A Wisconsin resident recently filed a new lawsuit against medical device manufacturer Howmedica, alleging its LFIT V40 femoral head hip implant component is defective causing serious injuries including metallosis, a kind of metal poisoning.

The plaintiff, John V., was implanted with a Howmedica hip system back in June 2007 and another in the other hip later that year. However, after being implanted with these devices, John began to suffer from significant complications. He alleges in his lawsuit that these side effects caused ongoing injury and damage, and he will continue to incur medical expenses and other damages.

The specific device components targeted in this lawsuit are the Accolade TMZF Hip Stem and the LFIT V40 femoral head, which were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration back in 2000. John filed his LFIT V40 femoral head lawsuit on Oct. 13 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. The lawsuit includes multiple counts, including negligence, breach of express warranty, failure to warn, design defect, and manufacturing defect.

Side Effects Linked With the LFIT V40 Femoral Head

The LFIT V40 femoral head is connected with a variety of serious complications including metallosis.  Metallosis problems are often linked with metal-on-metal hip implants like the ones incorporating LFIT V40 femoral head components. The metal parts to rub together and over time can release excessive amounts of metals like cobalt and chromium into the bloodstream and surrounding tissue. This can lead to serious and even permanent problems.

On top of the risk of metallosis, LFIT V40 femoral head components have also been connected with an increased risk of dislocation or dissociation.

A growing number of patients like John who have been implanted and injured by these devices are coming forward with their own adverse experiences relating to the LFIT V40 femoral head. Lawsuits allege that Stryker failed to adequately warn patients of the serious complications associated with LFIT V40 femoral head devices.

Patients claim to have suffered from a number of serious and potentially permanent injuries including the following:

• Hip implant failure
• Serious physical pain
• Emotional and mental distress
• Medical and surgical expenses
• Loss of enjoyment of life

In many cases, patients suffering from hip implant side effects require revision surgery to help alleviate these problems. Of course, any additional surgery adds yet more risk and expense for a patient.

Filing a LFIT V40 Femoral Head Lawsuit

If you or someone you love was implanted with a metal hip implant containing a LFIT V40 femoral head component and have suffered adverse side effects you may be able to file a lawsuit. Spouses of those who have suffered from defective metal-on-metal hip implants may also be able to sue for what is known as loss of consortium, or the loss of intimacy with their spouse due to complications.

Although filing a lawsuit cannot undo the damage done physical and emotional pain, it can help to alleviate the financial burden caused by medical expenses and lost wages.

The LFIT V40 Femoral Head Lawsuit is Case No. 2:17-cv-01410, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin.