Stryker Hip Settlement Alert for Newark, New Jersey 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.

When You Have Been Harmed by the Stryker Rejuvenate / Stryker ABGII Hip Recalls

The Stryker ABGII hip implant device gained FDA approval in 2009, however was not marketed aggressively until early 2010, along with the Stryker Rejuvenate. The ABGII is not a “true” metal on metal hip implant, as it uses a ceramic ball rather than a metal ball. This change from other metal on metal hip implants was expected to prevent the issues associated with the all metal hips such as the generation of metal ion debris which then floods the body. The Stryker ABGII hip recall occurred in July, 2012, along with the Stryker Rejuvenate hip recall.

At the time of the recall, the company stated the two implants had a higher-than-normal rate of failure and were especially prone to fretting and corrosion, particularly at the stem/neck junction, leading to the release of cobalt and chromium ions into the body. Even so, the company hedged by stating that “the incidence of complications associated with modular-neck stems is extremely low.” Following the Stryker ABGII and Stryker Rejuvenate hip recalls, many patients realized that adverse health symptoms they had experienced could be due to high levels of cobalt and chromium in their bodies due to the grinding together of the metal hip components.

How the Newark, New Jersey Stryker Rejuvenate Hip Statute of Limitations May Affect You

Many states have a two year statute of limitations, and the state of New Jersey is no exception. In the state of New Jersey, action must be brought within two years from the date the injury occurs. While this sounds very straightforward, there can be a number of factors which actually makes it a complex issue

There is a very “fuzzy” line when determining whether the statute begins the date of your implantation, the date the recall was issued, the date your surgeon notified you of the recall, or the date your injuries were definitively tied to your Stryker Rejuvenate hip implant. Stryker could claim your deadline began on the date of the recall, even if you were unaware of the recall, or that the statute began whether or not you have undergone revision surgery.

The only way to properly determine exactly how much time you may have to file a hip metallosis lawsuit is by consulting with a well qualified Newark, New Jersey Hip Metallosis Lawyer.

The Many DePuy ASR Hip Dangers

The DePuy ASR hip implant was sold internationally as early as 2003, however did not gain U.S. FDA approval until 2005, through the controversial 510(k) fast-track program. This program allows medical devices to slip through the FDA approval process without benefit of clinical trials.

The DePuy ASR hip dangers include hip metallosis, DePuy ASR chromium and cobalt poisoning, synovitis, ALVAL and the development of pseudo-tumors. Synovitis affects the lining of the hip joint and can result in inflammation and pain, while ALVAL is difficult to diagnose, as it may have few, if any symptoms. However when a physician aspirates the hip area in patients with ALVAL, thick, gray-green fluid may be present, and revision surgery will likely be warranted.

When You Have Symptoms of DePuy Pinnacle Hip Metallosis

During periods of activity, the metal components of the DePuy Pinnacle hip implant may rub against one another, causing metal debris to shear away, finding its way to the bloodstream, or remaining in the surrounding hip tissues. The body will create inflammation as a way of fighting the tiny metal ions, however it will be unable to dispel them. As more and more cobalt and chromium ions build up in the hip tissues, the patient will likely experience increasing levels of pain in the hip, thigh and groin areas. The hip tissue and bone will experience deterioration and necrosis, and the hip device may fail completely, resulting in DePuy Pinnacle hip revision surgery.

Stryker ABGII Hip Chromium and Cobalt Poisoning Symptoms

The metal ions which end up in the bloodstream may be responsible for serious, adverse health effects known as Stryker ABGII hip chromium and cobalt poisoning. Some of the more common symptoms include respiratory issues such as asthma, cardiovascular disorders, reproductive disorders, tremors and seizures, renal and thyroid disorders, the development of pseudo-tumors, short-term memory loss, skin rashes, gastrointestinal disorders, neurological disorders, diminishment and loss of hearing and vision, irritability, vertigo, anxiety and depression. If you have suffered any of these serious Stryker ABGII hip chromium and cobalt poisoning symptoms it could be to your benefit to speak to a Newark, New Jersey hip metallosis lawyer.

When You Must Undergo DePuy Pinnacle Hip Revision Surgery

Patients whose DePuy Pinnacle hip implant has failed entirely, or those who have developed serious symptoms of DePuy Pinnacle hip metallosis or DePuy Pinnacle hip chromium and cobalt poisoning may have no choice but to undergo DePuy Pinnacle hip revision surgery. This surgery is lengthy—as long as four to six hours—which leaves the patient vulnerable to nerve damage, infection and excess blood loss. The recovery period for DePuy Pinnacle hip revision surgery is approximately six weeks, causing a significant loss of work—as well as a paycheck.

The Status of Hip Metallosis Lawsuits for Residents of Newark, New Jersey

Very recently, Stryker settled a portion of its hip metallosis lawsuits related to the ABGII and the Rejuvenate. Stryker offered those patients who had undergone Stryker Rejuvenate or ABGII revision surgery on or before November 2, 2014, a settlement, as well as certain patients who were deemed too sick or medically unstable to undergo revision surgery. The proposed base amount offered by the settlement is $300,000 to each claimant, however there are potential reductions and increases in that base amount based on age, number of hip revisions and other relevant factors. The DePuy Pinnacle has more than 5,400 lawsuits filed against the manufacturer. The DePuy ASR had approximately 11,000 lawsuits filed against the manufacturer, however approximately 7,000 of those settled for $2.5 billion at the end of 2013.

Why You May Need to Speak to a Newark, New Jersey Hip Metallosis Attorney