Biomet’s M2a Magnum hip implant was created for use in hip replacement surgeries for the purpose of providing more range of motion with less risk of dislocation. Unfortunately for some, the risk of side effects far outweighed the benefits. If you’re like the thousands of people who have experienced adverse side effects from a Biomet hip replacement, you need to talk to a lawyer about your options for suing for compensation.
John Foy & Associates is proud to represent patients in lawsuits against major medical companies. We have over 20 years of experience serving victims just like you, who have attempted to make their lives better through a medical procedure but it did not go as expected. Call our personal injury attorneys at 404-400-4000 today to schedule a free consultation.
What kind of side effects can Biomet hip replacement devices cause?
The Biomet M2a Magnum hip implants can cause a wide variety of harmful side effects. Some may be minor while others can be life-threatening. Side effects may include:
- Pain. Pain is by far the most common side effect. It is particularly common in younger patients. It is often accompanied by swelling, redness, tenderness, and warmth. Some pain symptoms may be the sign of an infection.
- Loosing. The hip implant can wear down and loosen over time. In some patients, the hip implant has caused cell death around the implant area. In those situations, the implant is not held properly by the surrounding tissue, which makes it unstable.
- Dislocation. Some Biomet hip implants last far less time than intended—just a few years instead of up to the 15 years as promised. Wearing down faster can lead to dislocation and other similar problems.
- Fractures. Your hip implant is connected directly to your bone. In some cases, the hip implant can also cause bone death. That means that the structure holding the implant is no longer stable. Older female patients are at a higher risk for this type of failure because their bones tend to be weaker than younger people or their male counterparts.
Health issues related to metal toxicity
Perhaps one of the most frightening side effects of Biomet hip replacement devices, which contain both chromium and cobalt, is that they can lead to metal toxicity. This condition can be fatal in severe circumstances. It occurs because the two metal pieces in a hip replacement rub against each other and wear down over time. As they wear, they release tiny metal shards into the body. These can get into your bloodstream and often become embedded in tissue. High levels of metal in the body can lead to:
- Hypothyroidism
- Headaches
- Eye problems, including blindness
- Vertigo
- Ear issues, including tinnitus and even deafness
- Convulsions
- Heart failure
- Dementia
- Nerve problems
It is essential to get medical attention immediately if you think you have metal poisoning. You may need revision surgery for your hip replacement in many circumstances.
How do you know if you have a valid Biomet hip replacement case?
If you have health problems because of your Biomet hip replacement surgery, you may be able to file a lawsuit. The only way to know for sure is to speak with a Biomet hip replacement lawsuit attorney.
You may want to also do some initial investigation yourself. Many people do not realize what kind of hip replacement they have. Knowing some of the more basic information about your hip replacement surgery can be helpful to determine if you have a legal case. It is a good idea to take the following steps to start this investigation process:
- Get a copy of your medical records from your doctor or orthopedic surgeon
- Get the device record from your hospital chart (it provides the product and lot numbers of the particular device that was used in your surgery)
- If you have to undergo hip replacement revision surgery, ask to keep the device or at least take photos of it
The team at John Foy & Associates can also help you hunt these records down as part of our initial investigation as well.
Has Biomet paid out on any of the outstanding hip lawsuits?
There have been thousands of lawsuits on file regarding Biomet M2a Magnum hip implants for several years. In 2014, Biomet paid out $56 million to settle most lawsuits that were pending at that time. Each plaintiff got roughly $200,000 for their claim. Some settlements were reduced based on the timing of the implant. Others were increased depending on the facts of their situation.
That settlement only addressed lawsuits that were filed and pending at that time. There are still hundreds of other lawsuits waiting to be settled or tried. The agreement does not stop people from bringing forward additional claims. For many victims, you may still be able to sue even if time has gone by since you first discovered the problems caused by your hip replacement—but there are deadlines, and the exact timeframe depends on your case. The sooner you can file, the better.
Is there a class-action lawsuit you can get in on?
As of now, there are no pending Biomet class-action lawsuits. However, that shouldn’t stop you from filing your own individual lawsuit seeking compensation for your medical expenses and pain and suffering. Let us help you file a comprehensive lawsuit that accounts for every damage to which you’re entitled.
Talk to an attorney today for free
Every patient who has been wronged deserves legal counsel, and John Foy & Associates can help. We charge our clients nothing unless we win—which means there is no risk in sitting down for a FREE consultation. Don’t wait to get the process started – call our defective medical device lawyers at 404-400-4000 or fill out the form to your right today.