DePuy Hip Recall Claims First Aussie Victim

As New Jersey and Philadelphia DePuy hip recall attorneys, we have been providing DePuy hip recall patients with information regarding the worldwide recall of their ASR XL hip replacement system. As you know from recent posts, this litigation has been consolidated in Ohio under Judge Katz. Recently, it was announced that an Australian citizen has joined this class action here in the US.

First Australian DePuy Victim Joins Fight

new jersey philadelphia depuy hip recall lawyers aussie victim bob lugton Bob Lugton, of Brisbane, Australia, was declared the first “Aussie” to join the DePuy hip recall lawsuit. Mr. Lugton filed suit when his DePuy hip implant failed only 18 months after having been implanted. As stated in previous posts, DePuy and Johnson & Johnson claimed that their hip implant would last as long as 20 years, so Mr. Lugton was a very unhappy man after his brand new hip failed so quickly. Like most DePuy hip recall patients, Mr. Lugton was also found to have cobalt and other metals leaking into his body from the wear and tear of his hardware. When asked why he joined the DePuy hip recall lawsuit, Mr. Lugton reportedly stated, “This is not for financial reasons”, but to let other people know of the devastating effects of toxic cobalt and chromium levels on his health and welfare.

DePuy Hip Recall Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

As New Jersey and Philadelphia DePuy hip recall lawyers, we welcome Mr. Lugton to this legal battle over DePuy’s failed hip implant. Unfortunately, there are over 93,000 other “Mr. Lugtons” worldwide who are part of this hip recall and who are also entitled to compensation for DePuy’s defective hip implant.

If you or a loved one are one of the 93,000 patients who received defective implants, please contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia. Let the DePuy hip recall attorneys at the Mininno Law Office earn you the compensation you need a deserve.

DePuy Recall Attorney Response to Latest Comment From Reader

As New Jersey and Philadelphia DePuy hip recall attorneys, we recently posted a blog that defended orthopaedic surgeons who had utilized the DePuy hip implant on their patients. Although this post did not totally exonerate orthopaedic surgeons from the DePuy hip recall mess, it did urge patients to give their surgeons the benefit of the doubt. This post drew a very pointed comment by Mr. Juergen Schaberick, who stated-

“As a victim of the DePuy Pinnacle metal-on-metal [hip implant] I like to ask if you would still trust your surgeon when his name pops up on the official DePuy website when searching for a surgeon in your area.”

Not ALL Surgeons Accepted Kick Backs

new jersey philadelphia depuy hip recall lawyers defend orthopaedic surgeons We thank Mr. Schaberick for his comment on DePuy and Johnson & Johnson, and we do not completely disagree. However, our own research has shown that not all doctors who show up on the DePuy website have accepted honorarium or other monetary benefits to select the DePuy hip implant for their patients. However, as was pointed out by Mr. Schaberick, many of the orthopaedic surgeons did in fact receive significant monies and benefits from DePuy and Johnson & Johnson in return for selecting the ASR XL Acetabular complete or resurfacing implant systems. Mr. Schaberick is also correct that DePuy and Johnson & Johnson paid millions of dollars over the last several years because of violations of federal anti-kick-back laws.

Most DePuy hip recall lawyers agree that these facts should give patients a good reason to be careful when choosing an orthopaedic surgeon. These facts should also give patients a strong incentive to seek a second, independent medical examination. Although there are a few orthopaedic surgeons who certainly should never be trusted when it comes to DePuy hip implants, we still believe that the majority of orthopaedic surgeons who prescribed the DePuy hip implant for their patients did so because they were fooled by Johnson & Johnson and DePuy’s slick marketing campaign.

DePuy Hip Recall Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

Regardless of your orthopaedist’s reasons for using any of the DePuy hip implants, if you are a DePuy hip recall patient, you are in a very tough situation and have some tough choices. That’s why all DePuy hip recall lawyers are encouraging patients to contact an attorney to learn of all available options when it comes to seeking compensation. Thank you again Mr. Schaberick for your comments. We look forward to future comments from you.

If you or a loved one have suffered the effects of a defective DePuy hip replacement, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia. Don’t be fooled by DePuy claims adjusters. Let the lawyers at the Mininno Law Office earn you full and fair compensation.

