DePuy Hip Settlements

Over 93,000 people have received one of the hip implants that are part of the 2010 DePuy hip recall. The ASRs were originally designed to last fifteen years. Unfortunately, many patients have reported several complications, some of which have required invasive revision surgery to remove the artificial joint. These problems have spurred many recipients to learn about their legal options. If you have been affected please contact us for a free consultation from one of our DePuy hip settlements lawyers.

Many of the people who are suffering from problems stemming from a defective ASR have wondered whether there will be a DePuy class action lawsuit. The likelihood is minimal. Below, you’ll learn the reasons as well as why a mass action DePuy lawsuit is more appropriate for addressing ASR side effects.

The Problem With A DePuy Class Action Lawsuit

A class action is appropriate when every person for whom the lawsuit is filed has been harmed or affected in the same way. An example is when an internet service provider is accused of overcharging their entire customer base; each customer has been affected similarly. One of the main advantages to filing a class action is that such cases are more economical than those filed individually. However, there is unlikely to be a DePuy class action lawsuit. Here’s why:

A class action is inappropriate when the victims have been injured in different ways, and in dissimilar circumstances. This is the case with the hip replacement systems. They have caused a host of complications that have affected recipients differently. Though a large number of people have been injured by the same defective products, their injuries are varied. Consequently, they cannot be treated equally since doing so may lead to unfair compensation for some. The following side effects will demonstrate the reason.

Known Hip Replacement Side Effects

Many patients have complained of severe pain in their hips, groin, and thigh near the site of implantation. The pain can be caused by a number of issues. For example, it is believed that a serious design flaw exists with the acetabular component (i.e. cup) of the hip implants. This flaw causes excess friction between the cup and artificial ball whenever the patient moves her hip. The friction causes tiny metal particles to flake off into the bloodstream and surrounding tissue. As a result, the tissue becomes inflamed, leading to pain and swelling.

Another problem is that the hip joint has been known to loosen within the acetabulum (i.e. the hip socket). The cup loses its grip with the socket, and begins to move within it. This can lead to painful bone fractures that weaken the integrity of the surrounding bone structure. In some cases, the ASRs have dislocated, causing the patient extreme pain and impairing her mobility.

If these problems occur, the ASR must be removed and replaced. Unfortunately, the defective hip implant can cause significant weakening in the bone structure of the acetabulum. This is the reason revision surgery is usually less successful than the initial procedure; the bone provides less security for the replacement unit.

When A Mass Action Lawsuit Makes Sense

A mass action lawsuit is similar to a class action. A large group of people that have been injured by the same defective product can file under a single attorney or a group of collaborating attorneys. Resources and details stemming from the investigation can be shared and leveraged for the group.

Mass actions are also similar to individual lawsuits. Each person in the group may suffer from one or more complications, such as metal poisoning, bone fractures, and dislocation of the hip joint. The cases are treated individually since each poses a unique set of circumstances. This helps to ensure each person in the group receives fair compensation. Given the side effects associated with the DePuy hip implants, this may be an appropriate approach.

Ultimately, DePuy Orthopaedics should be held accountable for any injuries caused by their defective hip implants. If you have received an ASR implant, and suffer from hip pain, bone fractures, or other serious side effects, learn more about your legal rights. Contact our DePuy hip settlements lawyers to discuss your case.