Metal-on-Metal Hip Replacement Litigation

Litigation surrounding metal-on-metal hip replacements continues as more and more patients with the DePuy ASR and certain DePuy Pinnacle, Stryker Rejuvenate and Stryker ABG II, Wright Profemur-Z hip system, and the Zimmer Durom Cup all-metal implants experience negative reactions, including inflammation, groin pain, dead tissue, and bone loss, and require revision surgery to replace the implant entirely. These symptoms are the result of chromium or cobalt being released from the implant as the ball and socket rub against each other during use.

As a result of the high rate of failure and negative patient outcomes among these metal-on-metal hip replacements (up to 43%), manufacturers have initiated voluntary recalls, taken some models off of the market, or indefinitely suspended the sale of the implants. Aside from the manufacturers, governmental agencies have continued to assess the threat posed by these implants, and Great Britain’s National Health Service recently announced a ban.

While litigation continues, many metal-on-metal hip replacement lawsuits have already been settled, totaling billions of dollars for injured claimants.

In April 2017, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation issued an order consolidating all Stryker LFIT V40 cases filed in federal court. This often is the first step in a lengthy process that could eventually result in mass settlements for injured claimants. To read the Order, Click Here.

Additionally, there has been a global settlement involving the Stryker Rejuvenate and ABG II Modular Hip Systems. In 2014, Stryker agreed to a global settlement program (estimated at $1.4 billion) for those who had a recalled Rejuvenate or ABG II implant and who had revision surgery prior to November 3, 2014. The minimum award of $300,000 to most victims is said to be the largest ever in failed hip replacement litigation and comes with few reductions. Qualified victims are also entitled to potential future compensation, even if their case is settled. This global settlement does not prevent individuals with recalled Stryker hip implants from pursuing their own litigation if they do not wish to settle or if they have not yet had a revision surgery.

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If you have received a metal-on-metal hip replacement and have experienced any negative symptoms, you may be entitled to a settlement. Please Contact Us for a free consultation to discuss your rights.