Could the Depuy Hip Settlement Affect Stryker Hip Lawsuits?

Amid news of a possible mass settlement of DePuy ASR lawsuits across the country, Stryker hip recall attorneys are keeping an eye on pending Stryker Rejuvenate and ABG II claims and settlements. While DePuy may consider settling their lawsuits at one time, attorneys speculate as to whether Stryker will follow in the same footsteps.
Stryker Hip Lawsuit Settlement
According to sources, DePuy has been considering settling over 11,000 claims for their allegedly defective ASR systems for a blanket $3 billion. While there is no current talk of settlements for Stryker’s recalled metal-on-metal hip replacement devices, roughly 300 hip recall lawsuits were consolidated in federal court in Minnesota in June 2013.
Stryker lawsuit attorneys question whether the company will take a cue from DePuy and look toward settling all of its own hip recall lawsuits at once rather than take its chances in individual courts, one case at a time. While there is no concrete way to know the outcome of pending Stryker settlements or future DePuy settlements, attorneys across the country are carefully watching both cases.
Plaintiffs are alleging serious and life-threatening complications and question the method by which the products made their way onto the market. According to court records, the manufacturer submitted the devices through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) 510(k) process which allows products to be placed on the market as long as the manufacturer can show that they are similar in design and function to those already approved by the FDA. Unfortunately, according to plaintiffs, this system is a severe flaw as it allows potentially dangerous devices to be sold, and many issues are not discovered until after patients receive the implants.
About the Stryker Hip Recall
The metal-on-metal hip implants were designed to allow physicians to correct specific aspects of anatomy. The manufacturer notes a personalized fit for patients when compared to other similar products on the market. Despite the high risks that come with hip implants, many patients feel that these devices are the only solution to regain a normal, mobile quality of life.
In April 2012, the manufacturer warned healthcare facilities and the medical community of the danger of metal poisoning and, three months later, the manufacturer reported a worldwide, voluntary recall of their Rejuvenate and ABG II modular neck stems. The company cited data that demonstrated a high possibility of rubbing and corrosion of the implant, causing patients to experience pain and increased swelling.
Allegations from plaintiffs filing Stryker hip lawsuits include metal poisoning. Also known as “metallosis,” the condition occurs when metal shards or debris from the friction between the metal components of the implant break off and accumulate in the patient’s bloodstream.
According to current Stryker hip lawsuit claims, plaintiffs allege other complications including:
- Necrosis
- Hypothyroidism
- Osteolysis
- Infection
- Loosening of the implant
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Myosistis ossification or bone growth around the joint
Most patients receiving these implants are elderly and may be at a greater risk for suffering from implant failures or complications. Unfortunately, while revision surgery is almost always necessary, the procedure is not guaranteed to fix or heal the patient.
There is Still Time to File Your Stryker Hip Lawsuit
If you have been injured due to the Stryker hip implant and have concerns about filing a Stryker hip lawsuit or questions about the hip recall, the American Injury Attorney Group are here to assist you. We will provide you with a free consultation and help you to determine if you have a claim. Should we feel that you have a valid Stryker hip lawsuit, we will connect you to affiliated attorneys experienced with the hip recall, and who can handle your case.
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