November 29, 2017 - Although DePuy and Johnson & Johnson recalled the DePuy ASR hip implant, later settling with more than 11,000 plaintiffs who claimed they were injured by the ASR, so far, despite more than 9,000 DePuy Pinnacle hip implant lawsuits, the company has refused to recall the Pinnacle. The DePuy Pinnacle hip claims saw major plaintiff success in 2016—a momentum that has continued into 2017.
The plaintiffs are alleging the Pinnacle is defectively designed, as when those with the Pinnacle hip implant engage in activity—even walking—the metal parts of the implant rub against one another, releasing cobalt and chromium ions into the body. These microscopic metal ions can embed themselves into the surrounding hip tissues, or can travel to the bloodstream. When embedded in the hip tissues, the following can occur:
· Pain in the groin, hip and thigh areas;
· Severe inflammation;
· Deterioration of the hip tissues and bone;
· Tissue and bone death;
· Hip failure, and
· The necessity of Pinnacle hip revision surgery.
Metallosis occurs when metallic debris accumulates in the soft tissues. The body marshals its defenses, attempting to dispel the metal ions, and white blood cells attack the metal ions. The longer the metal ions remain in the body, the more likely damage will occur. When the cobalt and chromium ions make their way to the bloodstream, even more damaging effects can occur, including:
· Cardiovascular issues;
· Kidney and thyroid problems;
· Disruption of DNA;
· Headaches;
· Loss of memory and other neurological functions;
· Vertigo;
· Gastrointestinal disorders;
· Hearing loss, and
· Visual disturbances.
Every person with a Pinnacle metal hip implant in their body will respond differently to varying levels of toxic metals in the body. Some may have adverse reactions to relatively small amounts of metals in the body, others may not have an obvious reaction until the cobalt and chromium levels are quite high.
Did DePuy Exhibit a Failure to Warn? Plaintiffs in the Pinnacle cases assert DePuy and Johnson & Johnson were well aware of the flaws in the device, however rather than issue a recall, they simply stepped up marketing tactics, telling consumers the Pinnacle was the best option for younger patients with an active lifestyle. In March 2016, a Texas jury awarded a staggering verdict in favor of the Plaintiffs. In December 2016 another Texas jury awarded six Pinnacle plaintiffs substantial monetary damages. The latest Pinnacle bellwether trials concluded on November 16, 2017 with yet another magnanimous verdict for the plaintiffs. The six plaintiffs pointed to the high failure rate of the Pinnacle hip device, claiming J & J and DePuy failed to adequately warn consumers about the known risks of the Pinnacle.
Getting Help for Your Injuries Caused by a Pinnacle Hip Implant Device If you or a loved one has suffered injury as a result of a defective DePuy Pinnacle hip implant device, it is important that you speak to a well qualified DePuy Pinnacle hip implant lawyer as soon as possible. A knowledgeable DePuy Pinnacle Hip Implant attorney should be able to answer your questions regarding a DePuy Pinnacle hip implant lawsuit, and what are your potential options moving forward.