Consultations Offered Regarding The Biomet Hip Replacement Settlement

The American Injury Attorney Group has provided updates on various metal-on-metal hip settlements, including those involving the DePuy hip replacement system. AIAG has also noted alleged defects associated with the Biomet system, and it now announces that a settlement agreement has been reached in Federal Court regarding that system.

Settlement Agreement Announced

A Biomet hip replacement settlement has been approved by Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. in case no. 3:12-MD-2391, which is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana. The settlement involves an agreement by the manufacturer to remit a minimum base award of $200,000 to specifically defined claimants. Various important terms and conditions apply to claimants in this settlement.

Details Of The Latest Settlement

The new agreement applies to all patients who filed civil lawsuits following revision surgery of either the manufacturer’s M2a 38 or M2a Magnum hip replacements.

This most recent of the metal-on-metal hip settlements will apply to all Biomet MDL cases that are still pending, and it also applies to any claims filed in state courts. Also, any claims filed in either federal or state courts before April 15, 2014 may also be included in the settlement agreement, provided that such cases comply with certain specific notice requirements.

It’s important to note that what are termed “Bilateral revision cases” are treated as fully independent cases under the terms of the settlement agreement. In such as case, a claimant would have received two Biomet hip replacements followed by two later hip revision surgeries.

Important Steps For Claimants To Follow

It is important to be aware that claimants who want to participate in the settlement agreement must meet a number of deadlines. There are also certain procedures to be followed to determine one’s level of compensation. The American Injury Attorney Group can assist potential claimants in meeting deadlines and following the prescribed procedures.

Although the settlement agreement says that a claimant need not retain an attorney to participate in the processing of a claim, legal assistance is strongly encouraged. Some claims may be valued at more than $200,000. Also, as the Biomet settlement does not preclude the filing of a future claim,statutes of limitation may prevent a claimant’s ability to pursue damages in the future. The complexities of these settlements is why it is so important to seek legal counsel to get your questions answered for your particular situation.

Background

Metal-on-metal hip settlements have been reached after thousands of lawsuits were filed. Severe complications have been claimed, including:

• Substantial pain with movement or without
• Swelling and/or inflammation
• Bone deterioration
• Implant loosening or dislocation
• Toxic reactions to the metal
• A need for subsequent corrective procedures

Metal-on-metal hip settlements attempt to address the medical expenses, pain and suffering and other damages that resulted from metal components rubbing against each other, often sending metallic debris into the bloodstream. Significant and serious side effects have been linked to these phenomena, including, but not limited to, infections, nervous system complications, confusion, dizziness, emotional issues, GI tract complications and headaches. Specifically, cobalt poisoning can cause tremors, cardiomyopathy, hypothyroidism, skin rashes, hearing loss, vision problems and cognition issues.

Previous DePuy Litigation

DePuy manufactured a hip replacement system that was subsequently the subject of a recall in August 2010. Since then, thousands of patients that received the DePuy ASR hip implant have filed lawsuits, typically with the assistance of attorneys. Recently, DePuy agreed to a $2.5 billion settlement that addresses suits involving those who underwent revision procedures prior to August 31, 2013.

Contact Us Today

If you or a family member have received a hip replacement, whether it is a Depuy hip, Biomet hip, or Stryker hip, and experienced complications, contact the American Injury Attorney Group today to learn more about any metal-on-metal hip settlements that may pertain to you or a loved one. We will provide you with a free, no-obligation consultation, and if you have a case, connect you with an experienced hip replacement lawsuit attorney.

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