Pittsburgh Defective Hip Replacement Attorneys

Handling Metal Toxicity Lawsuits for Injured Patients

Have you been diagnosed with metal toxicity, metal poisoning, or metallosis? Have you also had hip replacement surgery that used a metal hip replacement device or system? There might be a direct connection between your metal poisoning diagnosis and the hip replacement device used in your surgery. In recent years, many patients have suffered serious injuries and illnesses related to defective metal hip replacement devices, and now they are taking legal action.

If you have been hurt by a defective hip implant, you may have the right to pursue compensation by holding the manufacturer liable for selling an unsafe medical device. Rather than trying to navigate the complexities of a personal injury case on your own, though, get the counsel of an experienced attorney from Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C. in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With more than 40 years of legal experience focused on complex injury claims and lawsuits, we are proud to be recognized in our communities and among our peers as the legal team people can truly depend on.

You can count on our highly awarded attorneys, many of whom have earned professional awards and recognitions from:

• American Association for Justice
• Million Dollar Advocates Forum
• Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
• Super Lawyers®
• The National Trial Lawyers “Top 100”
• The National Trial Lawyers “Top 40 Under 40”

Contact our Pittsburgh defective hip replacement lawyers at (844) 383-0565 to discuss your case.

Metal Toxicity Caused by Defective Hip Implants

Metal-on-metal hip replacement systems or implant devices may become defective due to poor designs that cause unsafe wear-and-tear the longer a patient has it. Specifically, in certain hip replacement systems, the metal ball and cup of the replacement hip joint may rub together, gradually causing the metal to deteriorate into microscopic slivers, as reported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As the patient’s soft tissues around the hip replacement system begin to absorb the metallic slivers, it can build up in the bones, muscles, blood, and more, resulting in metallosis, metal poisoning, or metal toxicity.

Symptoms of metallosis may include:

• Nausea
• Unexplained metallic taste
• Respiratory difficulties
• Tinnitus
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Blurred vision
• Migraines

Signs of a failing metal hip implant that might be causing metal poisoning include:

• Hip or groin pain
• Popping or squeaking sounds when walking
• Difficulty walking, sitting, or lying down
• Numbness or weakness in the hip
• Redness or swelling around the surgical site
• Leg fractures

Please talk to your medical provider as soon as possible if you are showing symptoms of metallosis or a failed hip replacement device. If untreated, metallosis or metal toxicity can lead to fatal complications caused by organ failure, as recorded by the National Library of Medicine.

What Metal Hip Implants Have Been Recalled?

Various metal-on-metal hip implants have been recalled in recent years, including but not limited to:

• DePuy ASR Acetabular and Resurfacing hip system
• Stryker Rejuvenate and ABG II hip system
• Zimmer Durom Acetabular component for hip systems

Other hip replacement systems have been flagged for concern by the FDA but have not been officially recalled. For example, the Biomet M2a Magnum hip replacement device has been linked to metal poisoning and high fracture risks, but the manufacturer was not forced to issue a recall.

If you have had hip replacement surgery and have begun to experience unusual complications or side effects, you should talk to your medical provider about which metal-on-metal hip replacement system was used. If it has been recalled, you may want to talk to them about corrective surgery or other options. Also, provide a copy of the information from your medical provider to our attorneys, who can use it while building your claim.

Harm Caused by Defective Hip Devices

You may be able to use legal action to pursue justice and compensation if you were hurt by a defective hip replacement that caused you to suffer from metallosis. The extent of your injuries and how your day-to-day life has been impacted by them.

When working on your claim, we will want to consider how the defective hip replacement system and metal poisoning have hurt you:

• Physically: If your hip replacement device has caused metallosis, it will need to be replaced with revision surgery, which carries its own complications and risks.
• Emotionally: We will take into account how you have been scarred emotionally due to the metal poisoning and defective hip implant. Your life could be changed forever due to a complication or disability, and you deserve the chance to pursue compensation that recognizes that impact.
• Financially: Of course, we will consider all financial harm you have suffered because of an unsafely manufactured hip implant, including medical costs, lost wages, expenses related to permanent mobility issues, and more.

Learn How to File a Claim – Call Now

Get Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C. and our Pittsburgh metal hip replacement failure attorneys on your side today if you have suffered from metal toxicity linked to an unsafe hip replacement system. You could have the chance to use a claim or lawsuit to demand fair compensation from the medical device manufacturer, or the medical provider who installed the device if they ignored recalls or warnings. As we lead the way in your case, we can investigate what happened, determine who caused it, and calculate how much they owe you for your losses. We’ll be ready to fight for you, either through settlement negotiations or courtroom litigation. 

To schedule a consultation with one of our Pittsburgh defective hip replacement attorneys, call us at (844) 383-0565 or message us online.