Anyone who has ever suffered through serious hip problems fully understands that there are few things more painful for someone to have to endure. Over the years, the medical science industry advanced to the point where they were able to start offering patients the opportunity to have artificial hips implanted into their bodies to alleviate this pain and other problems. These products, particularly those offered by Biomet, were an enormous success initially. Unfortunately, reports of problems began to arise and people began alleging that they were suffering as a result of defective hip implants. This led to calls around the country to a hip replacement lawyer who has helped consumers decide whether or not to file lawsuits.
Get in touch with our hip replacement attorney if you or someone you love are experiencing problems with artificial hip implants. Our mass tort lawyer at Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC offers free case consultations online, or by calling (888)640-3784.
Hip Replacement Injury Resources
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Why Hire Our Hip Replacement Lawyer?
About Artificial Hip Implants
Complications With Hip Replacements
How Our Hip Replacement Attorney Can Help
About Biomet Hip Replacement Lawsuits
What Should You Look for in a Hip Replacement Lawyer?
Statute of Limitations for a Hip Replacement Lawsuit
Speak to an Attorney Today
Why Hire a Hip Replacement Lawyer from Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC?
- Mark Shapiro has been handling tort litigation cases for over more than a decade.
- Our hip replacement attorney only specializes in mass tort litigation, giving us insight and specialized knowledge to handle your case.
- At Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC, we ensure that any negligent parties are held responsible for your injuries by pursuing the maximum possible compensation you need to make a full recovery.
About Artificial Hip Implants in General
Hip replacement surgeries, at least in modern medical terms, date back to around the 1960’s. Of course, the first artificial hip implants would be considered wholly rudimentary by today’s standards, but researchers continued to work to advance these types of medical devices. The popularity of these procedures continued to grow over time. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, more than 330,000 people in the United States had in-patient hip replacement surgery in the year 2010 alone.
While research clearly improved the quality of these hip replacement products, problems still began to arise. Generally speaking, consumers filed hip replacement lawsuits because the devices that were implanted tended to break apart and not function properly once inside the body. As many could imagine, this led to an enormous amount of pain and in most cases the need to undergo additional corrective surgeries. Some of the more prominent hip replacement lawsuits that were filed in recent years in the United States involved the following companies, among others:
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- DePuy
- Wright Medical
- Stryker
Many of these hip replacement lawsuits developed into massive individual claims and others grew in number of claims to the point where they were classified as MDLs, or multidistrict litigation matters.
What Are Potential Complications with Hip Replacements?
Hip replacement surgery is a common procedure that can significantly relieve hip joint pain and improve mobility. However, as with any surgery, there are potential complications that can arise.
Below are some of the most common issues associated with hip replacements:
- Implant Failure: Failure can occur due to wear and tear on the implant, causing it to loosen, become dislocated, or even break inside of the body.
- Infection: The surgical site can become infected, causing pain, swelling, and redness. In severe cases, the infection can spread to the bloodstream and cause life-threatening complications.
- Metal Hypersensitivity: Certain types of hip replacements have been linked to metal hypersensitivity, which can cause pain, swelling, and in some cases, the death of surrounding tissue.
- Metallosis: If you have a metal-on-metal implant, the metal particles may rub off and enter the bloodstream, leading to a painful condition called metallosis. Metallosis can cause serious health consequences and may even lead to death.
- Blood Clots: These can form in the legs and travel to the lungs, causing a potentially life-threatening condition called pulmonary embolism. An embolism can cut off blood flow and may be fatal without prompt medical attention.
- Nerve Damage: During surgery, you can suffer nerve damage, leading to temporary numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg or foot. In some cases, the nerve damage can be permanent.
How Our Hip Replacement Attorney Can Help
If you or a loved one has experienced complications following a hip replacement surgery, the consequences can be devastating. In these situations, a hip replacement attorney from Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC can provide you with the expertise and resources that you need to file a lawsuit against the implant’s manufacturer.
Our hip replacement attorneys can assist with identifying the cause of the complications, which may include implant failure, infection, metal hypersensitivity, blood clots, and nerve damage. They can assess your legal options and determine your optimal path to financial compensation, helping initiate a case against the manufacturer of the defective impact.
