The Stryker Rejuvenate and ABGII hip implant devices were recalled last July, 2012, following a significant number of adverse reports from consumers, sent to the FDA. Over 20,000 of the devices were sold in the United States following FDA approval for the two models in 2008 and 2009, and it is believed that the majority of these were implanted into patients. Stryker sent out an urgent field safety notice just months before the recall, notifying doctors and hospitals that the Rejuvenate and ABGII were more likely to suffer fretting and corrosion which could lead to the release of metal ions, failure of the hip device and the risk of metal toxicity.
Failure Rate of the Stryker Recalled Hip Implants
At the time of the recall Stryker placed the failure rate of the two hip implant devices at approximately 12%, however other independent studies have placed that number much higher—even as high as 48%. This means that in addition to those patients who have already suffered adverse health issues from their recalled Stryker implant, there are likely to be many more who will suffer hip failure or metal poisoning from their ABGII or Rejuvenate in the future. It appears that a doctor in Wisconsin put in a higher-than-usual number of these recalled hip implants, therefore there may be more victims of the Stryker hip implants in Wisconsin than perhaps in other states.
Were You Notified of the Stryker Recall?
While many people received notification from their physician or hospital where the original hip surgery was performed, many more were not notified perhaps due to a move or a doctor retiring. At this point it appears there are well over 150 lawsuits filed regarding the ABGII and the Rejuvenate with many more expected. However because many of the Stryker hip lawsuits will likely be consolidated in federal court, your Stryker hip attorney should simply have the necessary skills to represent you and listen to the facts surrounding your specific case, then clearly lay out your options.
How Stryker Will Likely Respond to the Lawsuits
Like most huge medical corporations, Stryker will certainly “circle the wagons,” so to speak. They will bring in a team of attorneys, medical technicians and other professionals whose only goal is to resolve each claim as quickly and inexpensively as possible. Those in Wisconsin who have suffered harm from a Stryker recalled hip implant will benefit greatly from a Stryker hip attorney who will advocate for the patient’s rights and who understands the importance of maximizing the value of each case.
A Stryker Hip Attorney Can Help Ensure You Don’t Miss the Wisconsin Statute of Limitations
Even those who have not yet experienced any ill effects from their Stryker ABGII or Rejuvenate may certainly have problems in the future. Because there is a statute of limitations which generally begins when the recall was put into effect, your window of opportunity may be limited. A qualified Stryker Hip Attorney can help you to pursue compensation for all your medical expenses related to your defective Stryker hip implant as well as your lost wages and pain and suffering.