A settlement involving a minimum award of $1.43 billion has been reached in ongoing product liability litigation against Stryker Orthopedics. The 3,000-plus clients represented in the Stryker hip implant lawsuit will each receive a base amount of $300,000 with additional compensation for those who suffered revision surgery complications to remove the defective hip implant.
Stryker manufactured and promoted its Rejuvenate and ABG II Modular-Neck Hips implants as having the capability of providing longer life and greater range of motion for patients. The FDA approved Stryker’s Rejuvenate Modular hip system in 2008 as part of a 510(k) premarket application, which determined the hip implant was “substantially equivalent” to pre-approved, legally marketed medical devices.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 332,000 hip replacements in 2010. Two years later, Stryker issued a recall of its Rejuvenate and ABG II Modular-Neck Hips implants due to dangers resulting from the poor design and improper testing of the device. Studies showed that patients faced health risks including:
- Cell and tissue damage;
- Swelling;
- Pain; and
- Metal corrosion allowing metallic ions into the bloodstream.
Patients who have Stryker’s metal-on-metal hip implants are also subject to potential dislocation, disability, and permanent damage. Following the recall, the number of patients scheduling hip replacement surgeries increased. A medical device manufacturer is responsible for the products it markets. When a product causes injury to a patient, the manufacturer holds accountability.
This settlement represents one of many ongoing cases against Stryker and illustrates justice served to its victims. Our law firm is dedicated to fighting for the rights of those who have been harmed as a result of a defective medical product.
If you or a loved one received a metal-on-metal hip implant in Illinois, contact an experienced Chicago product liability attorney today. You may be entitled to compensation.
