Lawsuits against DePuy Orthopedics, Inc.,
DePuy Orthopedic, Inc., a subdivision of Johnson & Johnson, Inc., sold two types of hip replacement devices that are now known to be defective: the ASR XL Acetabular System and the ASR Hip Resurfacing System. Although most hip devices last 10-15 years, the failure rate of the recalled hip devices is 13% after only 5 years. This means that, of the 93,000 hip devices sold worldwide, approximately 12,000 are expected to fail. The hip devices fail as a result of component loosening, and component malalignment.
These hip devices were sold from 2003 through 2010, though they were not available in the United States until 2005. DePuy had been aware of the defect since 2007, yet failed to adequately warn doctors and patients. On August 24, 2010, DePuy issued a Recall Notice, which acknowledged the defect and DePuy’s intent to compensate patients for costs associated with the recall.
Symptoms of Defective Hip Replacement Devices
Patients with the defective hip device may experience some or all of the following symptoms: crunching or popping noises; difficulty standing and walking; limping or favoring one leg; fatigue; severe hip pain; groin or thigh pain; tissue inflammation with infection or necrosis; rash or mass in area of hip; hip dislocation; or hip fractures.
What to do if you think you have a defective Hip Replacement Device
Contact your orthopedic surgeon to determine which hip device was implanted. If you have the defective hip replacement device, a second surgery to replace the defective hip device may be necessary.
It is very important to contact an attorney if your doctor intends on replacing your hip. The most important piece of evidence is the defective hip device. Steps must be taken to ensure the preservation of the hip device as evidence. Contacting an attorney will ensure you get the full compensation that you deserve. DePuy’s recall notice acknowledged its intent to provide reimbursement to patients with the recalled device, but did not address the compensation for your injuries, including pain and suffering. To obtain full compensation for your injuries, you will need an attorney to assist you.
Our Lawyers Are Here To Fight For You
Stark & Stark has a team of attorneys that are currently reviewing cases of victims of the defective hip devices. Many lawsuits have already been filed. We are here to review the specifics of your situation. We will review your case for free and you have no obligation to proceed with a lawsuit whatsoever. Find out today from our team of experienced attorneys what your rights are and how to best protect your family.
Stark & Stark’s Mass Tort / Pharmaceutical Litigation Team pursues claims throughout the United States against manufacturers of drugs and medical devices so they are held accountable when their products are proven to be defective or cause injury to the people who use them.
If you believe you have experienced any negative side effects (severe pain, difficulty walking, hip dislocation, hip fractures) as a result of a recalled DePuy hip device, contact us today and speak to one of our attorneys for free. We can help you protect your family’s rights.
