The federal judge presiding in the DePuy Pinnacle hip implant cases has set a trial date of January 6, 2016, for the next bellwether trial in the multidistrict litigation (MDL). Prior to this trial date, the plaintiffs and defendants must prepare and submit amended pleadings and discovery documents by scheduled deadlines.
Over 7,000 plaintiffs have filed suit against DePuy, which have been consolidated in the Northern District of Texas. The plaintiffs allege that the Pinnacle hip implant, which included some metal-on-metal components, caused severe injuries, sometimes leading to revision surgery.
Injuries From Implant Devices
Metal-on-metal hip implants have come under intense scrutiny in the last several years due to studies showing a high rate of injury attributed to the devices. Metallosis, caused by metal particles leaching into the bloodstream, has been found to cause a variety of medical reactions, including rashes, tinnitus/ringing of the ears, and soft tissue damage surrounding the implant area. Metal-on-metal hip implant recipients are advised to have regular blood tests to monitor the amount of cobalt and chromium in their bloodstream. If the implant loosens after the metal parts wear down or problems arise from metallosis, the patient may need revision surgery to replace the metal-on-metal hip implant.
Another DePuy metal-on-metal hip implant, the ASR, was recalled by the company after a high rate of revision surgery was reported. DePuy is still in the process of settling thousands of claims involving the ASR hip implant device. Unlike the ASR, the Pinnacle hip implant has not been recalled.
The first bellwether trial in the DePuy Pinnacle case, which was held last fall, resulted in a verdict for DePuy. Thousands anticipate a different outcome in the newly scheduled bellwether cases. Unfortunately, claimants will have to continue to wait several more months as the parties prepare for trial.
The attorneys at Egerton Law got involved in hip implant cases in 2010, and we continue to represent clients suffering from injuries resulting from metal-on-metal hip implants. If you are suffering after receiving a DePuy Pinnacle hip implant or have questions and would like to speak with an attorney, call Egerton Law at 336-273-0508. You can also fill out a web contact form, and one of our attorneys will call you.
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