About Depuy ASR Hip Implant Lawsuits
- The DePuy ASR hip implant, designed as a metal-on-metal system, has caused significant complications for patients, including severe pain, tissue damage, and immobility, often requiring revision surgeries that are more complex and risky than the initial procedure.
- Many lawsuits against DePuy allege that the company failed to adequately warn patients and doctors about the risks associated with the device, which can release toxic metal particles into the body, leading to long-term health problems.
- Individuals harmed by the defective hip implant can seek compensation for their medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost mobility, and other damages.
Why Hire CSS for an ASR Hip Implant Lawsuit
At Childers, Schlueter & Smith, we are experienced in handling complex product liability cases, including DePuy ASR hip implant lawsuits. Our team of skilled hip implant attorneys has a proven track record of successfully representing clients who have suffered due to defective medical devices. We provide comprehensive support throughout the entire legal process, from gathering essential medical records and preserving defective implants as evidence, to building a strong case for compensation. Our priority is to ensure that you receive the care and financial recovery you deserve, including compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and the pain and suffering you’ve endured. We aggressively pursue justice on behalf of our clients, holding large corporations like DePuy and Johnson & Johnson accountable for the harm their faulty products have caused. At CSS, we are dedicated to fighting for your rights and securing the best possible outcome for your hip implant case.
DePuy Hip Implant Complications
Johnson & Johnson subsidiary DePuy led thousands of patients with damaged hips to believe that their now-recalled ASR Hip Replacement System would improve the comfort and mobility of their hips. However, metal-on-metal devices like this one have proven to be just as harmful as a damaged hip, if not more so.
At least 12% of patients who had an ASR hip implant surgery (which appears to be in excess of 93,000 people, according to reports) have had a second surgery to fix a faulty implant. Revision surgery can be even riskier than the original surgery, and it can cost upwards of $100,000. This does not include the extensive rehab and physical therapy that will follow the hip replacement surgery.
People harmed by this defective product have a right to seek legal justice. The Depuy ASR hip implant lawyers at Childers, Schlueter & Smith are evaluating cases from across the nation. If you’ve been harmed, contact us today. Our skilled product liability attorneys may be able to help.
The metal in the implant contains the elements cobalt and chromium, which can be hazardous and even carcinogenic. Shards of this metal have been known to grind off of the ASR hip implant, damaging surrounding tissues and muscles and increasing the level of these dangerous metal ions in the body. This can cause intense leg, hip, or groin pains, and in many cases, patients have reported pain to the point of immobility.
Other problems include:
- Loose-fitting implants
- Fractures
- Implant dislocations
- Friction transfer to the acetabulum (a concave surface of the pelvis)
It was not until March 2010 — almost three years after hip failures were first reported — that DePuy informed physicians of the failures of the ASR hip replacement. Depuy finally recalled the ASR hip system in July 2010. The company acknowledged that the ASR system had a 12% failure rate and that the ASR XL Acetabular System had a 13% failure rate, though news reports suggest the company was well aware that this rate was actually far higher.
Women tend to be at a greater risk of failure than men. The recall covers 29 models of the ASR 100 and 300 Acetabular Implants in cup sizes ranging from 44mm to 70 mm. Anyone experiencing problems with their ASR hip implant should reach out to a skilled attorney right away.
Critical Questions to Ask Before Filing a Case
If you think you may have a hip implant subject to the recent DePuy recall, here are some questions you may want to ask:
What Type of Hip Implant Do You Have?
It’s best to ask your doctor exactly what type of hip implant you received. DePuy recalled their ASR XL Acetabular System and DePuy ASR Hip Resurfacing System. This recall has affected more than 93,000 patients, and you may be one of them. The exact device and model number will be detailed in your medical records or chart.
What Kinds of Signs or Symptoms Do I Look for if My Hip Implant Is Failing?
You may be having pain, difficulty walking, inflammation, or other symptoms. You may want to get X-rays, MRIs, and blood work done immediately. Your orthopedic surgeon can help you with this. Call your surgeon’s office right away.
Will I Get Some Type of Poisoning or Infection from the Metal in the Hip Implant if Something Goes Wrong?
Your doctor may order one or more blood tests to measure the level of metal particles in your body. Levels of metal may be high even without noticeable symptoms.
Is Additional Surgery Necessary?
