An Oregon resident filed a metal hip complications lawsuit against DeDuy Orthopaedics, alleging the DePuy Pinnacle acetabular cup system is “defective, unsafe and has not been adequately tested.” This lawsuit joins many others already filed within a larger multidistrict litigation for metal hip implants.

In December 2004, plaintiff Gary W. underwent a total hip replacement surgery, receiving the DePuy metal hip. Following the surgery, the plaintiff alleged he suffered from severe pain and discomfort and ultimately ended up needing a hip revision surgery in February 2015.

According to the lawsuit, all of the injuries and complications Gary suffered were a result of the defective design and unreasonably dangerous character of the Pinnacle device.

The lawsuit accuses DePuy of strict products liability (defective design, manufacturing defect and failure to warn, two counts of negligence, negligent misrepresentation, fraudulent concealment, breach of express and implied warranty, and fraud.

Gary’s case joins over 6,000 lawsuits that have been filed against metal hip implant manufacturers in the nationwide multidistrict litigation.

The Depuy Metal Hip Implant Lawsuit is Case No. 3:15-cv-03508-K, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division. The larger DePuy Hip Implant MDL is In re: DePuy Orthopaedics Inc., Pinnacle Hip Implant Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 2244, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas.

Metal-on-Metal Hip Implant Complications

DePuy’s Pinnacle is one of several metal-on-metal hip implants. Other hip implants contain metal parts, but they are not considered to have metal-on-metal components, and contain a plastic liner separating the metal parts. The metal-on-metal design is the reason why many individuals are having health issues.

Problems arise when the metal components rub against each other and the friction causes pieces of metal to flake off. The metal pieces then go into the body, causing tissue death and related problems such as loosening of the components, misalignment, and dislocation of the implant.

Metal poisoning from the cobalt or chromium used in the construction of the implant can also occur, leading to system wide disruption of the body’s endocrine system. This can further lead to organ damage and failure of the heart and other vital organs.

To top matters off, in addition to the complications of the metal hip implants, patients will likely need a hip revision surgery to attempt to repair the damage that the initial hip implant caused. Revision surgery can be very hard on the body and may take patients longer to recover than the initial surgery.

Metal Hip Lawsuit Information

With the large numbers of lawsuits against manufacturers of metal-on-metal hip implants, many of these lawsuits have been streamlined into a multidistrict litigation. This allows lawsuits to have a single discovery period and streamlined trials. This process allows all lawsuits within the MDL to be heard under a single judge, so rulings are more consistent.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a metal hip implant made by DePuy, Biomet, Stryker, Wright, Zimmer or another metal-on-metal hip manufacturer, you may be entitled to legal compensation. A lawyer will review your case and can assist you in determining if you are eligible to file a hip implant lawsuit. Case consultations are free, with no risk or obligation.