A Biomet hip implant lawsuit was recently filed by a couple from Illinois, alleging the company’s metal on metal hip replacement caused the claimant serious injuries.

The Biomet hip implant lawsuit alleges the wife of the couple suffered serious device complications soon after getting the Biomet Magnum Device implanted.

Plaintiff couple Debra H. and Andrew H. conjointly filed this Biomet hip implant lawsuit which alleges the company failed to warn them or their physicians about the allegedly defective nature of their metal-on-metal hip implant.

Like millions of other orthopedic patients, Debra says she opted for the Biomet Magnum Device after reviewing the marketing materials from the company. In addition, she alleges her orthopedic physician reviewed the product information provided by Biomet and had no reason to believe it was not a good choice for Debra.

Debra claims Biomet marketed the Magnum Device as a safe and effective hip implant, with no mentioning of serious device complications. With these benefits in mind, Debra says, she underwent hip implant surgery on Oct. 12, 2007 and initially responded well to the device.

However, Debra says she began experiencing painful complications at some point after the procedure that impacted her daily life. According to the Biomet hip implant lawsuit, Debra experienced severe pain, discomfort and inflammation around the hip implant, which caused the need for revision surgery.

Overview of Metal on Metal Hip Implant Complications

The Biomet hip implant lawsuit further states that Debra developed metallosis, or blood metal poisoning, from the ball-and-socket joints of the device interacting and shedding metal cobalt-chromium particles into the blood.

Metallosis is a complication commonly cited in metal on metal hip injury reports, which can also lead to irritation and infection in the implant area. Overall, metallosis can lead to a multitude of other device complications including:

• Corrosion
• Fretting
• Inflammation
• Infection
• Debilitating pain
• Limited movement
• Formation of pseudotumors

These complications eventually forced Debra to undergo a revision surgery on her right hip, in which the defective Magnum Device was removed and replaced on July 18, 2016.

It is important to note that revision surgery is considered riskier than the initial procedure, due to higher risk of infection. Debra opted to file this Biomet hip implant lawsuit against Biomet, after discovering other patients had suffered similar complications.

Like other metal on metal hip implants, the Magnum Device was marketed to be overtly superior to its ceramic and plastic counterparts and was a good choice for orthopedic patients wanting to live an active lifestyle. Metal-on-metal hip implants were marketed as more durable and longer lasting, with most manufacturers also advertising them to be customizable to patients.

During all times relevant, Debra claims Biomet allegedly knew about the allegedly defective nature of the Magnum Device but still continued to aggressively market it. According to the Biomet hip implant lawsuit, the company had known the Magnum Device was prone to early device failure for over five years.

Debra and Andrew allege the Magnum Device has permanently impacted their lives and marriage, and are seeking multiple damages of negligence and failure to warn against Biomet.

This Biomet Hip Implant Lawsuit is joining MDL No. 2391, where it will stand alongside other claims alleging similar injuries.

This Biomet Hip Implant Lawsuit is Case No. 3:18-cv-00539-RLM-MGG, in the U.S. District Court of Northern Indiana.