lawsuit. Our personal injury law firm is proud to have had Andres elected to the DePuy hip lawsuit plaintiff’s steering committee, a marker of our firm’s commitment to legally representing victims of defective hip replacement.

]]> http://www.defective-hip-replacement.com/main/depuy-hip-implants-complications-depuy-lawsuit/feed/ 0 http://www.defective-hip-replacement.com/depuy-lawsuit-news/depuy-hip-replacement-class-action-lawsuit/ http://www.defective-hip-replacement.com/depuy-lawsuit-news/depuy-hip-replacement-class-action-lawsuit/#comments Tue, 08 Feb 2011 10:05:23 +0000 admin http://www.defective-hip-replacement.com/?p=182 Recently a number of suits have been instituted by several law firms in the US, Australia and the UK against DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc. company on behalf of their clients who have become the victims of joint replacement revision surgeries, because of their defective DePuy hip replacement implants.

Johnson and Johnson DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc. company was the first in the US to introduce different types of fixed and mobile bearing hip and knee replacement implants. Initially, they were meant to facilitate the lives of people, whose hip or knee joints were damaged in the result of accidents or by particular diseases. Later, these implants were recalled by the company, because the number of patients who faced problems connected with their DePuy hip implants and had to undergo revision surgeries proved to be higher than it was expected.

Legal specialists report that each DePuy class action lawsuit may include hundreds claims, filed by patients, who became innocent victims of various DePuy hip implants’ failures, including their loosening, fractures and displacements, and their negative influence on people’s health.

If your hip or knee joint has been seriously damaged and you received DePuy hip or knee replacement implant, you should be aware of the procedure of filing a  DePuy class action lawsuit. If you have any complaints associated with your DePuy hip implant, you should contact one of the most experienced in this field DePuy class action attorneys to get his/her professional help. Each plaintiff’s complaints, treatment expenses and requirements differ, so if you want your DePuy ASR class action lawsuit to be settled successfully, you will not go without professional legal assistance. Complete medical investigation is also required here. That is why before filing a claim, you are expected to undergo a number of medical tests, including blood tests, X-Rays etc. in order to get the official medical confirmation of the fact that your DePuy hip implant is defective and has negative impact on your health. Plaintiffs involved into DePuy class action suit, may get compensations of their treatment expenses, revision surgeries, temporary disability, moral pain etc.

If you or a loved one has suffered because of your DePuy hip implant’s failure and has undergone a secondary revision surgery, do not hesitate and file your DePuy hip replacement class action lawsuit against DePuy Orthopaedics. You should know that you may be entitled to the financial compensation of your moral and physical sufferings. Please fill out our online form, or call 1 800 LAW INFO (1-800-529-4636) to discuss your case with one of our DePuy class action hip replacement implant attorneys today.

More than 93,000 people were fitted with the DePuy hip implant in 2010, and it is estimated that around 40,000 of the individuals were based in America. If you were fitted with an artificial hip and subject to the DePuy hip implant recall then you may be able to seek legal advice from our experienced personal injury attorneys. Contact us for your free consultation on initiating DePuy lawsuit today.

Johnson&Johnson have been subject to a loss in profits (12%) in their fourth quarter as the stock price fell from 79 cents a year to 70 cents a year.  This was largely as a result of the DePuy hip implant recall; however, additional product/drug recalls such as Tylenol, Benadryl and Motrin were also associated with the company’s bad press. Further to the multiple recalls, DePuy (Johnson&Johnson) has been challenged in numerous product liability lawsuits worldwide. Federal DePuy hip implant lawsuits have now been amalgamated into a single multidistrict lawsuit which will be heard before United States District Judge David A. Katz of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. The following court proceedings are likely to take place in February once Judge Katz has ruled on the chosen guidance advisors. DePuy at Johnson&Johnson first alerted American doctors of the issues with the hip replacement in March 2010; however DePuy did not issue the DePuy hip implant recall until August. Individuals that have been affected by this issue are entitled to legal advice in order to protect their health rights. If you would like to speak to one of our DePuy hip implant lawyers please contact us today for a free consultation.

