North Chicago & St. Louis Injury Updates
Many Illinois residents undergo major surgical procedures without any issues. Although there is some risk involved in any invasive procedure, very few people expect to suffer metal poisoning and other serious medical conditions. A Pennsylvania woman suffered that fate after a metal hip implant became defective and caused metal particles to enter her body, causing pain.
The allegedly defective products in question were ASR Acetabular system hip replacement devices manufactured by DePuy. The woman received the implant in 2007 and just under six years later – in February 2013 – began to experience pain in her right leg. Lab work showed that her cobalt and chromium levels were high.
Several months later, the levels increased much more and the hip was starting to hurt. The woman scheduled a second surgery to fix the hip.
The woman recently filed a lawsuit claiming that the defendants, DePuy Orthopedics and Johnson & Johnson, were aware that the hip implant was defective and unsafe. The woman accuses the companies of not thoroughly testing the product before marketing it to consumers.
DePuy, however, maintains that the ASR and ASR XL Acetabular Systems are superior in quality to other brands on the market. It was created to be a high performance hip replacement for those who are physically active and the research and testing did not show any problems with efficacy or safety.
The lawsuit accuses DePuy and Johnson & Johnson of negligence, breach of warranty and strict liability. The woman seeks compensation for medical bills, lost wages, disfigurement, embarrassment, scarring, loss of enjoyment of life and pain and suffering.
Manufacturers have a duty to keep consumers safe. Those injured by a faulty hip implant or other medical device may have legal options. A consultation with a legal professional can determine if damages can be claimed and recovered by the manufacturer or other liable party.
Source:
The Pennsylvania Record, “DePuy, J&J named in defective artificial hip products liability complaint” Jon Campisi, Nov. 20, 2013