A hip replacement lawsuit was filed against Biomet Inc. and its subsidiaries was filed in the Indiana District court alleging that the plaintiff suffered serious physical injury and pain after hip replacement surgery due to a defective Biomet M2a metal-on-metal hip implant.

The hip replacement lawsuit was filed by plaintiff Linda B. of Texas. According to the lawsuit, Linda underwent hip replacement surgery in October 2009 when she received a Biomet M2a Magnum hip implant. Linda did not experience complications during the surgery.

In 2014, Linda began experiencing hip replacement problems. In May 2015, Linda had to undergo a revision surgery due to her hip replacement problems and the pain she was experiencing in her left hip. Linda was also suffering from elevated cobalt and chromium levels in her blood.

After the revision surgery, in April 2015, Linda dislocated her left hip. She then developed an infection in her left hip and is now unable to walk without assistance and unable to work and take care of her family.

Hip Replacement Problems

According to Linda’s lawsuit, several patients experience pain after hip replacement surgery. The hip replacement lawsuit is alleging that the pain is a result of a manufacturing defect in the Biomet M2a Metal on Metal hip implant. Linda alleges that the defective device causes excessive amounts of chromium and cobalt to enter into the blood as the surfaces of the implant corrode.

The chromium and cobalt buildup causes the body to reject the implant. The rejection is often what causes symptoms that include pain, dislocation, looseness, popping and squeaking sounds. In some cases fluids will begin to build up in the hip joint and the fluid and metal buildup causes the soft tissue and bone surrounding the implant to die.

Linda alleges that the Biomet M2a metal on metal hip implant was insufficiently tested by Biomet before it was put on the market. According to the lawsuit, Biomet falsely claimed that the implant was substantially similar to other implant technology even though it wasn’t; the implant should have undergone additional safety tests.

It is also alleged that Biomet continued to sell the metal on metal hip even after they discovered the device was defective and was harming consumers. Linda claims that the Biomet M2a Metal on Metal hip implant has failed hundreds of times and caused hundreds of patients to undergo painful additional surgery.

People who have experienced pain after hip replacement surgery, along with other serious complications, may be able to bring a lawsuit against Biomet. Plaintiffs who bring successful claims may receive compensation for the pain and suffering they’ve endured along with payment for their past and future medical bills. Lawsuits like these also help hold companies accountable to consumers and remind medical device manufacturers that they owe consumers a specific duty of care.

The Hip Replacement Lawsuit is Case No. 3:15-cv-00538-RLM-CAN,  filed in the United States District Court, Northern District of Indiana.