Billion-Dollar Settlement For Stryker Hip Victims

November 4, 2014 / Medical Malpractice

About 120,000 hip replacement operations are performed each year in the U.S. For most people, this is an opportunity to escape the pain and disability caused by broken or degenerating hip joints. For thousands, though, the hip replacement surgery was just the beginning of increased pain and surgical procedures.

Stryker Orthopaedics, a leading producer of joint replacement devices, announced on November 3, 2014, that they have reached a settlement agreement to compensate claimants who received a modular Rejuvenate or ABGII implant and were forced to undergo a revision surgery. The settlement is expected to reach nearly $1.5 billion.

These Stryker medical devices were recalled in 2012 because of the number of patients who experienced what are referred to as “adverse reactions,” including metallosis (shedding of metal ions into the tissue and blood stream); necrosis (dead tissue); osteolysis (bone deterioration); severe pain; and the necessity of having another surgery to remove and replace the original hip implant device.

Thousands of victims of these defective medical devices filed lawsuits, which were consolidated in a mass tort in New Jersey, home of the Stryker division which made the recalled hip replacements. Each claimant is eligible for a base sum of $300,000, which can be adjusted up or down as appropriate for their particular circumstances. The settlement funds are available to claimants who had revision surgery for the Rejuvenate or ABGII implants prior to November 3, 2014, even if they had not filed a case which was consolidated into the mass tort. The deadline for filing a claim under the settlement is March 2, 2015.

Medical devices, including artificial hips and knees, can give a patient a new lease on life and the ability to resume the level of activity they were accustomed to before their injury or age-related degeneration occurred. Unfortunately, medical devices which are not adequately tested before being put on the market, or which are defectively designed or manufactured, can cause serious health complications or even death for unwitting patients.

Stephenson Rife has a track record of success in obtaining compensation for victims of dangerous or defective products. Contact us without delay at 1-317-825-5200 if you or your loved one received a Stryker hip implant that led to pain and the need for further surgery.