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Did you or a loved one receive a hip implant
between 2006 and 2015?
Smith & Nephew Hip Replacement Lawsuits and Settlements
Tennessee defective medical device lawyers advise hip implant patients
on what to do if your artificial hip was recalled
In the last few years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued urgent recalls on defective metal-on-metal hip replacement devices from several leading manufacturers — including Stryker, DePuy (a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson), Zimmer Biomet, and Wright. One of the most recent recalls was issued against a British company headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee: Smith & Nephew.
On June 1, 2012, Smith & Nephew recalled the metal liner component of its total hip replacement system, the R3 Acetabular System. According to the FDA, the metal liner wasn't approved for consumer use with the R3 Acetabular System. Rather, it was only approved for Smith & Nephew's hip resurfacing product, the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) System.
However, recently the BHR system, a commonly used metal-on-metal hip implant, has also been the focus of a number of lawsuits brought by patients who have experienced dislocation, pain, and total device failure. On top of that, the BHR metal-on-metal implants have been shown to rub together, causing fracturing or chipping that releases toxic metallic particles into the body. This can lead to chronic metal poisoning (known as “metallosis”) resulting in severe pain and additional corrective surgery.
Since 2012, it's estimated that at least 7,700 patients have been affected by defective Smith & Nephew hip implant. More than 130 of those lawsuits have been combined in a major federal litigation. Many more lawsuits are expected to be filed in the coming months and years.
Video courtesy of Consumer Reports
Did you or a loved one receive a faulty metal-on-metal hip implant?
Gilreath & Associates helps patients recover financially from defective hip replacements manufactured by Smith & Nephew
and other medical device makers by fighting to secure the compensation they are owed.
Complete the form below or call our attorneys today for a free consultation.
Are You Eligible for Defective Hip Implant Compensation?
From law offices in Nashville, Knoxville, and Memphis, our experienced Tennessee attorneys, led by nationally recognized attorney Sid Gilreath, provide honest and knowledgeable legal counsel to those who are affected in Tennessee and throughout the Southeast. We're ready to help you if you've been injured by a defective medical device.
S&N annual reports show the company set aside $203 million for lawsuits it expects to be filed against them. If you or a loved one have received a hip implant or undergone resurfacing surgery, which as since resulted in symptoms related to displacement, fracturing, metallosis, or other health concerns, you should first consult with your doctor immediately. Then, contact our law firm as soon as possible. We're prepared to fight to get you the full settlement amount you're owed.
- Sid Gilreath, Founder of Gilreath & Associates
Smith & Nephew Hip Recall FAQs
In total, five Smith & Nephew models have been recalled or reported serious problems such as loosening, metallosis, and other complications requiring revision surgery. Since 2012, the following products have been the subject of individual lawsuits:
- Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) System
- R3 Acetabular System (4,000 devices recalled)
- Modular SMF
- Redapt Revision Femoral System (2,000 devices recalled)
- Emperion Hip System
According to lawsuits against Smith & Nephew that have already been filed, the device's faulty design led to serious problems experienced by hip replacement patients. The implants were metal-on-metal, meaning a metal ball is inserted into a metal socket to replace a person's bad hip joint.
However, recent research has uncovered that the constant friction caused by these two metal components rubbing against each other leads to rapid system failure and wear. In addition, miniscule toxic metal particles are released into the patient's body, causing further complications and metal poisoning.
Furthermore, plaintiffs are claiming that S&N, who designed this defective device, knew (or reasonably should have known) about the defect but failed to warn the public about these risks.
Litigation against Smith & Nephew is in the very early stages and lawsuits are still being filed. While it's impossible to calculate the average settlement amount or tell you exactly how much your case is worth, we can tell you that so far the top settlement disclosed has been $28.9 million.
Disputes over defective medical devices are typically handled through individual lawsuits rather than class action lawsuits. However, if enough people file lawsuits over the same problem, their attorneys sometimes combine the cases into a multidistrict litigation (MDL).
Just because you had a Smith & Nephew device implanted doesn't guarantee you to a settlement. You must be able to prove that you or a loved one suffered direct injury as a result of the implant. This injury can be physical, financial or emotional.
First, consult your doctor to take the necessary steps for your general health and well-being. Revision surgery may be required.
Only after your immediate medical needs are met should you contact a lawyer near you who specializes in defective medical devices and faulty hip implants. These types of cases are especially challenging and complicated, so hiring an attorney with the right knowledge, background, and experience is highly recommended.
At Gilreath & Associates, we are now offering free consultations to victims of a defective hip implant. Contact us as soon as possible to discuss your case before it expires.
More Hip Replacement Information
Visit our blog and Tennessee Personal Injury Guide for more information.
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