Millions Recovered in Hip Replacement Lawsuits
DePuy hip replacement devices—the ASR and Pinnacle hip components, specifically—have been the subject of tumultuous litigation since 2010. These two hip devices are considered metal-on-metal component products, which means that the device design places at least two metal hip parts next to each other in the body.
This metal-on-metal placement has the capacity to result in metal-on-metal wear from the two device parts rubbing together in the body. The metal-on-metal wear releases metal ions into the body, causing metallosis and triggering pseudotumor (abnormal fluid and tissue formation) buildup around the hip. The impact of metallosis on the body can be monumental. Not only does metallosis have the capacity to cause adverse local tissue reaction and pain, but it also can severely damage the tissue and muscle around the hip area, making it difficult to ever have a functioning hip again. Goldenberg Lauricella, PLLC is well-versed in hip replacement litigation and mass tort cases. With over 30 years of experience in defective medical device lawsuits, we have the knowledge to help you explore your legal options during this trying time. You shouldn’t be staying up all night worrying about these issues. Leave the sleepless nights to us.
Contact us online or by phone at (800) 903-1643 to schedule a free consultation with one of our Minneapolis DePuy hip replacement lawyers.
DePuy Hip Replacement Fast Facts
DePuy Pinnacle Hip Systems
DePuy Pinnacle hip devices were released onto the U.S. market in 2002. The Pinnacle hip device is made up of the acetabular components of an artificial hip piece; a cup, liner, and ball. These parts were designed to comprise either metal-on-metal components or metal-on-polyethylene components. If metal-on-metal components were implanted, that is a metal head, liner, and cup, these pieces had the potential for metal-on-metal wear in the body, causing dangerous metal ion release, metallosis, pseudotumor formation, and need to revision surgery.
DePuy ASR Hip Replacements
The DePuy ASR hip system, like the Pinnacle hip system, is made of the acetabular components of an artificial hip joint. The ASR devices were released onto the U.S. market in 2003, but in 2010, were recalled by the company due to higher than anticipated failure rates. The device was designed with a shallow cup and a metal-on-metal articulation surface at the ball and cup juncture. Many other systems have a liner inside of the cup that can be switched out. The ASR was a monoblock system, which meant the cup stood by itself and did not hold a liner. Due to the metal-on-metal structure and the way the cup was designed, the metal wore at an even faster rate than other metal-on-metal hips.
Common Injuries Associated with DePuy Hip Replacements
The DePuy ASR and Pinnacle devices cause metal-on-metal ion release, metallosis, pseudotmumor formation, and need for revision.
The metallosis incurred from a metal-on-metal hip failure can be severe, causing damage to the tissue and muscle around the hip, resulting in permanent issues that include:
- Serious pain
- Necrosis (death) of surrounding tissue
- Adverse Local Tissue Reaction
- Elevated metallic ion levels (chromium and/or cobalt) in the bloodstream (metallosis)
- Inflammation
- Loosening of the implant, with possible detachment
- Dislocation of the hip implant
- Fracture of the bone around the hip implant
- Difficulty walking
- Need for a second hip implant surgery (revision surgery)
Both the ASR and Pinnacle hip devices were manufactured by Johnson and Johnson and DePuy, Inc.
How We Can Help
DePuy Pinnacle Hip Systems
In 2010, after several incidences of failures of the Pinnacle metal-on-metal hip components, multidistrict litigation against the manufacturers of the Pinnacle hip device was generated in the Northern District of Texas. While the manufacturers of the DePuy Pinnacle hip device, DePuy and Johnson and Johnson, never recalled the Pinnacle metal-on-metal hip from the U.S. market, they stopped selling it around 2013.
There have been several trials within the multidistrict litigation against the manufacturers of the Pinnacle hip. All, but one of those trials resulted in massive monetary verdicts against the companies, where juries held the manufacturers responsible for the injuries sustained to the plaintiffs.
While a global settlement has not been achieved to compensate victims of this hip device, more trials are scheduled to occur within the multidistrict litigation. Goldenberg Lauricella, PLLC is currently accepting Pinnacle metal-on-metal hip failure cases. If you have been implanted with a metal-on-metal Pinnacle hip that had to be removed for metal-on-metal wear, please contact our office to learn more about your potential claim.
DePuy ASR Hip Replacements
In 2010, a multidistrict litigation was generated to hold the manufacturers of the DePuy ASR implants responsible for the injuries caused. This multidistrict litigation is ongoing in the Northern District of Ohio. Since 2010, there have been several trials and, ultimately, a global settlement was reached to compensate thousands of victims of this product failure. Goldenberg Lauricella is currently accepting ASR hip failure cases. If you have been implanted with a metal-on-metal ASR hip that had to be removed for metal-on-metal wear, please contact our DePuy hip replacement lawsuit lawyers in Minneapolis for a free consultation.
Having recovered millions for clients since 1986, we can obtain the compensation you need to pay for your damages and expenses. When it comes to DePuy hip replacements, these damages may include:
- Medical bills, such as hospital bills, costs of surgery to correct damage, medications, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages or income
- Pain and suffering
Even if you’re currently not experiencing any symptoms right now, you may have symptoms in the future. Waiting too long to seek representation may result in you losing your chance to recover compensation. If you suspect you have a DePuy hip replacement claim, call Goldenberg Lauricella, PLLC right away for a free consultation. You shouldn’t have to suffer any more than you already have—allow us to take things from here and navigate the mass tort claims process.
Call our Minnesota DePuy hip replacement attorneys at (800) 903-1643 to schedule a free consultation.