Defective Hip Replacement Lawyer

Hip Replacement Lawsuit

Hip replacement surgery involves removing a bad hip joint and replacing it with an artificial joint. Anyone might need this surgery at some point in their lives, and you are not an exception. The findings from many studies show that a high percentage of people who need to undergo this surgery are either suffering from arthritis or are over 55 years old.

You are a candidate for hip replacement surgery:

• If the area around your hip joint is swollen
• If you occasionally experience stiffness at your hip joint
• If your hip joint bones are touching
• If you feel pain after or during activities

Unfortunately, not all hip and knee replacement surgeries are conducted successfully. Medical device complications do arise from time to time, some of which result in illnesses, injuries, pains, and even deformities. If you are a victim of such a mishap, you may sue the manufacturer of the medical device you received to recoup compensation for your losses in a hip replacement lawsuit. If your hip implant was manufactured by Exactech, DePuy, Stryker, or Zimmer, you should consult with your physician. Any discomfort or pain you are experiencing may be the result of a defective medical device.

If you think you might have a claim for compensation due to receiving a defective hip implant, the experienced New York hip replacement attorneys at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP can help you pursue the compensation to which you are entitled. Call us today to schedule a free consultation and see if you qualify for a hip replacement lawsuit.

Risks Associated With Hip Replacement Surgeries

Any  hip replacement surgery comes with an element of risk, even when it is carried out by a qualified and experienced surgeon. If the surgeon injures you by mistake or negligence, or if the medical device you receive is defective, your life will turn upside down. Here are some possible injuries you may face after hip replacement surgery:

• Leg Lengths Difference: While undergoing hip implant surgery, the muscles in your pelvic area will contract. This can change the length of your leg.
• Loosening of the implant: The hip implant may become loose after some months or years. This can cause lots of pain and discomfort. A second surgery may be necessary to correct this problem.
• Nerve Damage: Nerve damage may occur during surgery, more specifically if the surgery is done by an inexperienced surgeon.
• Blood Clots: After you have undergone hip bone replacement surgery, some blood may clot in your veins. If the clotted blood moves to your brain, lungs, or heart, it can be deadly.
• Dislocation: A dislocation happens when the joint is not fixed well and the prosthetic ball pops out of the socket. Dislocation is painful. However, it does not require a second surgery to correct it. You will just need a medical expert to put your hip back in its proper place.
• Infection: The deep tissue around the incision or implant is at risk of getting infected. This can happen during or after the surgery.
• Fracture: Fracture is likely to occur in your hip joint during hip replacement surgery. It may also occur when you slip and fall after the surgery. A fracture can be fitted using bone grafts, wires, screws, or metal plates.

Risks Associated With Defective Components

Defective medical components are a potential risk in so far as hip replacement surgery is concerned. Some issues you may face as a result of defective components include;

• Osteolysis: Osteolysis refers to the progressive destruction of the bone tissues around the implant. The implant can cause the tissues to lose calcium and become weak and soft.
• Metallosis: Metallosis is a situation in which metal debris finds its way into the bloodstream causing poisoning (metallosis). It occurs when metal components in the implant rub against each other.

Hip Replacement Device Recalls

If manufacturers discover that one or more of their devices already in the market are defective, they may decide to remove it from the market voluntarily. In some cases, it is the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) that moves in to direct the removal of the defective devices from the market on the manufacturers’ behalf. When the FDA does so, then the withdrawal becomes mandatory and not voluntary. Many manufacturers have been forced to recall their devices.

The companies that have recalled their hip replacement devices include:

• DePuy ASR Acetabular & Resurfacing System
• Stryker Rejuvenate and ABG II Hip Recall
• Smith & Nephew R3 Acetabular Hip Systems
• Zimmer Durom Cup
• Exactech Novation Crown Cup

Ongoing Lawsuits Associated With Hip Replacement Device Manufacturers

To date, there are over 29,000 lawsuits associated with hip replacement devices that have been brought before the courts of law. The companies that are currently facing charges include DePuy, Smith & Nephew, Stryker, Rejuvenate, LFIT, Zimmer, Versys, and Exactech.

How to Tell if Your Hip Implant is Defective

Generally, a hip implant should last for 10 to 20 years before needing a replacement. But there are chances that your implant may not last long, depending on how it was fixed and the activities in which you involve yourself after replacement. If your implant is defective, you need to undergo corrective surgery as soon as possible. Here are some indicators that your implant is defective.

• Pain in the hip: If you feel a lot of pain in your hips, it could be because the implant has become defective.
• Difficulty in standing or walking: If you have a defective implant, you will find it difficult to walk or stand. If some activities cause pain in your hip, it could mean your implant is defective.
• Your hip produces a weird sound: If you are walking or getting up from a sitting position or when sitting down and you hear some clicking or squeaking sounds from your hip, seek medical advice. Your implant could be defective.

Metal Poisoning

As explained earlier, meal poisoning occurs when bits of metal get into your bloodstream. To know whether you are suffering from metal poisoning, check the following symptoms.

• Bone loss
• Your blood has a high metal ion concentration
• Memory problems/impaired cognition
• Color-blindness
• Blurred vision
• Metallic taste in the mouth, moreso at dawn
• Vulnerability to infection
• Joint stiffness
• Fractures
• Decreased mobility
• Inflammation

If your doctor can determine that the cause of the above problem in your case results from a defective hip implant, then you can sue the manufacturing company and get compensation for your losses, but you will need an experienced personal injury lawyer in New York by your side to ensure your legal rights are protected during the process.

Contact Our Compassionate New York Hip Replacement Lawyers

If your hip replacement is defective, or has been subject to a recall, you are likely in a lot of pain. You should not have to suffer through steep medical bills, time off work and lost wages during recovery, as well as physical and emotional pain and suffering all on your own. Speak with an experienced New York hip replacement attorney at Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP today for help pursuing the compensation you deserve for your losses.  Call to schedule your free consultation and see if you qualify for a hip replacement lawsuit.