Drug Injury Lawyers Blog
Following a rash of serious medical complications allegedly caused by defective artificial hip implants, DePuy Orthopedics has been ordered to pay more than $1 billion. A federal jury in Dallas found the company, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, negligent in its failure to adequately warn physicians and patients about the risks associated with their product’s defective design.
At least six patients had to undergo revision surgery to replace the defective implants with a properly-functioning implant and / or to repair damage to the tissue and bone. The Dallas jury awarded more than $30 million in damages to the six patients and more than $1 billion in punitive damages. The jury made the following ruling:
- J&J and DePuy were negligent in their design of the implant
- They failed to warn patients and doctors about known risks
- They failed to recall the product when defects were discovered
- They intentionally misrepresented the effectiveness of the product to both doctors and patients
If you have been harmed due to a DePuy hip implant, contact a Boston defective medical product attorney today.
Johnson & Johnson Appeals the Verdict
Following the verdict, Johnson & Johnson and DePuy announced that they will appeal the decision, denying any wrongdoing. “We have no greater responsibility than to the patients who use our products, and our goal is to create medical innovations that help people live more active and comfortable lives,” said DePuy spokeswoman Mindy Tinsley. “DePuy acted appropriately and responsibly in the design and testing of ULTAMET Metal-on-Metal, and the product is backed by a strong track record of clinical data showing reduced pain and restored mobility for patients suffering from chronic hip pain.”
Fourth Trial Scheduled for September 2017
This trial was the third bellwether trial for thousands of similar lawsuits. Earlier this year, a jury – also in Dallas – awarded more than $500 million in damages to a group who suffered medical complications from DePuy implants. However, the award was later reduced to $154 million. The companies are also appealing the reduced ruling in that case. The first trial, which took place in 2014, was decided in favor of J&J and DePuy. A fourth trial is on the horizon, scheduled for September 2017. If you have been injured due to a DePuy artificial hip implant, or any other type of defective medical product, contact a Boston injury attorney today.
Risks Associated with DePuy Hip Implants
Thousands of lawsuits have been filed against DePuy for medical complications arising from defective hip implants. The most commonly cited complications include:
- Bone fractures – in many cases the bones surrounding the hip implant have weakened, resulting in fractures
- Metallosis – this condition occurs when metal fragments release toxins into the body
- Pseudotumors – the formation of tumor-like deposits have adhered to joints in some patients
- Necrosis – the death of bone and tissue due to metallosis has been cited in multiple lawsuits
- Revision surgery – due to defective implants, bone erosion, and tissue damage, thousands of patients have required revision surgery to replace implants and repair damage
Altman & Altman, LLP – Defective Medical Product Lawyers Serving All of MA
If you have been injured by a defective medical product or prescription drug, the skilled legal team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. We have been protecting the rights of injury victims for more than 50 years. When medical product and pharmaceutical companies put profits before the health and safety of the general public, we believe they should be held accountable for their actions. If the negligence of J&J and DePuy caused you harm, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Our attorneys have an impressive track record of obtaining compensation for clients, and we want to help you. If you have suffered tissue damage, bone erosion, severe pain, or the need for a revision surgery following an artificial hip implant, contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.
