Stryker Hip Settlement Alert for Charlotte, Fargo, North Dakota Residents - there has been a 1.4 billion dollar settlement in the Stryker Hip Implant MDL. Please take the time to get fully informed about the Stryker Master Settlement Agreement.
Were You Affected By the Stryker Rejuvenate / Stryker ABGII Hip Recall?
Both the Stryker Rejuvenate hip device and the Stryker ABGII hip device were recalled in July, 2012, after little more than two years on the market following FDA approval. As early as six months following the release of the Stryker Rejuvenate and ABGII, one surgeon noted significant levels of fretting and corrosion at the stem/neck juncture of a Rejuvenate hip implant. In the months to come, many more surgeons noted the presence of corrosion resembling “black rust” on patient’s Rejuvenate and ABGII hip implants when the devices were removed. By the first half of 2012, the number of adverse event reports sent to the FDA numbered over 300. The Australian Registry determined the two recalled Stryker hip devices had a failure rate of at least 8.1% during the first year. Stryker has not issued a formal failure rate for the two devices, however some experts have placed the number much higher during the first three to five years.
The Many DePuy ASR Hip Dangers
Like many other metal-on-metal hip implants, friction was found to occur between the metal components of the DePuy ASR, leading to metal shear and the release of microscopic metal ions. When those ions land in nearby hip tissues, DePuy ASR hip metallosis can occur. When the ions make their way to the bloodstream, DePuy ASR hip cobalt and chromium poisoning can occur. When the DePuy ASR hip implant is not set at the correct angle, a phenomenon known as edge loading can occur which causes the ball to press the inside of the cup in an uneven manner.
Such increased levels of pressure lead to a higher incidence of undue wear, resulting in even more cobalt and chromium ions entering the body. In fact, the smaller head of the DePuy ASR hip implant places recipients at a higher risk of developing serious problems related to the implant and the necessity of DePuy ASR hip revision surgery.
When Stryker ABGII Hip Metallosis Strikes
Stryker ABGII hip metallosis can strike recipients of the device when the tiny metal ions burrow into the hip tissues. Stryker ABGII hip metallosis has been described as the macroscopic staining of the soft tissues associated with abnormal wear. When foreign bodies such as chromium and cobalt ions lodge in the hip tissues, the human body sees these ions as foreign, and will marshal its defenses in an attempt to dispel the ions. The body will send special white blood cells to attack and obliterate the metal ions, but is unable to do so. Stryker Rejuvenate hip metallosis, DePuy Pinnacle hip metallosis and DePuy ASR hip metallosis all share similar symptoms, including the following:
· Chronic headaches
· Persistent pain
· Deterioration of bone and tissue
· Total failure of the hip device
· The necessity of revision surgery
Physicians are unsure why some people react much more severely to heavy metals in the body while others seem to have a much higher tolerance. In any case, as the body tries repeatedly to fight the metal ions, the immune system will become increasingly weakened.
DePuy Pinnacle Hip Metal Blood Poisoning
When the metal ions which shear away from the DePuy Pinnacle hip device reach the bloodstream, DePuy Pinnacle hip cobalt & chromium poisoning can occur. These ions can cause neurological disturbances such as vertigo and short-term memory loss, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, renal and thyroid disorders, loss of vision and hearing, emotional disturbances such as irritability, anxiety and depression, disruption of DNA, the formation of pseudo-tumors, reproductive problems, chronic pain and skin rashes.
Fargo, North Dakota Hip Metallosis Litigation
At this time, over 11,000 DePuy ASR lawsuits, and over 5,000 DePuy Pinnacle lawsuits have been filed. Stryker has had more than 2,300 lawsuits filed regarding the recalled Rejuvenate and ABGII devices. Last November, DePuy (a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson) announced it would pay nearly $2.5 billion to settle with approximately 7,000 plaintiffs who received an ASR implant. Johnson & Johnson has not admitted the same level of responsibility regarding the DePuy Pinnacle hip device, and the Pinnacle is still being sold. Stryker may follow in Johnson & Johnson’s footsteps and attempt to settle some of the many cases against them. Stryker ABGII and Rejuvenate cases are currently set for trial for the summer of 2015, and bellwether trials are being chosen. Those who may be entitled to file a Fargo, North Dakota hip metallosis lawsuit should speak with a knowledgeable Fargo, North Dakota metallosis lawyer at the earliest possible time.
Fargo, North Dakota Stryker Rejuvenate Hip Statute of Limitations
The Fargo, North Dakota Stryker Rejuvenate hip statute of limitations and the Stryker ABGII hip statute of limitations are relevant to Fargo, North Dakota residents contemplating a Stryker Hip Lawsuit. Depending on the state you live in, the statute of limitations, or the time in which you have to bring your lawsuit can range from one year to ten years. North Dakota has one of the longest Stryker ABGII hip statute of limitations as the state allows ten years from the date of the initial purchase, or eleven years from the date of manufacture in which to file civil action. Even though it may seem like you have plenty of time, missing this crucial date could prohibit you from ever holding Stryker or DePuy accountable for your injuries. Any person who believes they may have a claim against Stryker should consult with a Fargo, North Dakota Stryker Hip Attorney to properly determine how much time they have to file a lawsuit.
Fargo, North Dakota Metal on Metal Hip Attorney
If you believe you could benefit from speaking to a Fargo, North Dakota hip metallosis attorney and you have a Stryker Rejuvenate or ABGII, DePuy ASR or Pinnacle, a Biomet, Smith & Nephew, Wright or Zimmer Durom hip implant device, don’t wait. Whether you have yet experienced symptoms of metallosis or elevated levels of chromium and cobalt, it is important that you take action soon. An experienced Fargo, North Dakota metal on metal hip lawyer can advocate on your behalf and help you to pursue compensation for your injuries.