DePuy Hip Recall Lawyers Defend Orthopaedic Surgeons

As New Jersey and Philadelphia DePuy hip recall lawyers, we are frequently asked whether or not DePuy hip recall patients can trust their orthopaedic surgeons to give them honest, fair, and impartial advice regarding the recall. After all, this orthopaedic surgeon was the one who initially recommended the patient receive the DePuy product in the first place. However, while a small percentage of orthopaedic surgeons may have initially been offered financial incentives by DePuy and Johnson & Johnson to utilize the implant that has since been recalled, many surgeons likely chose the implant based on DePuy’s marketing of the benefits of its product. Also, while some orthopaedic surgeons may have accepted honorarium or speaking engagements money from the Johnson & Johnson subsidiary in the past, now that the implant has been recalled, it is unlikely that any orthopaedic surgeon would jeopardize his or her career by accepting further monetary compensation to promote a recalled product.

Seek a Second Opinion

new jersey philadelphia depuy hip recall lawyers defend orthopaedic surgeons As New Jersey and Philadelphia DePuy hip recall lawyers, we are telling our clients that they should give their own orthopaedic surgeon the benefit of the doubt and listen to what the surgeon has to say about their options. Of course, we are also recommending that all patients get a second, independent medical opinion from another orthopaedic surgeon regarding the nature and extent of their current condition, whether or not they have osteolysis, and whether the patient should obtain blood tests to determine the presence of metallic debris. This second opinion should also cover what type of implant will be utilized during the second surgery.

While all DePuy replacement recipients should follow their orthopaedic surgeon’s medical advice, most DePuy hip recall lawyers are recommending that any doctor that insists on using a DePuy implant be looked upon with skepticism. The bottom line: final choice of which hip implant (and which orthopaedic surgeon) always belongs to the patient.

DePuy Hip Recall Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you are the recipient of a defective DePuy hip implant, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia. The defective product attorneys at the Mininno Law Office are prepared to earn you the full and fair compensation that you need and deserve. Don’t be fooled by DePuy insurance claims adjusters who claim to be on your side. Seek out an attorney to fight for your rights.

Should DePuy Defective Hip Recall Make all Hip Implant patients Think Twice?

As DePuy hip recall lawyers, we have been posting daily about the hip recall litigation and other matters that may be of interest to any DePuy hip recall patient. Since this past August, many patients who are considering hip implant surgery have been wondering whether it is time to stop and think about the future of hip implant surgery. After all, any replacement procedure, whether replacing a hip, shoulder, or knee with an implant, involves replacing the body’s natural bone and tissue with man made metals and ceramics. Here, DePuy used chromium and cobalt in its ASR hip replacement system. For the 93,000 implant recipients, the recall was very bad news and is making all potential joint replacement patients reconsider their medical options.

Good Future for Joint Replacement Surgeries

new jersey philadelphia depuy hip recall lawyers patients think thice Fortunately, the medical future involving artificial joint replacement looks bright. Notwithstanding the failure of the DePuy hip implant, scientists, metallurgists, and researchers are constantly searching for better options for joint replacement patients. Unfortunately, companies like DePuy Orthopaedics and Johnson & Johnson have a financial incentive to be the first manufacturer to get their products on the market. As such, it must be questioned whether this profit motive causes manufacturers to put medical devices on the market before conducting long term studies about the product. In the case of DePuy, it appears that there were no long term studies regarding the wear and tear of the implant before the product was released into the market. Perhaps DePuy and Johnson & Johnson hoped that the chromium and cobalt metal parts in the hip implant would not pose a problem to potential patients.

Sadly, after 93,000 patients received the replacement, it turns out that DePuy’s hopes didn’t pan out. Now, these patients will be forced to undergo another surgery to remove the defective implant and replace it with yet another hip implant. Fortunately, as technologies improve and manufacturers see the downside of prematurely placing products on the market, there will be less and less complications involving joint replacement surgery in the future.

DePuy Hip Recall Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you or a loved one recently underwent hip replacement surgery and you’ve discovered that your implant was manufactured by DePuy, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. We are prepared to provide with appropriate assistance and lead you in the right direction regarding your claim against DePuy. You may also call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

DePuy Hip Recall Lawyers Lists 4 Things Patients Should Know

new jersey philadelphia depuy hip recall attorneys things you should know If you are a victim of the DePuy hip recall, there are few things you should know:

1. Not all DePuy hip implants are being recalled.

As a New Jersey and Philadelphia DePuy hip recall lawyer, I get many telephone calls and emails from patients who have had hip replacements. As we posted on December 2, 2010, only certain DePuy hip implants are subject to the recall. Please click on the next link to read whether or not your hip implant is part of the DePuy hip recall.