Additionally, our attorneys can gather and review medical records, negotiate with insurance companies and defense attorneys, and enlist the help of expert witnesses who can testify on your behalf. If your case goes to trial, your lawyer can build a compelling case for your right to compensation and advocate aggressively for a settlement that adequately pays for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more.
You have a limited amount of time to file a hip replacement lawsuit, and it is critical to obtain legal representation before the clock runs out. After experiencing hip replacement complications, schedule a consultation with a hip replacement attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer will carefully evaluate your case, explain your legal rights, and take the first steps toward holding the at-fault party accountable.
About Biomet Hip Replacement Lawsuits
Of particular concern to many consumers and artificial hip replacement lawyers these days is a hip replacement manufacturer known as Biomet. Specifically, Biomet’s M2a Magnum Hip System has been the focus of an enormous number of lawsuits around the United States. Despite being marketed as durable and dependable, this product allegedly had a tendency to have its metal components rub together inside the body. This led to friction and ultimately to metal shards being released. This led to pain, suffering and the need for corrective surgery.
In response to all of the Biomet hip replacement lawsuits that were filed, the company paid millions of dollars in settlements. To date, Biomet has paid $56 million to settle one batch of lawsuits, but more than a thousand still remain active in different court systems across the country.
What Should You Look for in a Hip Replacement Lawyer?
If you or a loved one has experienced complications following a hip replacement surgery, it is important to find a hip replacement lawyer to represent your case. Not all lawyers are equal in terms of experience, resources, and results, so it is important to do your research to find the best fit for your needs.
When choosing a hip replacement lawyer, consider the following factors:
- Experience: A lawyer with a proven track record of success in handling hip replacement cases and a deep understanding of these cases’ medical, legal, and technical aspects is essential. Your attorney should have a wealth of knowledge about the different types of hip replacements, the potential complications that can arise, and the processes for seeking compensation.
- Resources: A hip replacement lawyer should have a wealth of resources that he or she can leverage for your case, such as access to investigators and medical experts who can testify on your behalf. Look for a lawyer who has a dedicated support staff, an established network of expert witnesses, and a commitment to obtaining the best possible outcome for your case.
- Results: You want to hire a lawyer who has a proven track record of obtaining positive outcomes for his or her clients, including settlements, jury awards, and other forms of compensation. Look for a lawyer with a history of success in obtaining compensation for injured people and a commitment to seeking the best possible outcome for your case.
- Communication: It is important to work with a hip replacement lawyer who is accessible, responsive, and easy to communicate with. You should feel comfortable discussing your case with the attorney and have confidence in his or her ability to keep you informed throughout the legal process.
- Reputation: A lawyer with a strong reputation in the legal community, including positive online reviews, a good standing with professional organizations, and positive feedback from past clients, is an important factor to consider. Do your research to find a lawyer with a reputation for excellence and a commitment to helping his or her clients achieve the best possible outcome.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Hip Replacement Lawsuit?
The statute of limitations refers to the time frame within which you must file a legal claim. This time frame varies from state to state but usually falls between one and three years. It is important to be aware of the statute of limitations for your case; if you fail to file a claim in time, the court will most likely dismiss your lawsuit.
For hip replacement lawsuits, the statute of limitations clock starts running on the date that you suffered the complication or the date on which the complication was discovered. In some cases, the filing deadline may be extended due to circumstances such as a minor’s age or a delay in discovering the injury. Your deadline may also vary depending on whether the complication was caused by a product defect or medical malpractice.
If you have experienced complications from hip replacement surgery, it is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer can help you determine the statute of limitations for your case. Then, your hip replacement attorney will take the necessary steps to protect your legal rights and obtain the compensation you deserve.
Free Consultation with Our Hip Replacement Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love has been harmed by products manufactured by Biomet or anyone else, contact our hip replacement attorney at the Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC, today to schedule a free initial consultation. Call us today at (888)640-3784. Our hip replacement and Philips CPAP recall attorneys are prepared to handle defective device cases for you or someone you care about.