A global recall for the ASR XL DePuy hip implant was issued in August 2010. Since then data from the National Joint Registry of England and Wales has suggested that 12-13% of individuals fitted with DePuy hip implant had to go a second round of surgery within 5 years. Within this five year period, more than 93,000 patients were fitted with the implant – and it has been indicated that around 35% of the individuals fitted were in the United States. Complaints from persons who have received the implant have included loose hip cups, permanent tissue and muscle damage, bone fractures and tumours as a consequence of the metal. DePuy hip implant pain has been the source of much controversy. However, if you have suffered at the hands of Johnson&Johnson you may be entitled to take legal action. Contact a qualified personal injury attorney at our firm today for a free consultation on your DePuy hip lawsuit.

An increase in earnings of 1-3% has been predicted; however, the company’s finances are in flux with medical device and drug recalls attracting significant worldwide attention, with future product recalls not ruled out. Would you feel safe using Johnson&Johnson products? DePuy hip implant inflammation is no joking matter; terrible pain can result in limited physical mobility an, as a result, loss of earnings. If you would like to discuss your experience with one of our personal injury lawyers, please get in touch as soon as possible!

Total hip replacement has been one of the most successful surgeries in recent decades, restoring movement and relieving pain for hundreds of thousands of patients. However, recent issues have prompted a physicians group to issue new advice regarding hip implants.

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons has embarked on a major education initiative to advise patients that there are several options for hip replacement implants and to advise potential patients that each has its own advantages and drawbacks. While metal-on-metal hip implants made of a cobalt-chromium alloy often dramatically improve overall quality of life, recent studies have pointed to increasing numbers of adverse effects.

A study in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery chronicled two patients who experienced severe problems until their implants were removed at 47 and 40 months, respectively. Following the surgery, their systems improved. A preliminary report has attributed their problems to cobalt toxicity.

Doctors say they’re concerned about patient health and outcomes and want to ensure patients understand all the risks involved.

“We are actively engaged with educating our members regarding concerns related to (metal-on-metal) hip replacements and working with all stakeholders to determine any risks associated with metal-on-metal hips,” said Dr. Mary O’Connor, president of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons.

Almost 150 lawsuits have already been filed against the makers of DePuy. Almost every DePuy ASR lawsuit states the early failure of the DePuy hip replacements. If you suspect any of the hip replacement failure symptoms, which include joint pain hip inflammation, walking troubles etc., consult your doctor immediately. Moreover, don’t keep silent and assert your rights via filing a Depuy hip lawsuit. Our personal injury law firm specializes in these cases and our DePuy hip implant lawyer can help you to get medical expenses coverage and compensation for pain and suffering.

Doctors point out that despite the risks of joint-replacement surgery, it has shown to be successful in more than 90 percent of cases. Also, in the event of complications, most can be successfully treated.

Patients who suspect they might have high cobalt levels should immediately consult their surgeon to discuss the value of cobalt level testing. Currently, there is no universal test for cobalt testing and any analysis can be done only in labs specializing in trace metal analysis.

Source: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/metal-on-metal-hip-replacement-orthopaedic-surgeons-provide-awareness-and-information-to-patients-medical-community-at-large-106323583.html

A metal-on-metal hip implant is made of cobalt and chromium, and consists of a cup that is implanted into the hip with a ball joint that is connected to the leg. According to a New York Times report published in March 2010, metal-on-metal hip replacements have been used in about one-third of the approximately 250,000 hip replacement operations performed annually in this country. However, many of the nation’s leading orthopaedic surgeons have reduced or stopped using these devices because of concerns that they can cause severe tissue and bone damage. According to the NY Times, studies in recent years indicate that in some cases the devices can quickly begin to wear, generating high volumes of metallic debris that is absorbed into a patient’s body.

