Friday, May 8, 2015
According to the United States Department of Health & Human Services agency of Healthcare Research and Quality,1 an estimated 285,000 patients undergo hip replacement surgery on an annual basis in the U.S. Common reasons for hip replacements2 include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, hip fracture or injury, and more. During this procedure, medical professionals remove an individual's damaged hip joint and cartilage and replace it with an artificial joint. This joint is comprised of two pieces—a ball and socket—that will move together to allow regular hip mobility after recovery. The materials commonly used for these implants are ceramic and/or metal.
Though hip replacement surgery is intended to relieve long-term pain and increase mobility, some patients have experienced dangerous complications following a hip replacement surgery, and many of these complications are due to the type and quality of the artificial joint implant that was used. Some patients have suffered unnecessary pain and have had to undergo numerous additional procedures to repair the issues caused by their hip implants. If a hip implant was not safe for use in patients, the company that manufactured and sold the implant should compensate any victims for all of their unnecessary expenses, pain, and other losses.
Injuries from certain hip implants
The majority of problematic hip replacements are metal-on-metal,3 meaning that that both the ball and socket are made from metal. Though these metal hip implants were supposed to be more durable and last longer than other types of implants, they have proven to cause many medical issues in many recipients. When the metal parts rub together like a normal hip, the metal can flake off and be released into the body. Various patients have had different complications due to hip implants, including the following:
- Metal poisoning from cobalt, chromium, and more
- Bone and tissue damage from metal particles
- Infections
- Severe inflammation around the hip joint
- Loosening of the implant
- Severe and chronic pain
- Decreased mobility
- Complete hip joint failure
- Need for another hip replacement within a short period of time
The manufacturers of problematic implants include DePuy Orthopaedics, Biomet, Stryker Orthopaedics, Wright Medical Technology, and Zimmer Holdings. These companies have all faced lawsuits by patients who have suffered injuries as a result of using the implants.
When an individual makes the decision to undergo a hip replacement, they know that the procedure is extensive with possibly substantial recovery time. However, patients are willing to face surgery, therapy, and recovery in the hopes of eventually living life with a pain-free hip that is stronger and allows them to move around freely. Unfortunately, the introduction of metal-on-metal hip implants has increased the risk that, instead of a better life, hip replacement patients will face increased pain, expensive medical treatment, and may even require a wheelchair to get around. The corporations that negligently manufactured and sold these hip implants should be held responsible for the losses of every patient who has experienced unnecessary complications. By filing a lawsuit, you have the potential to receive a settlement or award that compensates you for the following:
- Medical expenses related to the defective implant
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income if you are unable to work
- Costs of caregiving
- Damaged relationships
Contact an experienced Clearwater product liability attorney for a free consultation
Health is very important and companies that manufacture pharmaceuticals or medical devices should use appropriate care when marketing and selling health-related products to avoid injuries to consumers. If a company sells a defective hip implant that can cause serious injuries, the company should be held responsible for all injuries that result. A recall is often not sufficient for injured patients to recover for all of their hip implant-related losses, so anyone injured should consider filing a legal claim. An experienced product liability lawyer will be able to evaluate your situation and advise you on whether you have a viable claim and have a good chance of receiving a proper settlement. If you have suffered injury, please call the Dolman Law Group in Clearwater, Florida for help. Our highly skilled attorneys know how to take on large pharmaceutical companies, so call 727-451-6900 for a free case evaluation today.
Dolman Law Group
800 North Belcher Road
Clearwater, FL 33756
(727) 451-6900
800 North Belcher Road
Clearwater, FL 33756
(727) 451-6900
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