Defective hip implant could be cause for legal claims

Auto accident victims could be entitled to compensation

We handle lots of collision scenarios that deal with short-term and long-term injuries resulting from auto and truck accidents. Most of the time, cases stem from the crash itself, but lately, we’ve been reviewing cases that develop after the fact, as in situations that involve faulty implants and defective products. That includes hip implants, the symptoms of which may not appear for years after the procedure.

You may know from the news that the The Stryker Rejuvenate/ABG II metal-on-metal hip implant has caused serious damage lately. Stryker, one of the world’s largest medical equipment manufacturers, has committed more than $2 billion to settle injury claims as it relates to the company’s frequently-used hip implant, subsequently recalled en mass. There could be more suits where that came from.

The company halted all global sales and production of the ABG II shortly after the company issued what it calls an “Urgent Field Safety Notice,” pointing out the potential health hazards like corrosion and “fretting,” an unsettling term that describes minute shards of metal leaching into muscle tissue and the bloodstream. It often requires revision surgery to correct allergic reactions, extreme discomfort and noticeable changes in mobility.

The lawsuits filed against Stryker continue to grow, even after the recall that dates back to 2012. It’s of particular significance to auto collision victims who, for lack of a better phrase, are suffering because of unfortunate timing. If you’ve been in an accident recently, one that required the implementation of the AGB II, you may be entitled to damages because of the effects of a defective product.

This recall has our office reviewing several potential cases and impending lawsuits to determine if our clients have a case. There are currently more than 500 lawsuits pending due to the Stryker recall, some of which may include clients of Levinson and Stefani who were in need of surgery in recent years.

If you happen to be one of the few whom have suffered because of this recall, you could be entitled to financial compensation. We are offering free consultations to determines if such cases are viable, and we welcome the opportunity to study aspects of your case.

Stryker recalled the AGB II nearly four years ago, later settling several cases in 2014 after complaints from numerous patients led to a massive recall. The symptoms of the defective hip are noticeable. They include prolonged pain in the hip or leg, swelling and a change in walking ability. Plaintiffs have received hundreds of thousands of dollars in settlements, and some prospective plaintiffs may be entitled to more based on the severity of their condition.

The basis for this particular case is an indication of negligence. There is clear evidence to suggest that Stryker distributed the implants despite failing to test them properly. And now Stryker is paying the price, literally and figuratively. If you believe you have experienced symptoms due to a defective implant, contact our office and we’ll review your case during a free consultation. Our objective is to hold negligent parties accountable, and we will work hard on your behalf to make sure, as best as possible, that it doesn’t happen again.