Biomet and parent company, Zimmer, are paying out millions in compensation to people who suffered complications and required revision surgery after receiving a metal-on-metal hip implant. Like other metal-on-metal hip implant devices and replacement systems, the Biomet product suffers from a number of issues that may cause problems for recipients. The claimants who filed lawsuits against Biomet claim these devices are defective and forced them to undergo additional surgery to repair or replace the implant.
If you believe your metal-on-metal hip implant or replacement system caused you to suffer adverse reactions and require additional medical care, the defective medical device team at Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C., is here for you. We can explain your legal options for compensation based on the specific details of your case and work with you to recover the payout you deserve. Call us today at 800-550-0000 to schedule your complimentary consultation with a Biomet hip implant and replacement lawsuit lawyer.
What Issues Do People Report with Biomet Hip Implants?
All metal-on-metal hip implant devices have similar issues, including early failure. For patients, an early failure means they may have to undergo revision surgery to repair the device or replace it entirely. While hip implants are typically thought to last at least 20 years or more, many people report issues with their metal-on-metal implants within the first few years. Often, patients see the return of symptoms they had the replacement procedure to address, such as pain, stiffness, and inflammation. They may even begin to experience additional pain in their groin, or discomfort while rising from a seated position. Walking may become painful and difficult. They see their doctor and learn it is the implant itself causing the problem. Replacing the implant takes care of most of the issues, but they will need to undergo another hip replacement procedure. This is not a good situation, especially for those who are elderly or suffer from other health issues.
If you experience any of these symptoms and have a Biomet metal-on-metal implant, you should notify your doctor or orthopedist about your concerns. You may need revision surgery to prevent further complications. Give us a call as well, and we can help you determine if you have a viable defective medical device claim against Biomet. If so, you may be eligible for compensation for your medical costs, missed wages from the time you spent recovering, pain and suffering, and other compensatory damages.
What Do Researchers and Experts Say About Metal-On-Metal Hip Implants?
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has expressed concerns about metal-on-metal hip implants and replacement systems. This came about because of the number of adverse event reports the organization received, as well as data showing a significant number of revision surgeries were necessary within the first few years after the initial procedure.
The FDA began looking into the safety of these devices and asked manufacturers to conduct additional research and collect data about their implants. While Biomet did not issue a recall of their metal-on-metal devices, other manufacturers of similar devices discovered significant risks and did recall their implants. This includes the manufacturer Stryker, which recalled two of its hip replacement devices.
At the same time, several studies into these metal-on-metal hip devices showed they have a significantly higher failure rate than other types of hip implants. A University of Bristol study found the metal-on-metal implants had a failure rate much higher than other hip replacement options, including those made of ceramic or plastic.
A March 2012 study published in The Lancet also found significant risks associated with metal-on-metal implants. Researchers recommended doctors discontinue use of these devices and opt for implants made of other materials instead.
What Is the Current Status of the Biomet Hip Implant and Replacement Lawsuits?
In 2012, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation consolidated all federal lawsuits against Biomet regarding their metal-on-metal hip implants into a multidistrict litigation (MDL). Known as the Biomet M2A Magnum Hip Implant Products Liability Litigation (MDL 2391), the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Indiana oversaw this MDL. Biomet has its headquarters in Indiana.
In most cases, an MDL helps speed up the legal process, consolidating the discovery and pretrial proceedings in a single federal court. Then, if there are no out-of-court settlement offers at this point, the judge presiding over the case will hear several bellwether trials to allow both sides to test out their arguments and see how a judge and jury might react. Settlement offers may occur at any point in this process.
In the case of Biomet, the company made a settlement offer to pay out $56 million to those who required revision surgeries. This settlement occurred just a year before Zimmer purchased Biomet in 2015. The settlement required Biomet to create an escrow account and deposit $50 million to create a fund for claimants. In addition, the company created a $6-million fund to cover attorneys fees for injured parties.
Under this settlement agreement, those who received a Biomet metal-on-metal hip implant or replacement system and then required revision surgery at least 180 days later qualify to receive at least $200,000. Despite this settlement, Biomet continues to maintain that its hip implants did not cause significant complications.
It is important to note that these settlements do not cover people who did not require revision surgery, or who required surgery within the first 180 days after their initial implant. Some people are also ineligible due to an expired statute of limitations or another issue. We can help you understand your eligibility and pursue compensation if possible.
Contact a Biomet Hip Implant and Replacement Lawsuit Lawyer Today
If you received a metal-on-metal hip implant or hip replacement system, you may qualify to file a suit against the manufacturer. The attorneys at Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C., may be able to help you recover compensation to pay your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. If you required revision surgery to replace your Biomet implant, call us today at 800-550-0000 to schedule your free case evaluation.
