A judge in New Mexico has recently ordered Zimmer, manufacturer of a common hip replacement device, to pay damages worth $2 million to a man who suffered from Zimmer metal hip complications.

Plaintiff Brian M. received a Zimmer metal hip implant in 2010. Shortly after having the device implanted, Brian began dealing with Zimmer metal hip complications including severe pain.

As a result, Brian underwent two separate revision surgeries where the Zimmer metal hip implant was taken out and replaced with a new hip implant. Despite the revision surgeries, Brian still suffered from extreme pain and other complications. He is set to have a third revision surgery performed in the near future.

Brian believes the cause of his underlying pain issue was not the separate pieces of the metal device itself giving problems. Rather, he believes it was the interaction between the metal components that was causing the issue.

The Zimmer hip implant is made from metal components. Based on the design of this implant, when the body moves, pieces of the implant rub against each other, and small metallic particles from the implant can slough off and enter nearby tissue and the bloodstream.

These metallic particles, made of cobalt and chromium, can then cause damage to the body. The metallic debris can cause pseudotumors to form in the area. It can also cause the tissue to die, and if this happens, the support surrounding the implant is reduced, causing it to loosen and potentially fail.

Cobalt and chromium in excess levels throughout the body due to Zimmer metal hip complications can also cause cardiovascular problems, endocrine disruption, neurological issues, kidney damage, vision or hearing problems, and more.

Based on evidence presented regarding Zimmer metal hip complications, New Mexico Judge Nan Nash found that the company had engaged in testing of the hip implant’s components and isolation but had not tested the complete device when it performed corrosion tests.

However, Judge Nash found Zimmer did adequately design and test the hip implant and had adequately warned medical professionals about the risks associated with metal corrosion.

Despite these statements, Judge Nash ruled that under strict liability,  Zimmer released a product that created an unreasonable risk to patients of developing an injury due to its use, even if the procedures undertaken to design and test the metal hip implant were reasonable themselves.

The judge stated that if the Zimmer metal hip complications included releasing so much metal into the bloodstream that it could create metallosis, or metal poisoning, in patients, those results did not fall in the category of being an “acceptable risk of harm.”

Brian’s $2.02 million reward included $1 million in compensation for his pain and suffering. Of the total award, $287,000 of his award was set aside to pay for his future revision surgery.

Filing a Zimmer Metal Hip Complications Lawsuit

If you have suffered complications following the implantation of a Zimmer metal hip, you may be entitled to legal compensation for your injuries. Attorneys can review your case at no charge and can advise you on your opportunities for pursuing litigation.