Stryker Corporation has finally committed to settling 4000+ lawsuits over its defective hip implants. After months of mediating, individuals injured by the Rejuvenate and ABG II hip implants are finally being compensated. After the case was heard in New Jersey and Minneapolis, Stryker has agreed to settle and will pay upward of one billion dollars to the claimants. Patients who were required to have these devices removed after experiencing severe discomfort will be given a base amount of $300,000. Additional amounts will be used to further compensate those who had additional complications from these devices.
This settlement is only the tip of the iceberg, so to speak, as there are piles of lawsuits waiting to be heard about these metal-on-metal implant devices. Originally, it was thought that Stryker was going to allow litigation to take place, but it is now believed that the company settled to avoid further backlash and additional liability.
November 3, 2014 is the cut-off date of this settlement and provides compensation only for those who had the problem corrected before this date. This process is just beginning. Litigation will still be taking place for those who have yet to have their devices removed and replaced.
Many doctors feel that the failure rate for Stryker hip systems may be as high as 70%. With approximately 20,000 patients in the US with Rejuvenate and ABGII hip systems implanted, there are likely many more settlements coming down the road.
These hip implant devices were recalled by Stryker in 2012 when they admitted their devices shortcomings. Many patients were subject to metal debris being released inside their bodies, as well as, pain, swelling, and a variety of adverse reactions.
Anyone who has received a replacement hip, especially the Rejuvenate or ABG II should have a medical screening done. Even if they are asymptomatic, there could be internal problems that are just getting started. It is better to be safe than sorry as now is the time to take action against the Stryker company is now.
At Zimmerman & Frachtman we accept hip implant lawsuits from all over the country against the manufacturers of these devices. We are willing to provide free consultations for any hip implant case, and our Stryker recall lawyers can answer any questions that you have.