Gilreath & Associates

Sep 4, 2019

By Gilreath & Associates

hip implant lawsuit update

Close to 10 years after the Johnson & Johnson 2010 DePuy ASR recall on their defective hip implants, several hundred thousand patients are still suffering due to problems with the device.

The initial recall was voluntary for Johnson & Johnson, and was issued after several reports of perilous side effects experienced by recipients of the implant. Nearly 93,000 DePuy ASR hip implants were recalled around the world, with 40,000 of those units here in the United States.

Now, a decade later, many people still say they are experiencing side effects from the DePuy hip implant, as well as other devices made by DePuy.

According to the recent multidistrict litigation (MDL) against DePuy, some patients who were recipients of the device before the recall are only now starting to experience side effects.

Complications of the DePuy ASR hip implant

Anthony G., a plaintiff in the MDL case, received the implant in his right hip in March 2010. After the surgery, Anthony said he started suffering from side effects.

When he heard about the recall of the DePuy device, he had his blood tested. The results showed that he had metallosis, which, in Anthony’s case, meant his blood contained high levels of cobalt and chromium.

Anthony says that in addition to the injuries he’s suffered as a result of the defective hip implant, he’s also suffered a loss of income due to his injuries.

Other complications experienced by recipients of the defective hip implant include:

  • Bone fractures
  • Tissue death
  • Loss of bone strength
  • Degenerative heart disease
  • Tumors
  • Dislocation of the hip

Payouts for metal-on-metal hip implant settlements

The total payout that DePuy agreed to for allegedly deceiving patients by marketing its defective hip implants was $120 million. A total of 46 attorneys general were involved in the suit to go after DePuy and Johnson & Johnson.

In 2014, Johnson & Johnson also shelled out $2.5 billion, settling thousands of lawsuits regarding their defective hip implants, which patients claimed caused them to have additional surgeries to replace or fix the DePuy devices.

If you or a loved one are experiencing side effects of a possibly defective hip implant, don’t hesitate to contact our Tennessee hip implant attorneys at Gilreath & Associates. With many years of experience in defective product and medical device lawsuits, our team will make sure you get the compensation you deserve.