West Virginia Hip Replacement Injury Lawyers
Hip Implant Injury Attorneys in West Virginia
Hip replacement lawsuits involve either defective or recalled hip implants. If you experienced hip replacement failure requiring revision surgery, or you have experienced adverse reactions because of your hip implant, you may be entitled to compensation from the manufacturer for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other losses.
What Are Hip Implant Lawsuits About?
There are currently thousands of active hip implant lawsuits that have been filed against hip implant manufacturers. Hip replacement attorneys, like those at West Law Firm, continue to review cases nationwide. These lawsuits primarily involve what’s called product liability claims and argue these medical devices are defectively designed, not adequately tested, and cause a higher than normal failure rate.
These lawsuits are typically against the responsible large manufacturing companies. Thus, implant lawsuits often don’t involve medical malpractice claims against doctors and surgeons. There is evidence that design problems existed at the onset of sales, and surgeons and patients were not warned of the mechanical issues or toxicity risks. Sadly, certain defective hip implants, touted as having superior durability, reached hospitals across the U.S.
Product liability lawsuits have been filed against the following hip implant manufacturers:
- Biomet
- Depuy
- OMNI
- Smith & Nephew
- Stryker
- Wright Medical
- Zimmer
What Injuries and Symptoms Can Defective Hip Implants Cause?
Defective hip implant medical devices can cause the following injuries and symptoms:
- Dissociation of Femoral Head from Hip Stem from Metal Corrosion
- Fractured Hip Stem Trunnion
- Metallosis (Metal Blood Poisoning)
- Infection
- Loosening
- Bones Loss
- Device or Bone Fracture
According to the FDA, additional problems with hip implants can include:
- General hypersensitivity reaction (skin rash)
- Cardiomyopathy
- Neurological changes including sensory changes (auditory, or visual impairments)
- Psychological status change (including depression or cognitive impairment)
- Renal function impairment
- Thyroid dysfunction (including neck discomfort, fatigue, weight gain or feeling cold)
What are the Risks of Metal Hip Implants?
Metal on metal hip implants have similar risks that other hip implants have. However, metal on metal hip implants can put recipients at greater risk for blood poisoning known as Metallosis. When the metal ball (femoral head) and metal socket (acetabulum) grind together over time, from even the simple walking motion, tiny metal particles are released causing metal debris to enter bone, surrounding tissue, and bloodstream.
What Compensation Is Available for Hip Implant Injuries?
Regardless of whether your initial hip injury that led to the implant was caused by an auto accident, work injury, fall, or otherwise, if you are injured by a defective hip implant device and settle your claim, the amount will be based mostly on the following factors:
- Past and future wage loss
- Past and future medical expenses related to any injury caused by hip implant failure
- Past and future pain and suffering caused by the hip implant injuries
- Past and future loss of capacity to earn money
- Past and future loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages, if appropriate
How the WV Hip Implant Injury Lawyers at West Law Firm Can Help?
If you or a loved one has suffered complications after receiving a hip implant device, it’s important to speak with an experienced injury attorney as soon as possible because there is a limited amount of time you have to file a claim. At West Law Firm, we offer free consultations and never charge a fee unless you recover compensation. To contact us for a Free Case Evaluation, we invite you to call us today toll-free at 1-877-943-WEST (9378). We are located in Charleston, West Virginia, and serve clients nationwide.