DePuy is a large and well-known manufacturer and marketer of joint replacement implants that operates worldwide. In 1998, DePuy and its companies were acquired by Johnson & Johnson and now operate as a subsidiary of the company. Now, DePuy is facing hundreds of litigants claiming that the company’s metal-on-metal hip implants have caused injury due to early failure, which requires revision or replacement. The Telegraph reports on the story.
Proceedings beginning this week mark what may be the largest class action of its kind in the United Kingdom.
Hundreds of patients are claiming that their metal-on-metal hip replacement implants have failed, resulting in subsequent damage and the revision or replacement of their prosthetic hips.
More than three hundred patients are coming forward in litigation against DePuy for the faulty prosthetics. More, there are hundreds of other litigants claiming the same against other manufacturers. Those patients are awaiting the outcome of the current litigation proceedings before moving forward.
Attorneys for the patients are claiming that metal fragments released into the muscle and bloodstream have caused soft tissue damage and muscle necrosis. Patients suffer from symptoms including pain, swelling, numbness, and difficulty walking.
The prosthetic in question is DePuy’s Pinnacle Ultamet, which was discontinued in 2013. Earlier this year, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency came forward, urging anyone fitted with a metal-on-metal hip replacement to undergo x-rays and blood testing to determine if they are being affected by a faulty implant.
DePuy plans to contest the claims.
Have you been injured by a faulty metal-on-metal hip implant? You may be entitled to compensation. Let the law offices of John Foy & Associates fight to get you what you deserve. Call us today.