Find Out If You Have a Hip Implant Lawsuit
Thousands of hip replacements are performed every year in the United States alone, allowing patients to regain mobility and motor function. Hip replacement surgery is common, particularly in the older adult community, so the introduction of metal implants, more durable than their ceramic and plastic counterparts, was seen as a positive innovation to get people back on their feet faster and more effectively. However, they have also been found to cause numerous medical complications that can have serious and painful consequences.
The Dangers of Defective Hip Implants
Not long after metal-on-metal hip implants were being widely implemented in hip replacement surgeries, several negative health outcomes started to be reported. The most alarming issues stem from the fact that metal particles can become dislodged by the friction of the moving joint, and the metal debris is then released into the body.
Patients have developed adverse reactions in response to the metal, including painful swelling or blood poisoning. Over time, particulates accumulate in the bone and tissue, eventually causing the implant to become loose, which is extremely painful, and may necessitate corrective surgery. The dislodged particulates have also caused issues with multiple organs, including the thyroid, heart, and nervous system.
Recovering the Compensation You Deserve
Anyone who has experienced a significant medical setback as the result of a defective hip implant knows that these events are as costly as they are painful. Medical bills for corrective surgery and subsequent treatments are expensive, but are only the beginning. A defective implant means time spent off your feet and away from work or your daily activities, often leading to lost income and severely reduced quality of life.
If you or a loved one has suffered negative health outcomes following a metal-on-metal hip replacement, then you may be entitled to monetary compensation. Thousands of lawsuits have been filed against hip replacement companies such as DePuy, Stryker, and Biomet. In 2010, DePuy recalled some of their products and set up a system by which to compensate affected patients for associated medical costs. Companies that have produced defective products must be held accountable – and should not get off easily by paying the least amount possible to those they have injured. If your situation is related a recalled hip implant, you should still consult with an attorney at Crowe Arnold & Majors, LLP to find out if you are eligible to recover additional monetary damages.
Exploring Your Legal Options
If you think you may have grounds for a personal injury claim based on a defective medical product such as a hip implant, time is of the essence. The state of Texas places a two-year statute of limitations on all defective product personal injury cases, and it is imperative that you don’t miss that window of opportunity. Timely legal action means connecting with a powerful product liability attorney at once. Gaining legal representation from the right attorney sooner rather than later will allow you to explore your options for joining a mass tort or class action lawsuit. If others are filing claims similar to yours, filing together could improve your odds of receiving equitable compensation.
To talk with a Dallas product liability lawyer with your best interests in mind, contact Crowe Arnold & Majors, LLP today at (214) 231-0555.
