Meyers & Flowers: A Leading Force in Hip Litigation Across the U.S.
Meyers & Flowers Chicago personal injury attorneys have been vigilantly practicing hip litigation in Chicago and across the United States for years. Hip replacement surgeries are rising, with baby boomers aging, the largest national demographic. The American Joint Replacement Registry Annual Report most recently stated that from 2012 through 2017, hip replacement procedures have risen from 45,500 per year to over 280,000 annually. In fact, almost one million hip replacement surgeries have been completed in just the past five years.
This kind of demand for relatively new technology can be accompanied by several liabilities:
- Inadequately trained surgeons
- Untested procedures
- Improper or erroneous physical examination and diagnoses
- Errors made during surgery
- Faulty hip replacement devices
As Meyers & Flowers trial lawyers have found, in many cases the issues have been with the medical devices themselves.
Hip Replacements: What Can Go Wrong?
An artificial hip procedure addresses hip joint deterioration that is causing pain, stiffness and poor mobility. The parts of an artificial hip are largely composed of three general materials:
- Metal: Cobalt chromium or titanium.
- Ceramic: Smoother than polished metal but more brittle and breakable.
- Polyethylene: This is used in the socket part of the hip joint.
Combinations of components are referred to by various terms such as metal-on-metal, metal-on-ceramic, ceramic-on-ceramic, metal-on polyethylene and ceramic-on-polyethylene. The problem is that each combination carriers its own unique risks and possible complications. Meyers & Flowers is one of the top law firms in Chicago with a practice that covers cases throughout the U.S. We are currently engaged in a number of defective medical product cases on behalf of clients and families who have sustained injury or death as a result of these products.
Common Complications and Hip Litigation
Some of the most common complications of defective hip replacement materials or placement can have a wide range of symptoms and issues:
- A dislocation of the joint
- Chronic pain that does not abate as the surgery heals
- Implant site fracture
- Bone loss
- Nerve paralysis or numbness of the sciatic or femoral nerve
- Infection
- Metal toxicity
- Limbs different in length
- Dangerous blood clots
- Hip material detachment or working loose
Why Choose Meyers & Flowers Chicago Trial Lawyers?
Hip litigation is a highly complex field requiring a great deal of experience navigating what is and isn’t considered an actionable liability. With billions of dollars at stake, medical product manufacturers hire aggressive legal representation to minimize claims against their companies.
Meyers & Flowers product liability lawyers in Chicago are seasoned trial lawyers who have successfully held medical device manufacturers accountable for products that have led to pain and suffering and further damage rather than the restored mobility promised.
If you or a family member are one of the thousands of patients who have been victimized by hip replacement materials or surgery, we may be able to give you the kind of help you really need. There have been many cases where medical manufacturers failed to issue warnings about the risks and/or harmful side effects/defects they were aware of – but did not disclose.
Depending upon your specific case, we can help you gain financial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity, caregiver expenses, loss of consortium, pain and suffering or other damages.
Compensation in Defective Hip Replacement Lawsuits
When manufacturers release faulty hip implants into the market, they can be held legally responsible for the damage caused. Compensation in these cases typically includes:
- Medical expenses, including revision surgeries, rehabilitation costs, and ongoing treatments
- Lost wages if your defective hip prevented you from working
- Loss of future earning potential if you are unable to return to work due to the defective implant
- Emotional stress, chronic pain, diminished quality of life, and other forms of pain and suffering
Many defective hip replacement lawsuits have resulted in settlements ranging from tens of thousands to millions of dollars, especially in cases involving widespread device failures from major manufacturers. However, the amount of compensation that you may receive will vary. Several factors could influence the value of your case: the severity of your injuries, the number of revision surgeries required, permanent damage sustained, and the impact on your daily activities and employment.
How a Medical Device Lawyer Can Support Your Case
When going up against pharmaceutical corporations, the right attorney can make all the difference. Whether your case involves metal-on-metal devices that release toxic ions, ceramic components prone to fracture, or polyethylene liners subject to premature wear, Meyers & Flowers can build a compelling case for you.
Our defective medical device attorneys in Chicago have experience identifying exactly when and how manufacturers like DePuy, Stryker, or Zimmer Biomet failed in their duty to patients. We work closely with medical experts who can examine your implant failure and connect it to design or manufacturing defects. Your lawyer will gather evidence including your medical records, the manufacturer’s internal documents, FDA reports, and scientific studies that demonstrate the known risks of your hip implant and the harm that you suffered.
We understand the physical and emotional toll a failed hip replacement takes—the pain that returns despite promises of relief, the disappointment of facing additional surgeries, and the frustration of extended recovery periods. Our attorneys are dedicated to recovering the compensation you need to restore your quality of life to the fullest extent possible. We handle the legal battle while you focus on healing, building your case on solid evidence, and presenting your story effectively to insurers, judges, and juries.
What to Do If Your Hip Replacement Is Defective
If you suspect your hip implant is failing, take the following steps to protect your health and future legal claim:
- Know the Signs: Pay attention to increasing pain, limited mobility, swelling around the hip area, and unusual noises like clicking or grinding. Metal toxicity may also cause symptoms like fatigue, rashes, cognitive issues, or heart problems.
- Go to the Doctor Right Away: Seek medical care if you experience any concerning symptoms. They may conduct blood work, imaging studies, and a thorough physical examination.
- Save All Records and Documents: Keep detailed records of all medical visits, test results, prescription medications, and communications with healthcare providers. Document how your symptoms affect your daily activities.
- Contact a Defective Hip Replacement Lawyer: Reach out to an experienced attorney before communicating with the implant manufacturer or their representatives.
Contact Meyers & Flowers for a Free Consultation
If you are suffering from a defective hip replacement in Chicago, do not face these challenges alone. Meyers & Flowers offers free, no-obligation consultations to evaluate your case and explain your legal options. Our firm works on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for you. Contact us today at (630) 232-6333 to discuss your defective hip replacement case with an attorney who can support you at every step.