A New York woman recently filed a lawsuit against Zimmer, alleging that she has suffered from metallosis side effects from the manufacturer’s Biomet M2a 38 hip replacement device.

The plaintiff, Linda A., alleges she was implanted with a hip replacement device on Sept. 30, 2010 during a hip total arthroplasty surgery in both her right and left hips. The specific device used for the replacement was the Biomet M2a 38 hip replacement system.

However, Linda claims that in the aftermath of that surgery, she began experiencing serious complications–most notably metallosis, or severe metal poisoning caused by metal debris from the defective Biomet M2a 38 device. Among the severe symptoms this caused, the lawsuit notes, were increasingly debilitating pain, discomfort and soreness.

As a result of these side effects, Linda says she ended up having to undergo another surgical procedure to remove the devices in both of her hips, which occurred on Sept. 14, 2017. The lawsuit notes that this would not have been a necessary procedure had her Biomet M2a 38 functioned as it should have.

Linda alleges that her Biomet M2a 38 was defective, leading to these injuries. After undergoing device removal surgery, Linda turned to litigation, filing her lawsuit on March 19, 2018. The lawsuit was filed on multiple counts, including design defect, inadequate warning, manufacturing defect, breach of express warranty, negligence and others.

Biomet Metal-on-Metal Hip Implants

Metal-on-metal hip replacement systems like the Biomet M2a 38 are used to essentially reconstruct human hip joints, which may be necessary because of conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis and fracture.

Lawsuits allege that the Biomet M2a 38 is prone to premature failure—years before what is expected. The ball and socket bearings, both made of metal, are allowed to rub together, which generates metal debris over time, causing metal debris to spread into the surrounding bone and tissue, leading to metallosis and other damage.

The lawsuit alleges that Biomet was aware both of the early device failure and the issue of metal debris, yet failed to adequately warn patients and the medical community. Instead, the device allegedly continued to be marketed as safe and effective, placing patients at risk.

Filing a Biomet Hip Lawsuit

If you have gone through a metal-on-metal hip replacement and have since experienced pain or other symptoms, there may be a connection between the two. In some cases, patients who have filed lawsuits over hip implants have received hundreds of thousands of dollars in compensation.

If you or someone you love has experienced complications due to a metal-on-metal hip implant like the Biomet M2a 38 or another similar device, you may be able to file a lawsuit. Filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by Biomet hip implant complications, but it can help to alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses and lost wages.

The Biomet Hip Lawsuit is Case No. 3:18-cv-00193-RLM-MGG, in the U.S. District Court for the South Bend Division of the Northern District of Indiana.