January 04, 2015 - Washington D.C. Residents take note: Recently, Stryker Corporation has reached a settlement over its Rejuvenate and ABGII metal hip implants. For a detailed explanation of the settlement agreement, read more here: Stryker Hip Settlement...
The Stryker Rejuvenate/ABGII Hip Recalls
In 2010, Stryker Corporation introduced two new, innovative hip devices to the public. Stryker claimed the unique design would not only last longer, but would be ideal for younger, more active patients. Stryker also claimed the Rejuvenate and ABGII would be much safer alternatives to other metal-on-metal hip implant devices, as a ceramic ball was used in the design. Unfortunately, less than a year later, the FDA was receiving adverse event reports from patients with one of these Stryker hip devices.
As more and more adverse reports were received, Stryker sent out an Urgent Field Safety Notification in April, 2012, stating the Rejuvenate and ABGII had a higher-than-normal rate of failure, and were subject to fretting and corrosion which could, in turn, lead to metallosis and metal toxicity. Just three months later, Stryker issued a voluntary recall for both hip implant models. Now, two years later, there are more than 2,300 Stryker Rejuvenate/ABGII hip lawsuits, with more expected as the statute of limitations grows near for patients in some states.
Status of District of Columbia Stryker Rejuvenate/ABGII Hip Lawsuits
Most of the Stryker Rejuvenate/ABGII hip lawsuits have been consolidated under multi-district litigation, primarily in Minnesota and New Jersey, with a few in Florida and approximately 23 cases spread across Oregon, Michigan, Indiana and California. Judge Donovan Frank issued an order which will set forth out each lead case—or bellwether trial—will be tried. There are different categories, including whether the patient was implanted with an ABGII or a Rejuvenate, the date of the initial surgery, and the outcome of any revision surgery.
The District of Columbia Stryker Rejuvenate/ABGII Hip Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations for product liability cases varies from state to state, with the majority of states operating under two year statutes. The District of Columbia Stryker Rejuvenate/ABGII hip statute of limitations allows three years from the time the injury is discovered—or should have been discovered for a civil cause of action to be filed. Because the District of Columbia specifies that your statute of limitations will begin at the time you discover your injury—or should have discovered the injury—it is crucial that you speak to a knowledgeable District of Columbia Stryker Rejuvenate/ABGII hip lawyer before making any decisions regarding filing a Stryker hip lawsuit.
What is the Stryker Rejuvenate/ABGII Hip Broadspire Letter?
Stryker retained Broadspire in an effort to protect the companies interests; many believe that Stryker may have sent out a Stryker Rejuvenate/ABGII Hip "Broadspire Letter" to those with a Rejuvenate or ABGII implant in an effort to gain full access to the patients’ medical records. This unrestricted access could then potentially reduce Stryker’s liability when those medical records potentially being used to claim the patients’ medical issues were related to other health problems rather than the hip device. Whether you have signed a Stryker Rejuvenate/ABGII Hip "Broadspire Letter" or not, a well-qualified District of Columbia Stryker Rejuvenate/ABGII hip lawyer can determine the best way for you to proceed with your potential claim.
Do You Need a District of Columbia Stryker Rejuvenate/ABGII Hip Lawyer?
Speaking to a District of Columbia Stryker Rejuvenate/ABGII hip lawyer can be beneficial to your health and your future. Perhaps the most important assistance your Stryker lawyer can offer revolves around your District of Columbia Stryker Rejuvenate/ABGII statute of limitations. Should you miss your window of opportunity, you could be forever barred from pursuing compensation for your injuries.