DePuy Hip Recall Lawsuits Affect Multiple Brands

DePuy’s Pinnacle and ASR systems have both been hit by DePuy lawsuits, but only the ASR system has ever experienced a recall. They are very similar products, both of which rely on a metal-on-metal ball-socket component that can contribute to problems like metal poisoning or metallosis. In a metal-on-metal joint replacement system, the metal components can scrape against each other and metal dust can flake off into the bloodstream and soft tissues of a patient, causing swelling and pain.

For some patients of either of these DePuy products, hip replacement surgery has been necessary. This process is a complicated procedure that can be much more complex and risky than initial hip implant surgery due to factors such as scar tissue and damage to the bone from either prior surgery or the implant itself. Patients who have had to undergo DePuy hip revision surgery and have also chosen to file a DePuy hip lawsuit are more likely to get a higher settlement to cover the costs of the expensive surgery and other medical bills. Revision surgery is also a good indication that the side effect was more serious – at least serious enough to warrant a risky procedure to fix the problems.

As a response to some of the problems experienced by patients using the DePuy Pinnacle system, DePuy has created a new form of Pinnacle hip implant, which has recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The new ceramic-on-metal system should solve some of the problems associated with metal-on-metal hip replacement systems. This system joins a number of other Pinnacle systems, including metal-on-metal, metal-on-polyethylene, ceramic-on-polyethylene, and ceramic-on-ceramic. The only form of Pinnacle device involved in DePuy litigation is the metal-on-metal device.

DePuy Pinnacle litigation has been consolidated in Texas, where pretrial processes will take place. This will help speed the legal process up and get faster resolutions for trials, meaning eligible plaintiffs will be awarded necessary damages much more quickly than if each trial were to go through the legal system alone. Litigation related to the ASR device and its recall will be dealt with in Ohio under the jurisdiction of Judge David A. Katz. Victims suffering from the adverse effects of DePuy hip implants are advised to consult with an experienced DePuy lawyer as soon as possible.