Johnson & Johnson Agrees To Pay $420 Million To Settle Hip Implant Cases

February 24, 2015 | By O'Connor Acciani & Levy
Johnson & Johnson Agrees To Pay $420 Million To Settle Hip Implant Cases Up to $420 million that's how much more Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has agreed to pay to settle some 1,400 claims over defective hip replacement devices. Under the new agreement, benefits of a 2013 settlement are extended to patients who replaced their hips from August 2013 through January 2015. This means 1,400 additional patients are now eligible to seek around $300,000 in compensation. By the time J&J resolves all its implant cases, the total cost will exceed $4 billion.

Defective Devices & Pain

The settlement follows complaints the defective devices were causing pain, injury and metal poisoning in patients, a recall of the all-metal prosthetic was issued in August 2010. The implants were found to emit metallic debris that can be harmful to patients. There are two main problems with metal-on-metal implants:
  • About 12 percent of metal-on-metal implants fail within the first three years after implantation, while the average life span of most implants is 15 years or more.
  • They shed metal debris into the body and risks can include effects on the heart, nervous system and thyroid.
Hip replacements have become a common medical procedure in the United States.  Failure in these devices can cause painful, crippling effects. Serious side effects and injuries may include pain, infection, bone fracture, dislocation, metal debris, tissue damage and loss of mobility.

Symptoms Of Hip Implant Failure

Other signs of hip implant failure include:
  • Unexplained hip pain
  • Groin or thigh pain
  • Pain with walking
  • Pain with weight bearing
While many medical devices dramatically improve the lives of patients, some put your health at risk, causing more suffering to patients who just want to walk without pain and go about their daily activities in a normal, pain-free way.

Are You Or Your Loved One A Victim?

If you or a loved one has suffered, let us help you seek potential monetary damages as compensation. The personal injury lawyers at O'Connor, Acciani & Levy can help you determine what your legal options are and if you may be eligible to file a claim. If you received the ASR hip replacement implant, then call O'Connor, Acciani & Levy Co., LPA for a free consultation to learn about your rights.