Metal Hip Implants Continue To Cause Injuries

Metal Hip Implants Continue To Cause Injuries

Metal on metal hip implants are once again in the news; the devices have a long history of failure, but the recent mass failure of one brand, produced by DePuy Orthopedics—a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson—has resulted in medical disasters, and litigation. Ten thousand lawsuits are lined up over the ASR (Articular Surface Replacement) hip implant manufactured by DePuy; the implants were pulled from the market in mid-2010, in a massive recall.

When metal implants fail, at a minimum they stop working and require replacement; usually, they cause physical harm, caused by the release of metal ions from the deteriorating, ruptured metal device. The New York Times revealed Johnson & Johnson’s internal review, which confirmed that 40% of the metal on metal hip implants would fail within five years of surgical implantation. Acceptable failure rates fall between 1% within a year and 5% within five years; DePuy’s products were 800% more risky than regular implants. Most hip implants should work and stay intact for fifteen years, say medical experts.

The first legal case around the hip implants has gone to court in Los Angeles, and with this trial, internal documents from Johnson & Johnson (which the company hid from public scrutiny) have been released, revealing the extent to which the company was willing to put profits ahead of safety. They actively defended DePuy’s product, while their own surgical consultants where decrying it. And, even though the hip implants were recalled more than two years ago, many more people still have them in their bodies (93,000 were implanted worldwide), and more lawsuits will certainly follow.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product, contact 844 See Mike, at 312-224-4695 for a free consultation. We are a Chicago personal injury law firm representing individuals and families who have suffered an injury or loss due to an accident. 844 See Mike, will handle your personal injury case quickly, will advise you every step of the way, and will not hesitate to go to trial for you.

Lastly, 844 See Mike, does not get paid attorney’s fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. Therefore, you have nothing to risk when you hire us–just the opportunity to seek justice.