Arthroprosthetic cobaltism is a type of cobalt poisoning which results from the wearing of metal-on-metal hip implants. If left untreated, cobaltism can result in ringing in the ears (tinnitus), deafness, blindness, vertigo, optic nerve atrophy, convulsions, headaches, peripheral neuropathy, cardiomyopathy, and hypothyroidism.

A recent article published in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery has linked metal-on-metal hip implants to cobalt poisoning. The article describes two patients from Alaska who received DePuy ASR metal-on-metal hip implants and went on to develop the condition. Both were “fit, well, forty-nine-year-old men at the time of metal-on-metal arthroplasty with ASR implants,” it stated in the article. Two years after the hip implantation, the patients in the study experienced even more symptoms of cobaltism, which can include irritability, fatigue, headaches, loss of coordination, tinnitus, hearing loss, headaches, cognitive decline, and depression.

Hip replacement patients should be relatively pain-free three months after surgery. If you experience any new pain or increase in pain at that point you should promptly communicate it to your surgeon, as it may indicate a complication. Signs that you may be the victim of a failed metal-on-metal hip implant include:

• Swelling, extreme pain & discomfort
• Dislocation of the implant
• Clicking, popping or grinding
• Loosening of the implant
• Unexplained hip pain
• Thigh pain or groin pain
• Pain with walking
• Pain rising from a seated position
• Pain with weight bearing

Probably, you will have to undergo special blood tests to indicate the level of toxic substances in your body. If found don’t procrastinate with filing a cobalt lawsuit against defective device’s manufacturer. Our law firm deals with such cases, we can assert your leagl rights toady.

In August 2010, DePuy issued a global recall of the ASR XL Acetabular System, a hip socket used in traditional hip replacement, and the ASR Hip Resurfacing System, a partial hip replacement that involves placing a metal cap on the ball of the femur. The recall was issued after data from the National Joint Registry of England and Wales showed that 1 out of every 8 patients (12%-13%) who had received the recalled devices had to undergo revision surgery within five years of receiving it. A hip implant should last for approximately 15 years. DePuy now recommends that implant patients have a blood test to check for high levels of chromium and cobalt.

Since the recall, around 150 lawsuits have been filed against DePuy by victims of the ASR hip implant, and many more such suits are expected. Last week, all federal lawsuits involving the DePuy ASR XL Acetabular Hip Replacement System were consolidated in a multidistrict litigation in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Ohio.

The DePuy ASR is a large diameter, metal-on-metal hip replacement system. Metal-on-metal hip implants, which were introduced about a decade ago, have ball-and-socket joints that are made from metals like cobalt and chromium. They became popular because it was thought that metal-on-metal would be more durable than earlier types of implants.

According to a report in The New York Times, such hip implants have been used in about one-third of the approximately 250,000 hip replacements performed annually in this country. However, many of the nation’s leading orthopedic surgeons have reduced or stopped use of these devices because of concerns that they can cause severe tissue and bone damage.

No one knows why the DePuy ASR hip implant is prone to early failure. According to The New York Times, studies in recent years indicate that metal-on-metal devices can quickly begin to wear. This creates a large amount of metallic debris that is absorbed into a patient’s body. The metallic debris can cause inflammatory reactions that lead to pain in the groin, death of tissue in the hip joint and loss of surrounding bone.

The same New York Times article said some orthopedic surgeons have also asserted that the DePuy ASR hip implant, – which is shallower than some similar devices – has a design flaw that made it difficult to implant, an allegation DePuy had denied.

DePuy withdrew the ASR hip from the Australian market in December 2009 and indicated a plan to phase the device out worldwide in 2010. However, the company did not issue a recall of the DePuy ASR hip implant, instead insisting it was being removed from the market due to slow sales.

Then, in a letter dated March 6, 2010, DePuy warned doctors that recently analyzed data from Australia suggested that the ASR had a higher-than-expected failure rate when used in traditional hip replacement on certain types of patient. According to the letter, patients of small stature, a group that typically includes women and patients with weak bones, faced the highest risk.

