Chicago Woman Files Lawsuit Against Stryker for Defective Metal Hip Implant

Stryker Medical Devices thought they had produced a revolutionary metal hip implant that was sturdier, more reliable and lasted longer than older plastic models — or at least that’s how they marketed the device. Diana Jaras was one of the many hip implant victims who opted for a Stryker device before the implant was recalled by the manufacturers just a few years after it was released. For her, the Stryker hip implant nearly cost her life.

When CBS reported on the story, Jaras had been Stryker implant-free for three months, yet she still needed a cane to walk. Her future health is shaky at best, and she’s finding it difficult to accept the fact that she’ll likely never be the same again. Living in Chicago, she thought she had access to some of the best healthcare in the country. However, as she struggles to do even the simplest tasks, she’s starting to realize that just because a medical device manufacturer touts something as safe doesn’t mean it is. She’s living proof of that.

Jaras’ Hip Implant Experience

In 2012, Stryker recalled two defective metal-on-metal hip implants: the Stryker Rejuvenate and ABG II systems. It’s estimated that 20,000 people had a Stryker hip implant inserted between 2007 and 2012, which comes with a titanium stem and cobalt neck. Both titanium and cobalt are usually fine by themselves, but working together they can become toxic. The two metals have a tendency to rub together, flaking off bits of combined metal into the body’s system. Many people report negative reactions to the mixture, and the titanium has been found to get into the bloodstream — sometimes at toxic levels.

When Jaras began experiencing side effects, her doctors tested her cobalt levels and were shocked. They were over 14 times higher than they should be, proof that the Stryker metal hip implant had slowly been poisoning her. These high levels of cobalt had caused a tumor-like growth in Jaras, and it had swollen to the size of a football. According to Jaras’ surgeon, most tumor removals take a couple of hours but hers took nearly six due to the sheer size of the growth. The cobalt had completely destroyed much of Jaras’ internal tissues.

Her Life Will Never Be the Same

Before her metal hip implant nightmare, Jaras was very active and enjoyed hiking, biking, sailing and traveling to exotic locations. However, doctors say her right leg will never be as strong as it once was, and her lifestyle has been turned on its head. Jaras says she can’t do any of her previous activities, because anything beyond slowly walking causes her body to tense up with pain.

For Stryker’s part, they’re not offering anything besides a reimbursement of out-of-pocket costs. That might help metal hip implant sufferers like Jaras pay those medical bills and costs of lifelong medications, but what about a life that was stolen? What about her inability to simply walk, let alone enjoy activities?

Are You a Stryker Victim?

If you’re one of the 20,000 people who received a Stryker metal hip implant between 2007 and 2012 and suffered the side effects such as pain, tumors, infection or revision surgery, you may have a metal hip implant legal claim. You deserve more than reimbursements for out-of-pocket costs. Many victims report permanent negative side effects.

Find out more at the Stryker Metal-on-Metal Hip Implant Class Action Lawsuit Investigation today. After you submit your information, an attorney will contact you if you have a case to discuss your Stryker metal hip implant claim review at no fee.