Artificial joints have been a huge benefit to many patients. Implants replace joints that have been damaged by injury, arthritis, or other conditions. When artificial joints work as intended, they eliminate pain and restore motility for patients.
Unfortunately, there have been an alarming number of recalls and lawsuits involving artificial joints. Complaints are particularly prevalent among recipients of hip replacements. A faulty hip implant can result in significant physical and financial damages.
At the Walnut Creek, CA, law firm of Bowles & Verna, our product liability attorneys fight to hold manufacturers accountable for defective implants. We can file a defective hip replacement lawsuit to seek financial compensation for losses stemming from a faulty implant. We serve clients through the San Francisco Bay Area.
Which Implants Are Faulty?
The majority of hip replacement recalls and lawsuits involve metal-on-metal implants. Initially, these implants were marketed as stronger and more durable than other hip replacement options. However, while these types of implants grew in popularity, it became apparent that they were associated with many complications.
Metal-on-metal hip replacements seem to be more prone to becoming dislocated or coming apart. Furthermore, it was found that parts of metal-on-metal implants could chip when rubbing against one another, thus releasing microscopic amounts of metal into the body.
There are a wide range of hip replacements that have either been recalled or have been part of defective hip replacement lawsuits, including:
- Stryker LFIT V40
- Smith & Nephew BHR
- Smith & Nephew R3
- DePuy Pinnacle
- DePuy ASR
- Zimmer M/L Taper Hip Prosthesis
- Biomet M2a Magnum Hip Replacement
The above mentioned are just some of the many models of hip replacements with reported issues. Complications are not just isolated to these manufacturers, nor are they limited to metal-on-metal models. Anyone in the Bay Area who believes that they have been injured by a faulty hip implant should discuss their concerns with our product liability attorneys.
Physical Damages from Defective Hip Replacements
A hip replacement is meant to improve a person’s physical well-being, but when an implant is faulty, it can actually make things worse. Potential physical complications related to a defective hip replacement include:
- Pain
- Infection
- Metallosis (a condition that destroys bone, muscle, and tissue)
- Limited joint function
- Need for revision surgery
Financial Damages from Defective Hip Replacements
Sadly, the physical damages associated with defective hip replacements are only one area of potential loss. Patients who receive faulty implants are likely to suffer financially as well.
Most notably, patients who develop pain or other complications from a defective implant will require more medical treatment. In many cases, they even need to undergo a revision surgery to replace the faulty implant. Medical expenses add up quickly and can leave our clients struggling to keep up with other financial obligations.
As they seek treatment to address complications individuals are likely to require time off of work, which may result in diminished income. This only further magnifies the financial stress that can be associated with a defective hip replacement.
Learn More
Individuals who have received defective hip replacements deserve to be compensated for all related physical, emotional, and financial damages. If you are suffering from complications related to a faulty implant, contact us at your earliest convenience to discuss your concerns with the product liability attorneys and Bowles & Verna. You can reach our practice by calling (925) 935-3300.