Symptoms of a DePuy ASR hip implant failure could include:

• Unexplained Hip Pain
• Thigh Pain or Groin Pain
• Pain with Walking
• Pain Rising from a Seated Position
• Pain with Weight Bearing

If you experienced such symptoms within a few years of hip replacement surgery, you should make an appointment to see an orthopedist immediately. There is a high chance you were the recipient of a DePuy ASR Acetabular Cup System that has failed prematurely. If it did happened to you, don’t keep silent and assert your legal rights by way of instituting a DePuy ASR lawsuit. Our professional law firm will fight for you.

A recently completed New Jersey Attorney General’s Office probe alleged the companies paid U.S. physicians lucrative fees for nominal services between 2002 and 2006. Stryker Orthopedics cooperated with prosecutors and escaped a fine, but agreed to federal monitoring for 18 months. The other companies, Zimmer Holdings Inc., Depuy Orthopaedics Inc., Biomet Inc. and Smith & Nephew Inc. agreed to a $311 million settlement with the Justice Department and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

In January, Stryker Corporation issued a recall of its Trident Hip Implants just days after the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) posted a warning letter on its website regarding serious deficiencies at its New Jersey plant. The Stryker hip implant components involved were manufactured at the company’s facility in Ireland, which was also the subject of an earlier FDA warning letter.

The FDA implemented a review of the Stryker plants after receiving an unusually high number of complaints from patients receiving Stryker hip implants. Since 2005, patients receiving Stryker hip implants have reported a wide range of disturbing problems, including pain, difficulty walking, and “squeaky” joints. Some patients have had pieces of the implant parts break off or wear down unevenly. Following these reports, the FDA inspected both the Mahwah, New Jersey and Cork, Ireland plants where most of the Stryker hip implants sold in the US are made.

The FDA reports and letters cited several violations at the Ireland plant, including missed deadlines to fix failures, not following procedures for testing problematic products, and not documenting risk. Stryker received another letter from the FDA regarding the New Jersey facility that warned of deficiencies uncovered during an inspection that had contributed directly to the manufacture of the faulty Stryker hip implants. This FDA letter described a range of deficiencies that included “clusters” of Staphylococcus bacteria, the pathogen that causes staph infections. Staphylococcus bacteria was found throughout the plant and the warning letter stated repeatedly that Stryker had “failed to perform corrective and preventive actions in order to prevent the recurrence of nonconforming product or other quality problems.” For instance, regarding the bacterial contamination, the letter states that Stryker had ‘not identified the root causes of the microorganism contamination and has not executed corrective and preventive action to prevent recurrence.”

According to The New York Times, Lewis Morris, the chief counsel in the federal office that pursues civil complaints of Medicare fraud, told an audience of hundreds of doctors, company representatives and investors this month in San Francisco at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons that the government will now be taking a hard look at doctors who are “soliciting kickbacks” from the makers of hip and knee replacements.

Although industry executives told The New York Times that they have heard that some doctors have received subpoenas, none have been publicly identified. According to the Times, the government has not argued that any of the kickbacks led to unnecessary knee or hip surgery or maltreatment of any patients. Nor has it established a direct link to higher Medicare costs. However, doctors can be convicted of violating Medicare’s antifraud statutes simply for submitting a bill for a procedure linked to a kickback, whether or not the procedure was necessary.

During a hearing last month before the Senate Special Committee on Aging, Assistant inspector general Gregory Demske told lawmakers that four makers of artificial hips and knees paid doctors more than $800 million in royalties and fees in four years to influence their choice of implants. While he did not identify these companies, Demske said that together they controlled three-quarters of the $9.4 billion worldwide market for hip implants and knee replacements. Demske and other witnesses told the panel such payments have enriched doctors and distorted the market by bolstering sales of lower-quality devices. Demske said such payments are difficult to regulate, because it is hard for investigators to determine which are legitimate, and which are kickbacks.