2. Your implant will need to be replaced whether or not you are having symptoms.

We are often asked, “Do I need to have my DePuy hip implant replaced if I’m not experiencing symptoms?” Yes. Because of the unusually high wear and tear, and because of the metallic shed rate in DePuy implants, medical research has predicted that nearly all of the DePuy hip implants will fail within ten years of use whether or not you are experiencing symptoms. See our November 18th post for more information about the ASR replacements.

3. Do not feel obligated to speak with DePuy Orthopaedics or Johnson & Johnson representatives or claims adjusters.

We are strongly encouraging any patient to contact a lawyer to represent them. As we posted previously, DePuy is not offering fair compensation and is passing on the cost of its defect on to patients and their insurance carriers. These claims adjusters on behalf of DePuy are not looking out for your best interests and you may lose your rights by dealing with them: click to read about Johnson & Johnson tactics.

4. Patients should insist on blood tests to determine if their hip implant is releasing metals into their blood system.

We are often told that “DePuy hip replacement patients’ x-rays look fine,” and therefore will likely not need surgery. Medical research shows that x-rays are the least effective way to determine if your hip implant is failing. You should insist on blood tests that specifically identify the release of cobalt and chromium into your body. You should consult with an infectious disease doctor to see whether or not you are experiencing any signs or symptoms related to a depuy hip implant failure.

DePuy Hip Recall Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you are the recipient of a DePuy hip implant, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

DePuy Hip Implants Release Toxic Metallic Debris Into Bloodstream

Recently, there has been a lot of news surrounding the recall of the DePuy Orthopaedics defective hip implant system. The product recall occurred after a medical study in Great Britain revealed that this hip implant had up to a 13% failure rate within the first five years of surgery.
And, as if early hip replacement failure and the necessity of additonal surgery wasn’t bad enough, the wear and tear from these defective hip implants is resulting in the flow of metallic debris throughout the bloodstream.

What are these metals?

depuy hip implant recall new jersey mininno law office Chromium and Cobalt. These metals are not found in your local vitamin store: Chromium is a chemical element found on the periodic table under atomic number 24. It is used to make stainless steel and all of the shiny parts called “chrome” on automobiles.
While it may look pretty on a “tricked out” automobile, when it circulates in the bloodstream, it has been associated with numerous health problems.

depuy hip implant recall nj and pa attorneys mininno law office Similarly, Cobalt is also a chemical element found on the periodic table under atomic number 27. Since ancient times, it has been used as a blue pigment to tint glass, jewelry, and furniture.
However, when it is released into your bloodstream as a result of wear and tear of a defective hip implant, it can also cause serious health problems. It is considered a carcinogen by healthcare professionals. It is definately not a substance that a patient wants circulating through his or her bloodstream.

In selecting these metals, especially with the knowledge of their potential side effects, DePuy Orthopaedics, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, was hoping to create a better hip implant. Instead, the research is starting to show that they have in fact created a defective product which not only results in pain, suffering, and additional surgery, but exposes patients to harmful chemical elements in the bloodstream.

Have a DePuy Implant? NJ and PA DePuy Recall Attorneys

If you have a DePuy Orthopaedics hip implant, you should be aware that these implants have been recalled. You should consult with your family doctor and orthopaedist to determine whether or not you have been exposed to chromium or cobalt metals, and whether you have any symptoms associated with these chemicals.
If you would like more information about the recall, please contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Are all DePuy Orthopaedics Hip Implants Defective?

Recently, we have been asked if ALL DePuy hip implants are defective. Currently, there is no real answer because it is simply too soon to interperet the data on these defective DePuy hip implants.

new jersey philadelphia depuy orthopaedics lawyers implants recalled What is known is that the recall affects the ASR XL Acetabular System, which is used for total hip replacements, as well as the ASR Hip Resurfacing System, which is used in a newer kind of procedure involving bone conservation.
The ASR Hip Resurfacing System has not yet been approved in the United States, but according to Johnson & Johnson, some patients may have gotten these implants through a clinical trial when the company was seeking FDA approval for the hip implants.