If you have a recalled Depuy hip, the answer is likely yes. See your orthopedic surgeon to discuss your options. The only way to fix or repair a defective hip implant is with another surgery. That procedure is called revision surgery.
Are There Any Risks to Having Revision Surgery?
There are risks to having any type of surgery. This is a very painful and complicated procedure. A second hip surgery is usually lengthier, more intensive and may carry a longer recovery time.
How Long is Recovery if I Undergo Revision Surgery?
For the first hip surgery, recovery is about six months to a year. If you have experienced or suffered from hip implant failure, you may be left with a physical disability or permanent limp, even with the best available medical care and surgeon. Recovery from a revision surgery may take months or even years.
If the Blood Work is Normal and I am not Feeling any Symptoms of Pain, Do I Still Need to Have Revision Surgery?
This matter is on a case-by-case basis and is best decided by you and your doctor.
Should I Hire an Attorney?
If you or a loved one received the DePuy ASR XL Acetabular System or DePuy ASR Hip Resurfacing System and have experienced severe hip pain, additional hip surgery, or a failure of your hip replacement, contact Childers, Schlueter & Smith for a free case evaluation and consultation. Our experienced team of DePuy hip recall attorneys will work closely with you and see to it that you are compensated for your injuries.
How Can I Get Copies of My Medical Records to an Attorney?
This can be arranged with your attorney and your doctor. The medical records will become a form of evidence if any legal claim is pursued. We routinely obtain all the records for our clients and other items of evidence so our clients can focus on their treatment, care, and the healing process.
Should I Surrender My Defective Hip Implant to the Company?
You should ask your attorney about this, but our position is that you should retain the hip implant hardware yourself in a specially approved storage kit. Our office now provides these special hip implant storage kits to our clients to ensure they are adequately preserved. This is a very important decision because the hardware will become critical evidence in your claim against DePuy in the days ahead.
DePuy may claim they want to keep the hardware to run tests or for other purposes, but ultimately the decision is yours. You paid for it. It belongs to you, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. It is very likely DePuy will use any adverse findings against you in your claim if you allow them to retain your hip implant, so please carefully consider this. If you have questions about the retention of your implanted hardware, give us a call.
Contact a DePuy ASR Hip Implant Attorney
If you or someone you love have fallen victim to a failed DePuy ASR hip implant, contact Childers, Schlueter & Smith for a free case evaluation. Our DePuy ASR hip implant lawyers continue to review claims all over the country in an effort to help those affected by this dangerous product. Our experienced attorneys can work closely with you to ensure you get the care and justice you deserve.
Disclaimer: Our description of your legal rights is not intended to imply that any product is defective. That can only be determined through a case-specific investigation.
DePuy is the registered trademark of Depuy Orthopaedics and of Johnson & Johnson Company. The use of this trademark is solely for product identification and informational purposes. Depuy Orthopaedics and Johnson & Johnson Company or any of its companies are not affiliated with this website. Both companies and their recalled ASR Hip Implant products have no affiliation with Childers, Schlueter & Smith, LLC. Nothing on this site has been authorized or approved by Depuy Orthopaedics or Johnson & Johnson Company.
Frequently Asked Questions
The DePuy ASR hip implant’s metal-on-metal design can release metal particles into the body, leading to tissue damage, inflammation, and metal poisoning (metallosis). These complications often result in severe pain, immobility, and the need for revision surgery.
Signs of a failing implant include new or worsening pain, swelling, a grinding or popping sensation, redness around the implant, and difficulty bearing weight. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.
Metallosis is a condition caused by metal particles from the implant entering the bloodstream, which can lead to pain, tissue damage, and other serious health issues. Many hip implant lawsuits against DePuy are based on injuries caused by metallosis.
Medical records, blood tests showing high metal levels, and reports from your doctors are key evidence. The implant itself, if removed during revision surgery, can also serve as critical proof in your case.
Yes, even if you haven’t had revision surgery, you may still be eligible to file a lawsuit if you experienced pain, limited mobility, or other complications from the DePuy ASR hip implant.
Anyone who has suffered health issues or complications due to a faulty DePuy ASR hip implant may be eligible to file a lawsuit. Consulting with an attorney can help determine your eligibility based on your specific case.
Compensation may cover medical bills, including surgery and rehabilitation costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any permanent loss of mobility or quality of life caused by the defective implant.
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