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Answers To Frequently Asked Questions About Product Injuries

Many of our North Carolina clients and prospective clients have similar questions. We provide helpful information by answering these common FAQs about personal injury accidents claims. If you have any questions about your case, call 336-273-0508 to speak directly with an experienced North Carolina injury lawyer.

What Injuries can Talc Powder cause?

The talc powder Shower to Shower, manufactured by Johnson & Johnson, has been linked to ovarian cancer. Additional testing on women with ovarian cancer has shown residue of talc fibers in the ovary, suggesting that talcum can move through the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes and into the ovaries. This product is marketed as an after-shower hygiene product to absorb moisture and reduce odor. It has been on the market for decades and has brought Johnson & Johnson great revenue. Some of the symptoms of ovarian cancer are abnormal vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding, pain in abdomen or pelvis, frequent bloating, abdominal pressure, fullness or swelling, persistent fatigue, constipation or frequent urination, among others. In May 2016, a jury awarded $55 million to a woman who suffered from ovarian cancer as a result of the long-term use of this product. Johnson & Johnson has decided to challenge this decision.

Are class action lawsuits a good thing?

Class action litigation is one of the most widely talked about topics in the law. The power of class action lawsuits allows ordinary people to stand up and challenge the largest companies in the world. They have forced industries to clean up widespread pollution, recall dangerous products and return billions of dollars illegally taken from the public.

What can a lawyer do for me?

Many attorneys and personal injury lawyers have launched an investigation into hip replacement products. The power of class action lawsuits allows ordinary people to stand up and challenge the largest companies in the world. They have forced industries to clean up widespread pollution, recall dangerous products and return billions of dollars illegally taken from the public.

Did the people at Johnson & Johnson or DePuy Orthopaedics know that there were problems with the hip implants?

The recall comes more than two years after the Food & Drug Administration began receiving complaints and follows a determination that the failure rate for both DePuy ASR acetabular cups was more than 12%. The actions follow extensive reports of hip replacement pain and failures from the defective products and ask for medical and orthopedic surgeons to monitor their patients more closely.

Will the doctors who performed the hip operations be sued?

Based on current information, no physicians will be sued.

Did DePuy know that there were problems with the hip implants?

The recall comes more than two years after the Food & Drug Administration began receiving complaints and follows a determination that the failure rate for both ASR acetabular cups was more than 12%. The actions follow extensive reports of hip replacement pain and failures from the defective products and ask for medical and orthopedic surgeons to monitor their patients more closely.

When should revision surgery be considered?

If imaging reveals soft tissue reactions, fluid collections or tissue masses, you may want to consider a revision surgery. Only your orthopedic surgeon can determine whether you are a candidate for revision surgery.

What are the signs of hip implant failure?

Symptoms of a failed hip implant may include swelling, pain and trouble walking, which may be indications of a loose implant, a fracture of the bone surrounding the implant, or a dislocation of the joint. Only your orthopedic surgeon can diagnose a failed ASR hip implant.

Do DePuy hip implants cause metal filings to enter the bloodstream?

Yes. The design of the DePuy ASR hip replacement devices is such that the metal makes direct contact with the metal in the implant.

What problems are created by metal particles from the implants?

Cobalt and chromium in the implants can enter the bloodstream, and ion levels elevated higher than 7 parts per billion (ppb) require close medical surveillance. Over time, the filings created by wear can trigger painful inflammation and cause damage to tissue and muscle in the vicinity of the implant.

What are the signs of hip implant failure?

Symptoms of a failed hip implant may include swelling, pain and trouble walking, which may be indications of a loose implant, a fracture of the bone surrounding the implant, or a dislocation of the joint. Only your orthopedic surgeon can diagnose a failed ASR hip implant.

Specifically, which DePuy units were recalled?

The ASR XL Acetabular System (Total Hip Replacement) and ASR Hip Resurfacing System were recalled.

How can I find out if I have a DePuy ASR hip implant?

Contact your orthopedic surgeon’s office or the hospital where you had your surgery to find out the make and model of your hip implant.

What should I do if I find out that my hip replacement surgery used a DePuy ASR hip implant?

Most importantly, make sure that you are under the close care of a physician. If you would like more information about your legal rights to make a claim for compensation for your injuries, contact Lawrence Egerton of Egerton Law. The legal claim covers pain and suffering, and the cost of your care and treatment. A successful lawsuit or settlement will recover compensation for injured individuals, including past medical bills, ongoing treatment costs, pain and suffering, lost wages for any time missed from work and permanent disability.