Therefore, one of the first things a patient needs to determine is whether or not they have a total DePuy Orthopaedics hip replacement system, or the DePuy ASR hip resurfacing system. A combined total of about 93,000 of the total hip replacement system devices have been implanted worldwide. Presently, the data shows that only 1 in about 8 of these hip replacements have caused patients symptoms, and have required correction.
However, since the symptoms of a defective hip implant may mimic other symptoms, many patients do not yet know whether or not their implant is defective. Many patients are insisting that they get corrective surgery now, before these defective implants cause signs and symptoms, to prevent future problems such as microscopic metal particles in the bloodstream.

So, while the data does not suggest that all DePuy Orthopaedics Hip Implants are defective, it simply is too soon to come to a final conclusion about the number of patients who will have symptoms related to these defective implants.

NJ and PA DePuy Orthopaedics Defective Hip Implant Attorneys

If you have any concerns regarding a DePuy Orthopaedics implant, you should contact your orthopaedic surgeon or family doctor.
If you want to know what your rights are regarding these recalled hip implants, contact the Mininno Law Office. Our NJ and PA DePuy Hip Implant Recall Lawyers are prepared to answer your questions and earn you any and all compensation that you deserve. You may call the Mininno Law Office for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

DePuy Hip Replacement Recall: Is a New Hip Worth the Risk?

depuy orthopaedics Recall Attorneys hip implant replacement New Jersey Philadelphia With the recent news about the DePuy Orthopaedics hip replacement recalls, many people are asking, “Is a hip replacement worth the risk?” Each year there are nearly ¼ of a million hip replacement surgeries performed. Many hospitals and surgeons boast of how simple, safe, and effective hip replacement surgeries are. Afterall, a hip replacement surgery only takes about 1-3 hours and, many times, patients are up and about and returning to work as early as one week after surgery.

However, the decision to have a hip replacement should be one that is made only as a last resort.

When is it Time for a Hip Replacement?

Prior to a hip replacement, you should get at lease 2 opinions from 2 different orthopaedists who have reviewed your x-rays, performed physical examinations to evaluate your condition, and who know how your hip problems are interfering with your activities or quality of life. Mild pain or symptoms that make things a little more difficult should not be sufficient reasons to schedule a hip replacement surgery. For most patients, a hip replacement surgery should only be considered if they have been having signifcant pain for at least 4 years before their surgery.
In additon, the hip should be replaced only if there is severe joint stiffness after exertion, and a significant reduction of the range of motion in the hip joint. Hip replacement surgery is major surgery which carries with it all of the risks associated with surgery (e.g., infection, surgical errors, worsening of the condition, hardware failure, anesthesia risks, and even wrongful death).

Not only that, but you will forever set off the metal detectors at airport security screenings!

If those risks and consequences were not enough, the recent recall of DePuy Orthopaedics Hip Implants should give all potential hip replacement patients reason to think twice before agreeing to this procedure.

DePuy Orthopaedics Hip Implant Recall Attorneys

At the Mininno Law Office, we work to gain recoveries for those who have been wronged. If you are the recipient of a DePuy Hip Implant, you may be eligable for compensation. If you have recently undergone a hip replacement, contact your orthopaedic surgeon immediately to find out if your implant was manufactured by DePuy Orthopaedics.
If so, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. We are happy to answer any questions that you may have. You may also call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Defective DePuy Hip Implants: Signs and Symptoms

DePuy Orthopaedics has recently recalled it’s defective ASR Hip Implant System, however, not every DePuy hip implant has failed. If you are a recipient of the DePuy hip replacement, you should look for any of the following signs and symptoms:

Hip Pain (with or without activity) – All patients who have had hip replacement surgery will experience some pain at first. However, the symptoms are supposed to improve and, eventually, go away. If your symptoms have gone away and have now returned, or never did go away at all, it may be a sign of a defective hip implant.
Hip Swelling – Swelling is normal in the immediate post operative period following a hip replacement. However, if you have a new onset of hip swelling following a DePuy hip implant, this may be another sign that the metal components are wearing out and causing the swelling.
Problems Walking – Finally, some patients who have been discovered to have received defective hip replacements complain of problems walking. This problem is usually caused by the body’s reactions to the metallic particles which have worn away from the DePuy hip implant. This may be one of the most serious signs or symptoms, because this could mean that the metal particles have caused damage to the muscles, tissue, bones, and nerves surrounding the hip joint.

click on the image to enlarge:

Depuy Recall Attorneys at the Mininno Law Office

If you are experiencing any of the above signs or symptoms, please contact the Mininno Law Office for more information and a free case evaluation.
In fact, even if you have not yet experienced the symptoms and want more information about what you should do if you have a DePuy hip replacement, call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey and (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.