Metal on Metal Hip Replacements Come Under Fire for Defective Design
Patients who have experienced complications from “metal-on-metal” hip replacement surgery may be eligible for a financial settlement.
Two companies that manufacture metal-on-metal hip implants have agreed to major settlements for defective design.
The DePuy ASR artificial hip has been deemed defective because its metal-on-metal design has resulted in a high failure rate and has allowed toxic metals to be leached into the body as tiny shards and particles are ground away from the medical device. DePuy ASR recently settled for $2.5 billion in an attempt to resolve approximately 12,000 pending cases.
More than one third of patients receiving an ASR hip replacement required revision surgery within five years. However, the company’s executives continued implanting these devices in patients, despite the growing evidence that they were defective. Qualified patients will receive a base award of $250,000 plus additional compensation for outstanding medical bills directly associated with a compensable revisions surgery.
In addition, Biomet reached a $56 million settlement over faulty metal-on-metal hip replacements earlier this month. Plaintiffs who received a Biomet M2a 38 or M2a Magnum hip replacement system as part of an initial hip replacement that was corrected more than 180 days after it was implanted will receive a base award of $200,000.
These recent settlements shed light on ongoing problems with metal-on-metal hip replacement devices. A number of other brands are currently involved in litigation including Smith & Nephew, Stryker Rejuvenate, Stryker ABII Modular Neck System, Wright Conserve, Wright Profemur and Zimmer Durom Acetubular Component.
Cobalt and chromium ions are commonly detected in the blood and urine of metal-on-metal hip patients. Metallic particles spread throughout the body and can be detected in the blood marrow, liver, kidney and bladder. High exposure to metallic ions has been associated with an increased risk of certain cancers and the possibility of irreversible DNA damage. A blood test can determine if you have high levels of metal debris in your system.
Metal-on-metal total hip replacements now account for more than one third of all hip replacements in the United States. However, metal-on-metal devices have a failure rate that is three times higher than traditional hip implants. In fact, many of these devices have been recalled by the FDA and pose ongoing health concerns for patients.
Harris Lowry Manton has a proven track record with medical product liability claims. If you feel that you or a family member have experienced problems due to a metal-on-metal hip replacement, the lawyers at HLM are available to discuss the matter with you. Contact ustoday to discuss your legal options. All information is kept strictly confidential, and the consultation is free.
RELATED MEDIA:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/04/us-biomet-settlement-idUSBREA1305Y20140204
http://www.ibtimes.com/johnson-johnson-settle-hip-replacement-lawsuits-4-billion-1467730
http://injurylawyer-news.com/2014/02/56-million-biomet-hip-settlement/
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