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Stryker prepared to pay out for faulty hip replacements
by Mandy Hicks
Stryker is the maker of the Rejuvenate modular hip system. Many people who have had the Stryker modular hip system implanted have had it removed and replaced, and many of those have sued Stryker to seek compensation for injuries caused by the faulty hip system.
These cases have been making their way through courts and have been combined into several large cases. Cases are pending in state courts in New Jersey, Florida and several other states, and in federal court in Minnesota. To pay those injured by the hip system, Stryker established a compensation fund of $1.45 billion. That amount could grow as cases continue to mount against Stryker. More than 8,000 people have sued Stryker seeking compensation for injuries – but time is running out.
Those who are interested in obtaining a settlement from this fund have limited time to seek compensation, and need to consult with an attorney right away. The settlement date is November 3, 2014, so patients need to show that revision surgery occurred prior to that date to participate in the compensation fund.
Stryker background
The Stryker Rejuvenate hip implant was voluntarily recalled by Stryker in June 2012. The product had been on the market since 2009. The Stryker Rejuvenate implant is a modular-neck hip system. The manufacturers told physicians that the hip implant was made from a proprietary Titanium alloy, and that patients’ bones would grow around the implant to make it work better within the body. These implants were used by physicians because they could correct defects in a patient’s anatomy and help improve the patient’s quality of life.
But there is a big problem with these hip replacements: the Rejuvenate hip system could be subject to fretting and corrosion at the modular neck joint. Additionally, the implants could cause ALTR – adverse local tissue reactions – as well as pain and swelling around the joint. All of these conditions negatively affect a patient’s quality of life.
It’s important for patients who have had a hip implant to be sure that the hip implant is functioning correctly and is not harmful. Stryker even publicly stated that all patients who received one of its Rejuvenate or ABG II Hip Implants should visit a doctor, who should conduct both blood work and imaging to ensure the hip implant is not defective and that the patient is not experiencing any adverse reaction. Doctors should also make sure the modular components are not releasing metal debris. Even if the patient does not have any noticeable problems with the implant, the testing is still highly recommended.
Time has become extremely important in these cases. Meeting deadlines can make or break a case. If you have had a hip implant, take steps immediately to be sure it is functioning well, and second, be sure you do not miss out on compensation that can help you and your family with future needs, particularly those related to having a poorly functioning artificial joint.
If you have received a Stryker implant, please call an attorney with experience in medical product injury cases today. We will be happy to review your case with you and discuss your legal options. You can reach us at (270) 781-6500 or by filling out our contact form here.
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