Hip implant failure is a significant problem for patients. The market for hip implants is increasing by leaps and bounds as baby boomers age. The rise in obesity rates has also led to more people needing replacement hip joints as being overweight puts more stress on the hips and makes it more likely that problems will develop. Unfortunately, even as the number of people getting hip implants has risen, the quality of the replacement joints remains a cause for concern.
Hip implant failures are common, with metal-on-metal products having a very high risk of complications and problems within the first five years after the procedure is performed. If you or a loved one has undergone a replacement hip procedure or a hip resurfacing and you are experiencing complications, you need to consult with an experienced legal professional. A St. Louis hip implant failures lawyer at Carey, Danis & Lowe can represent you.
Hip Implant Failures a Serious Risk
According to WFAA, a hip replacement operation costs anywhere from $15,000 to $60,000. The hardware for the replacement hip may cost just $350 to manufacture but the selling price of the hip replacement joint products can total as much as $6,000.
Despite the markup and the fact that patients spend a considerable amount of money and go through a lengthy recovery process, there is no guarantee offered by manufacturers of replacement hips. As a result, if a hip implant fails, the patient, the patient’s insurer or Medicare ends up on the hook for additional surgeries to remove the defective hip implant and replace it.
Hip implant failures are not uncommon either. A subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson called DePuy has already paid $2.5 billion to settle claims arising from defective metal-on-metal hip implants. There are thousands more pending cases against several major manufacturers of hip implant products. In each of the claims, plaintiffs are seeking compensation for hip implant failures that have caused them considerable pain and expense.
Manufacturers of hip implants can be held responsible for hip implant failures if it can be demonstrated that the product did not work as promised and the patient was harmed as a result. If the manufacturers failed to warn patients of the risks, this is also grounds for liability. In the DePuy cases, accusations have been made that Johnson & Johnson was aware of the high potential for failure and did not inform the public.
The vast majority of people who undergo a hip replacement are unaware of the type of replacement joint that they have and those who responded to a WFAA survey indicated that they assumed hip implant failures would be covered by a warranty. The fact that they are not covered has left patients with no other recourse but to turn to the courts to obtain compensation.
Hip implant failures not only necessitate additional surgeries and a replacement device but can also cause serious complications. Pseudo-tumors may form and patients may experience metal toxicity as the metal-on-metal parts of the hip rub against each other. When these hip implant failures occur, patients need to understand their legal rights.
Carey, Danis & Lowe represents clients throughout St. Louis and the surrounding area after hip implant failures. Call or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can represent you.
