Our law firm is currently handling lawsuits on behalf of patients who have undergone metal-on-metal hip replacement surgeries. Lawsuits allege that metal-on-metal implants may cause a complication known as metallosis, which is a form of metal poisoning that occurs when metal components emit microscopic particles throughout the body.
Hip replacement is a popular surgery for people who have experienced joint damage or fractures. However, complications resulting from defective hip implants are not uncommon. In particular, metal-on-metal implants, which consist of a metal ball mounted on the thighbone that turns within a metal socket, have led to thousands of lawsuits against several hip replacement manufacturers.
Some hip implant manufacturers have already settled thousands of lawsuits related to injuries from metal-on-metal hip replacements. Most of these lawsuits have been consolidated in a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) in several districts. These manufacturers include DePuy (a division of Johnson & Johnson), Smith & Nephew, Stryker, and Zimmer Biomet. In 2018, Johnson & Johnson agreed to settle thousands of claims for over $400 million to compensate victims for defective artificial hips.
Metal-on-metal hip replacement devices can loosen and cause metallosis, pseudotumor, destruction of the bone, tissue, and muscle, pain, swelling, and dislocation. These conditions may require the patient to undergo revision surgery. Metallosis occurs when metal components rub against each other when the patient moves his leg. The movement produces friction that causes small particles of cobalt and chromium to enter into the bloodstream. This may lead to metal poisoning, which can damage nerves, bones, and muscles in the hip area. The metals emitted into the bloodstream may also damage other organs including the brain, heart, and kidneys.
The Lake Law Firm was founded by Edward J. Lake, Esq., a personal injury lawyer for over 25 years. Our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to seeking justice on behalf of those who have suffered injury or death due to the negligence of others. Our experienced attorneys handle many different types of pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, and other defective products. The lawyers in our firm have helped collect millions of dollars for their clients. The Lake Law Firm will advocate for you and your rights. Please contact us for a free confidential case evaluation at (888) 274-0139 or submit an inquiry on this page.
Several manufacturers have recalled metal-on-metal hip implants over the last decade. The first implant to be recalled was the DePuy ASR XL Acetabular System in 2010. The FDA received hundreds of complaints since 2008 from patients who reported adverse symptoms within the first five years of receiving the ASR implant. Approximately 13% of patients with the ASR hip implant underwent revision surgery to remove the implant. Other recent major recalls include Smith & Nephew’s R3 Metal Liners of the R3 Acetabular System and Zimmer Durom’s Acetabular Component.
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