The recent hip implant device recall by DePuy Orthopaedics, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson involves more than 30,000 hip implant devices. The hip replacement system which is subject to the recall is the ASR line, a metal on metal device. With normal wear, this hip implant device is now known to release metallic debris into the body. This DePuy hip implant device was used from 2005 until the recall in August, 2010.
Here is a list of things you should know if you or a loved one received a DePuy ASR hip implant device:
-You should have a blood test to see if metals, such as cobalt and chromium, are being released into your body. The hip implant device can look fine on an x-ray or MRI image and yet still be rubbing and releasing metal into the body.
-Do not sign any release of claims from DePuy or your doctor until you get a second opinion and talk to us. Any second opinion should be from a doctor who is not closely associated with DePuy.
-Even if you are not having problems right now, do not sign away your future rights for a small amount as some experts have predicted that 100% of the DePuy ASR hip implant systems will fail in the next 10 years. Preserve your rights.
-If you require a revision surgery, make sure that you keep the removed hip implant system. If you release it to DePuy, it may be subjected to destructive testing and an important piece of evidence will be lost forever.
-Be careful about accepting a settlement offer that just pays for reimbursement of deductibles and co-pays. Under Federal Medicare regulations and ERISA based insurance plans, you may have to reimburse your insurance for the settlement.
If you have any questions about hip implant devices, call us at once.
Contact the experienced injury lawyers at the law firm of Wilson & Hajek.
We serve clients in:
Charlottesville, Albemarle County, Louisa County, Fluvanna County, Augusta County, Nelson County, Buckingham County, Madison County, Waynesboro, Staunton, Orange County, Greene County, and Culpepper, Virginia.
