Dedicated Product Liability Lawyers in Fort Lauderdale
Hip replacements are supposed to improve mobility and reduce pain, but many devices fail months or years after the surgery. Some products fail through normal wear and tear, but others malfunction because they are flawed. If a faulty hip replacement causes you harm, the Fort Lauderdale Product Liability Lawyers at Anidjar & Levine can help you. Our experienced product liability attorneys represent victims of defective devices. We can help you hold a manufacturer accountable for a faulty hip replacement.
Symptoms of Hip Replacement Failure
Hip replacements are prosthetic devices that sometimes fail and cause injury. Some may fail within months of the surgery, but others may take years to show signs of trouble. Hip replacement recipients should stay vigilant for signs of possible failure. Symptoms to look out for include:
- Pain and swelling around the hip, groin, and thigh;
- Loosening of the artificial joint, which can cause fractures;
- Severe pain and instability when walking, running, or carrying heavy objects; or
- Popping or grinding noise at the joint.
Individuals with metal-on-metal implants should also look out for signs of illness on other parts of their body. Thyroid dysfunction, skin rashes, and problems with the kidneys may be symptoms of metal poisoning caused by a defective metal-on-metal hip replacement. A failing device may require additional surgery to replace or repair it. Other complications that arise, such as infections and fractures, may require more surgery, treatment, and rehabilitative care.
Recognizing When a Hip Replacement Has Failed
Hip replacement surgery aims to relieve hip joint pain and improve mobility by removing damaged cartilage and bone and implanting an artificial prosthetic device. However, these hip implants can sometimes fail early, leading to recurring pain and limited function. Being aware of certain symptoms can help identify hip replacement failures that may require revision surgery.
Some of the most common signs of a failed hip replacement include persistent groin, hip, or thigh pain, particularly while walking or bearing weight on the affected leg. Pain may originate from the hip joint itself or radiate down the thigh. Severe discomfort while seated is also a frequent indication of implant failure.
Difficulty standing up or walking normally are other symptoms. A failed hip replacement may cause a limp, imbalance, or inability to bear full weight on the leg with the implant. Stiffness and severely limited range of motion preventing activities like bending over or crossing the legs can also occur.
Sounds or sensations coming from the hip joint when moving, like crunching, clicking, or grinding, may signal that the replacement components have become misaligned and are rubbing or imperfectly articulating. General weakness and instability in the affected leg is another indicator of failure.
Imaging tests like X-rays can sometimes confirm a hip implant has become loose or misaligned. But pain and mobility limitations often provide the first clues of failure. Anyone experiencing these symptoms after hip replacement surgery should see their orthopedic surgeon promptly to determine if revision surgery is needed. Getting ahead of a failed implant prevents further deterioration and avoids greater harm.
Catching implant failures early and holding negligent manufacturers accountable is key. An experienced attorney can help analyze symptoms, prove device defects, and pursue maximum compensation if a flawed hip replacement has failed prematurely and caused added pain and disability.
Hold a Manufacturer Accountable for a Defective Device
You can hold the hip replacement manufacturer liable if its faulty product hurt you. This means that you must show that the device was flawed. The victim has to prove that the product had a defect in its manufacture or design, or that there were marketing defects like insufficient warnings. You also would need to show that the flaw caused your injuries. Finally, you must prove that the device was defective when it left its maker’s control. A manufacturer may not be held accountable if the product was substantially altered before it reached the victim.
You can hold a product manufacturer strictly liable if the defect in the product made it unreasonably dangerous. Alternatively, you can try to show that the defect resulted from negligence by its maker.
A defective hip replacement device is likely to injure more than one person. Numerous victims can file a mass tort claim against the device manufacturer. The plaintiffs can collectively benefit from the pooled resources and investigation that go into preparing a mass tort case. Each person will be able to recover for his or her own damages, which can extend to medical costs, pain and suffering, and other forms of compensation.
Recognizing and Addressing Hip Replacement Failure
Hip replacements are designed to improve mobility and reduce pain, but they can fail for various reasons, including normal wear and tear or product defects. Symptoms of hip replacement failure can include pain and swelling around the hip, groin, and thigh, loosening of the artificial joint, severe pain and instability when walking, running, or carrying heavy objects, or a popping or grinding noise at the joint. Individuals with metal-on-metal implants should also be vigilant for signs of illness in other parts of their body, as these could be symptoms of metal poisoning caused by a defective hip replacement.
In cases of hip replacement failure, additional surgery may be required to replace or repair the faulty device. Other complications, such as infections and fractures, may also necessitate further surgery, treatment, and rehabilitative care. Recognizing the signs of a failed hip replacement early on can prevent further deterioration and greater harm. However, proving device defects and pursuing compensation can be complex and challenging.
Legal assistance can be invaluable in such situations. Law firms like Anidjar & Levine, P.A. have a team of experienced product liability attorneys who can help victims of defective devices hold manufacturers accountable for faulty hip replacements. They can help analyze symptoms, prove device defects, and pursue maximum compensation if a flawed hip replacement has failed prematurely and caused additional pain and disability. Furthermore, if a doctor is negligent in selecting the appropriate hip replacement or in the follow-up care, victims may also have a claim for medical malpractice. Understanding these aspects can help individuals navigate the complexities of hip replacement failures.
Medical Malpractice Arising from Faulty Hip Replacements
Surgeons should determine which type of hip replacement offers the greatest benefit and least risk to each patient. Some factors to consider include a patient’s age, height, weight, activity level, and overall health. A surgeon must also provide adequate post-operative care after hip replacement surgery. If a doctor is negligent in selecting the appropriate hip replacement or in the follow-up care, you may have a claim for medical malpractice. You would have to demonstrate that the medical provider acted below the standard of care that a medical provider with the same qualifications and under the same circumstances would consider acceptable. You must also show that the doctor’s failure to use the appropriate level of care caused or contributed to your injuries and that you incurred actual damages as a result.
Serving Hollywood Residents Injured by Defective Medical Devices
The defective products lawyers at Anidjar & Levine offer aggressive representation to people in Hollywood and other Florida cities injured by flawed hip replacement devices. Our attorneys are seasoned litigators who can build and present a strong case on your behalf. We will work toward seeking the best possible outcome for your situation. Call our office today at 800-747-3733 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation at no cost.
