Can I Sue Over My Metal-on-Metal Hip Injury?
Metal-on-metal hip replacements were intended to be more durable than ceramic or plastic replacements, but many people have found the opposite. Metal hip replacements have caused serious injuries in patients, leading to product recalls of popular hip implants.
If you’ve been injured by a metal-on-metal hip replacement, you should consider taking legal action. Discuss your injury with a personal injury lawyer to determine the best course of action to recoup compensation for your injury.
Lawsuits Against Major Manufacturers
Five major manufacturers of metal hip implants are involved in lawsuits. The most notable is Johnson & Johnson’s DePuy unit who spent $800 million on a recall, and paid $2.5 billion to settle 2,500 claims. Thousands of lawsuits are still pending in court alleging that the product had a faulty design which required patients to need a new implant and revision surgery.
The major defect with the product is that friction between the metal ball and socket causes the implant to wear down quickly. As the metal hip deteriorates, metal particles are released into the bloodstream causing metallosis.
The majority of patients who have received a defective metal hip will have to undergo hip revision surgery, a procedure during which the metal hip is removed and replaced.
Metal-on-Metal Legal Options
If you’ve been injured by a metal-on-metal hip implant, you might consider joining a recall. However if your metal hip has been recalled, you should know that participating in a product recall is not your only option and you might not receive compensation for all of your expenses. Another option is to file a lawsuit against the device manufacturer. Contact a personal injury lawyer at Rainwater, Holt & Sexton to review your situation and the best course of action to receive compensation for expenses, loss wages and pain and suffering.
