Recalled Hip Implant: Who do I trust for legal advice?

The attorneys at Ward Black Law are representing an increasing number of individuals with recalled hip implants, especially the DePuy ASR® hip. Two products from DePuy Orthopaedics, the ASR XL Acetabular Hip Replacement and ASR Hip Resurfacing System, have caused a great deal of pain and suffering. Are you or a loved one among this population? If so, you have probably sought out your doctor’s opinion on pain management and revision surgery. While it is important to understand your options for medical treatment, it is equally valuable to know your legal rights. Doctors are qualified to address your physical needs, but only a dangerous products attorney should provide information on your rights to a lawsuit. Additionally, an attorney can discuss any compensation you deserve for lost wages, pain, suffering and expensive medical treatment.

If you are among the thousands suffering with a hip implant manufactured by DePuy®, Wright Medical®, Stryker Rejuvenate®, Biomet® or Zimmer Kinectiv®, it is crucial that you seek qualified legal assistance as soon as possible. The attorneys at Ward Black Law are experienced in this practice area and eager to share more about your rights. Here is some of what you need to know:

Background on the DePuy ASR® hip recall

When the recall was announced, DePuy estimated that roughly 40 percent of hip recipients would suffer implant failure. Since then, thousands have come forth seeking to hold the company responsible for their ASR hip implant – a faulty product consisting of a cup that’s implanted into the hip with a ball joint, connecting to the leg. These metal hip implants were designed for lifelong durability, but for many, they proved to achieve just the opposite. Because the FDA approved the device quickly, a lack of adequate testing left numerous patients with a lot of hope and a low performing product.

Potential problems

Because its design allowed metal components to slide against each other, the DePuy hip implant has been linked to a host of medical problems. Metal-on-metal corrosion often released debris into the patient’s body, causing the following side effects.

  • Irritation, inflammation and pain
  • Swelling or infection
  • Pseudo-tumors
  • Difficulty walking or sitting
  • Nerve, tissue or muscle damage

More serious than these side effects, the DePuy ASR® all-metal hip implant is also linked with a range of life-threatening health issues, including:

  • Bone fracture
  • Cobalt and chromium poisoning
  • Metallosis (metal poisoning)
  • Nerve and muscle damage
  • Hip joint dislocation
  • Loosening of the hip implant

Lawsuits across America

DePuy is currently facing thousands of lawsuits at the state and federal level. A California case settled last year sparked aggressive litigation against the company. In this case, Loren Kransky received a total of $8.34 million dollars: $338,236.12 in economic and $8 million in non-economic damages. The jury concluded that Kransky deserved the award because of medical costs, invisible injuries, emotional suffering and distress associated with the implant.

Do you have a case? Don’t be swayed by others.

Due to statutes of limitations, or state-mandated time limits, patients must seek legal guidance and file their claims in a timely manner or they lose their rights to recovery for medical costs or other losses. If you or a loved one is suffering, look to Ward Black Law for advice on your legal rights. Doctors only specialize in medical care, and may be persuaded to deter patients from taking legal action. We can review your case, explain your rights and discuss any compensation to which you may be entitled. Your initial case review is always free and confidential. Call us at (336) 333-2244 or toll-free at 1 (336) 502-6208, and get on the road to recovery today.

Author: Audrey Snyder

Audrey Snyder is an attorney supporting the firm in the areas of injury claims, including defective products, occupational diseases, and workers’ compensation. She began working with Ward Black Law late in 2017 as a contract attorney and formally joined the team in the spring of 2018.  She engages her passion for helping the defenseless and has a desire to “stand up for the little guy.”