Berman & Simmons is handling claims on behalf of patients who have experienced adverse health effects had to undergo additional surgeries or suffered other losses as a result of defective metal-on-metal hip replacements. Strict time limits apply to medical device lawsuits, so it is essential that you speak with an experienced defective medical device attorney as soon as possible to preserve your the right to seek compensation.
Serious risks from the failure of a metal-on-metal hip replacement can include:
- Hip dislocation
- Bone fracture
- Joint infection
- Device loosening or breakage
- Bone loss
- Severe pain
- Soft tissue damage
- Swelling
- Additional surgeries
What are the problems with metal-on-metal hip implants?
Hip implants were traditionally offered to older patients, but medical device
manufacturers attempted to create more durable and flexible hip components as
younger and more active individuals increased the demand for hip replacement
surgery. Unfortunately, in a rush to make improvements and accommodate this market,
some hip implants were not adequately tested, or known risks were ignored.
After tens of thousands of hip replacements were implanted in patients around the
world, researchers discovered that hip replacement devices designed with
metal-on-metal or metal-on-polyethylene components fail at higher rates than
plastic or ceramic options.
The primary problem with metal-on-metal implants is the metal itself. Specifically,
there is a significant risk that metal debris will release high levels of cobalt
and chromium into the bloodstream and surrounding tissue. This condition, called
metallosis, can cause cardiovascular, neurological, renal, and thyroid problems,
and destroy soft tissue, muscle, and bone. These problems are made even worse
because of the need for costly and painful revision surgeries.
Alert: Multimillion-dollar awards for faulty Zimmer hip implants
Many of the defective and dangerous metal-on-metal hip replacements were
manufactured and marketed by Zimmer.
In 2017, a court awarded $2 million to an individual who suffered severe health consequences and underwent multiple revision surgeries as a result of Zimmer’s defective and dangerous M/L Taper Hip Prosthesis with Kinectiv Technology (“MLTK”) implant. Over 148,000 of these implants were sold after being introduced onto the market in 2007. The court found that the implant had been inadequately tested by
Zimmer and, when implanted, created an unreasonable risk of injury to the health and safety of patients.
Berman & Simmons is currently investigating and pursuing claims on behalf of
individuals harmed by faulty Zimmer hip implants, as well as those who have
suffered because of other manufacturers’ defective metal-on-metal hip replacements.
For metal-on-metal hip replacement claims, talk with a local Maine law firm you can trust
If you, a family member, or someone you know has been harmed by the failure of a
metal-on-metal hip replacement, the experienced medical devices lawyers at Berman
& Simmons can help. We are committed to holding manufacturers and other
corporations accountable for their negligent conduct and have the experience and
resources to obtain the maximum amount of compensation available for the harm
you’ve suffered.
We’re proud to be the trusted firm in Maine for people who have been seriously
injured and families that have suffered losses through no fault of their own.
Established in 1914, we are recognized as the best
personal injury and medical malpractice law firm in Maine and
among the best in the U.S., We have obtained several of the largest personal injuries
jury verdicts and settlements in Maine history, recovering over $1.25 billion for our
injured clients and their families.
A Law Firm That Listens
Berman & Simmons is widely recognized as the best personal injury lawyers in Maine and among the best in the U.S., having won many of the largest jury verdicts and settlements ever obtained for injured people in Maine.
Our trial lawyers have won thousands of claims on behalf of those injured in a car accident, and each year we build on that successful track record.
Our attorneys and staff members will take the time to listen to you, work to understand your concerns, and come up with solutions that can make your life better, including obtaining payment for or deferral of your debts until your case is resolved. We help you recover and make sure you receive full compensation for your injuries and loss.
Take Back Control.
What compensation can I receive if I was harmed by a metal-on-metal hip replacement?
Under state and federal law, victims of dangerous and defective medical devices have the right to recover compensation for various categories of loss, including:
Pain, suffering, and emotional distress, past, and future
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Interference with your enjoyment of life
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Medical expenses, past, and future
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Time lost from work
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Loss of future earnings
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Wrongful death damages (for the estate)
$8.5 Million
Paralysis due to mismanagement of
degenerative spine
$2.5 Million
Catastrophic injuries in a head-on car accident
$800,000
Wrongful death case involving negligent
motorist
$715,000
Plaintiff Rear Ended by
Telephone Truck
$5 Million
Delay in diagnosis and treatment of cancer
$1.2 Million
Significant Head Injury Car Accident
FAQs
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What do I prepare for the first call or meeting with you?
For your first meeting with us, simply tell us your story and explain in your own words what happened and how your life has been affected. If you’re meeting with us in person, you can bring notes about what happened to you, driver insurance information, names of any witnesses, photos of the accident damages or injuries, medical records, and other related paperwork if you have it and if it’s applicable, but that information isn’t necessary. Really all you need to do is be yourself, speak with us honestly, and be willing to tackle your problems with us.
Initial conversations between potential clients and our staff members are often done over the phone. Rest assured that everything we discuss is confidential and protected under law.
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How much will a lawyer cost me?
The lawyers at Berman & Simmons work on a contingency basis. That means you pay nothing up front and nothing unless we settle or win your case. We will consult with you, evaluate your situation, and do initial research free of charge. This is true even if we decide you don’t have a valid claim. We will also cover all necessary case expenses and you will not be obligated to reimburse us until and unless we recover monies on your behalf. if we do take your case and win a settlement or a jury verdict in your favor, a percentage of the compensation goes to pay for our costs and the work done by our legal team.
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How will I know if I have a case?
To pursue a case, we will need to prove that you suffered a substantial personal injury and the injury was directly caused by the negligence of another party. A bad result alone is not enough to establish negligence. We let you know upfront if we are able to move forward with the legal process, or if we don’t think you have a case. Generally, we will know if you have a case after our first phone call or meeting.
If we believe you have a valid claim and decide to move forward with litigation, our attorneys and staff will then take it from there and do everything else that needs to be done, including obtaining and reviewing records relevant to your case, such as accident reports and other law enforcement documents, employer records, medical records, and other information.
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How long will it take to resolve my case?
Every case is different, and there is no way to predict how long it will take for your case to be resolved. Some cases end in a matter of months, while the most complex and challenging cases, such as a medical malpractice case, can span several years. The vast majority of cases, however, are resolved before a trial and usually within a year.
The goal is to make sure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, no matter how long it takes whether that comes in the form of a pre-trial settlement, or with a jury verdict in your favor.
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How much is my case worth?
There are many factors that need to be considered when determining the value of your case. Every case is unique and it takes a team effort — including your attorney, staff researchers, and outside experts — to determine the extent of your damages and how much your case is worth. There are two types of damages for which you could receive
compensation: Economic and non-economic.If your case goes to trial and a jury agrees you deserve compensation, the jury members will decide how much the money you should receive for each category of damages.