Some Faulty Replacement Hip Lawsuits Settled, Others Pending
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When Portland, Oregon patients seek medical treatment, they have a desire and a need to trust in the quality of the care that they receive. This includes trust in both the decisions made by and actions of healthcare providers as well as trust in the quality of products or medications that may be used. When a defective product is found to be responsible for negative and potentially even fatal side effects, action must be taken.
Despite being cleared for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2008 and 2009, more than half of the Stryker Rejuvenate metal hip replacements were reported to lead to patient problems. The high failure rate within only one or two years of being placed and other complications eventually led Stryker to recall the product. In addition, approximately 1,500 lawsuits against the manufacturer have been filed nationwide.
Eight of the lawsuits have recently been resolved through settlements with more to come. Many of the cases have been consolidated under what is known as multi-county litigation, or MCL. This is similar to a class action lawsuit in that multiple cases share much of the same discovery process and are heard by the same judge. However, in an MCL, each case is individually considered and receives its own unique ruling. The next batch of MCL cases is expected to begin soon.
When patients experience complications after a surgical or other medical procedure, it is important to get a qualified consultation to know how to proceed. Such an experience can be scary and the right legal guidance can help make sure that the best level of compensation and protection is provided.
Source: Injury Lawyer News, “Eight New Stryker Hip Settlements Reached,” Katrina Siegfeld, March 15, 2014
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