In the first of multiple upcoming trials in the multidistrict litigation (MDL) for the faulty Wright hip replacement system, a woman was awarded $11 million for damages including pain and suffering and medical expenses. Of the $11 million, $1 million constituted compensatory damages and the remaining $10 million served as punitive damages to punish the product’s manufacturer, Wright Medical, for gross negligence and ‘reckless disregard of consumer safety.’ This initial trial will almost certainly impact the strategy and outcome of the hundreds of pending lawsuits against Wright Medical. Currently, there are nearly 550 remaining lawsuits.
In 2006, Christiansen received a Wright hip replacement expected to last between 15 and 20 years. Only six years later, her metal-on-metal implant had to be surgically removed when it loosened and became dislodged, causing severe pain and other complications. When the implant was removed in 2012, the surgeon noticed inflammation of the membrane lining the joint, and signs of metal poisoning within the joint itself.
Hip Implant Lawsuits Consolidated into Multidistrict Litigation
The nearly 550 Wright hip replacement lawsuits currently pending in federal district courts have been consolidated in an MDL in Georgia. The MDL, which was established in 2012, claims that a defective or unreasonably dangerous design is to blame for the failure of the hip implant. Wright Medical is facing lawsuits over three products in total, the CONSERVE Total-A-Class Advanced Metal Hip Implant System, the CONSERVE Total Hip Implant System, and the CONSERVE Resurfacing System. To date, there have been no recalls issued for any of these products, however, more than 200 adverse reports related to similar metal hip implants have been received by the FDA.
Metal Shedding and Migration
In addition to inflammation, metal poisoning, and the potential need for removal, complications linked to the Wright hip replacement systems include severe pain, the shedding of debris into tissue and the bloodstream, and disability. Several lawsuits claims that pieces of metal have migrated into the tissues surrounding the implant, resulting in blood poisoning, swelling, and extreme pain.
The Goldwater Law Firm – Nationwide Defective Medical Product Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a Wright hip replacement or a similar metal-on-metal hip implant, the Goldwater Law Firm can help. As the Bellwether case against Wright Medical, this $11 million award is likely to have a significant impact on future awards. Wright Medical was grossly negligent and failed to warn consumers and physicians of the risks associated with their products. By putting profits above the health and safety of patients, Wright Medical caused serious harm to hundreds of patients. At the Goldwater Law Firm, we believe that dangerous drug and medical product manufacturers should be held accountable for their actions. If you’ve been injured, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other associated costs. Don’t go through this alone. Contact the Goldwater Law Firm today for a free and confidential consultation.