July 10, 2015 - Those who were implanted with a Stryker ABGII or Stryker Rejuvenate hip implant may be aware of the issues associated with the devices. A voluntary recall was issued for both devices in July, 2012, due to the potential risks associated with the implants, such as Stryker hip metallosis and Stryker hip cobalt and chromium poisoning. It is estimated that as many as 20,000 patients in the U.S. were implanted with an ABGII or Rejuvenate. Soon after the recall, those harmed by the recalled Stryker devices began filing lawsuits against the manufacturer. A few short months later, in November, 2012, Stryker brought former DePuy CEO, David Floyd, on as the new president of the orthopedics division.
Stryker Sets Aside More than $1 Billion in Anticipation of Litigation
Stryker agreed to set aside as much as $1 billion in October, 2013, in anticipation of the Rejuvenate and ABGII litigation, and by December, 2013, the company had settled four New Jersey cases for an undisclosed amount. Most of the lawsuits filed against Stryker alleged negligence in the design of the Rejuvenate and ABGII, deceptive sales and marketing practices, failure to act on reports of early failure of the devices and failure to warn patients that the Rejuvenate and ABGII could be responsible for Stryker hip metallosis and heavy metal poisoning. As it began to look like Stryker might not triumph in the more than 4,000 lawsuits filed against the company, the decision was made in November, 2014 to pay $1.43 billion to settle all those claims in which the patient was forced to undergo revision surgery after their Stryker hip device failed prematurely.
Stryker Hip Settlement Dates and Deadlines
The registration deadline for the Stryker Hip Settlement Agreement was extended to December 19, 2014, and the enrollment process began on January 16, 2015 and extended through April 17, 2015. Another hip implant manufacturer, Johnson and Johnson and its subsidiary, DePuy, also extended a settlement agreement to patients harmed by their hip device and expects to pay in the billions by the time the settlement is over. Those who underwent revision surgery in order to have a dangerous Stryker hip device removed may be eligible to take part in the Stryker Hip Settlement Agreement.
Base Award for Eligible Stryker Patients
The revision surgery must have taken place in the United States or at a United States military base. Stryker hip monetary compensation starts at $300,000 for a base award, however that amount is subject to enhancements and deductions. Patients who were unable to have a doctor-recommended revision surgery prior to November 3, 2014 because they were physically unable to undergo the procedure may be eligible to receive a one-time benefit under the Covered Unrevised Infirm Patient Program. Stryker expects to begin funding the base award settlement by the end of July, 2015, with enhanced award payments to be funded in the last quarter of 2015 or the first quarter of 2016.
Getting the Help You Need
These Stryker hip settlement dates and deadlines are extremely important, however if you have a recalled Stryker hip implant which has caused you injury, and you are just now having the implant removed and replaced with a safer device, you may still qualify for the Stryker Hip Settlement Agreement. It is advantageous to contact a knowledgeable Stryker hip lawyer in order to determine whether you are eligible for Stryker hip monetary compensation. If you have a current Stryker hip lawsuit or believe you are eligible for the Stryker Hip Settlement Agreement, contact a Stryker hip lawyer today.