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Hip replacement devices are intended to improve mobility and relieve the pain of deteriorating joints, and for many people they are a medical miracle. For thousands of others, however, these dreams have become a nightmare of severe pain and permanent disability.
Wright Medical hip replacement lawsuits have been filed to claim compensation for these life-changing injuries resulting from their hip replacement technology. With approximately 450,000 hip replacements happening each year in the United States,1 Wright and other companies are being held accountable for defective products and the damage they cause.
Evidence suggests that people who have hip replacement surgery using a metal-on-metal design are more likely to experience complications.2 Metal-on-metal joint replacement devices can release metal fragments into adjoining joint tissue, causing bone loss and joint destabilization.
Issues with these devices which might be reported in Wright hip replacement lawsuits include:
While it is impossible to predict who will have an adverse reaction to their hip implant, the FDA considers some patients to be at a higher risk of having a serious systemic reaction to the device.
These are individuals who:
Many companies including Wright Medical have hip replacement recalls in place due to known issues with their metal-on-metal designs. In the span of 11 years, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has tracked more than 578 hip replacement recalls by 6 notable manufacturers.4
These companies had the most recalls:
More than 2,000 Wright hip replacement lawsuits have been filed, and many of these were consolidated in February of 2012 into Multi-District Litigation. Wright hip replacement settlements were reached in 2016 for a total of $240 million dollars, with an additional $90 million dollars for remaining claims.5
The decision to make settlement offers was partly motivated by a single patient in Georgia who was awarded $11 million in a 2015 Wright Medical hip lawsuit. Many individuals have yet to receive the Wright Medical hip settlement payments to which they are entitled.
In addition to the medical injury lawsuits, the federal government filed a suit against Wright Medical in 2007 which was settled in 2011. All in all, there are many legal complaints against the company, and many individuals who are entitled to compensation.
In addition to the thousands of lawsuits filed against Wright Medical, these other manufacturers have mounting totals as well:5
If you have had a metal-on-metal or recalled hip replacement device implanted, and have experienced some of the harmful effects of metal debris or malfunction, you may be included in one of the existing Wright hip replacement settlements. Depending on your situation, you may need to file a claim directly against the manufacturer who made the device and/or the medical professional who chose it.
The first major settlement ended in 2018, but more lawsuits are being filed as more victims are coming forward each year. Victims of faulty medical devices may be entitled to compensation for:
Recent studies are finding even higher rates of failure with Wright hip implants than were previously expected. A study of the Conserve hip replacement found nearly 1 in 5 patients using the device required revision surgery in an average of 4.5 years.6 With this number of potential victims facing hip replacement failure or complications, you should be aware of your rights regarding financial compensation.
At Saunders & Walker P.A., we have experience helping clients navigate Wright Medical hip replacement lawsuits. We will review your case for free and work on a contingency basis, meaning we get paid when you recover damages.
If you have developed complications including metallosis, fracture, or bone infections, or been told you need a complex revision surgery to replace your medical device, contact us for more information and a free case review. No one should suffer the pain and disability caused by these defective devices, and we are here to advocate for you and your family in times of crisis.
Saunders & Walker are a trusted law firm committed to helping medical implant victims across the country. Our experienced team can provide the direction and legal guidance you need, usually at no out-of-pocket cost. Call or contact us today to find out what options are available and how we can help.
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