Apply Now
If you or someone you love has had a Stryker hip replacement and experienced complications, you’re not alone. Several patients throughout the country have reported similar issues and complications with certain Stryker hip implants, leading to pain, additional surgeries, and long-term health issues.
This guide answers the most common questions about Stryker hip replacement lawsuits. Whether you’re just starting to explore your legal options or already involved in a case, this article will help you understand what’s happening and what steps you can take.
What Is a Stryker Hip Replacement?
A Stryker hip replacement is a medical device used in hip replacement surgery. It’s designed to replace a damaged or worn-out hip joint with artificial components. These devices are made by Stryker Corporation, a well-known manufacturer of orthopedic implants.
Stryker hip replacements typically include a metal stem, a metal or ceramic ball, and a plastic or metal socket. Some models also use modular necks, which allow surgeons to adjust the fit more precisely. Common types of Stryker hip implants include:
- Rejuvenate Modular Hip System
- ABG II Modular Hip System
- LFIT V40 Femoral Head
- Accolade TMZF Stem
While these devices are meant to improve mobility and reduce pain, some models have caused serious complications.
Why Are Stryker Hip Replacements Used?
Hip replacement surgery is usually recommended for people with severe arthritis, hip fractures, or other joint problems that limit movement and cause pain. Stryker devices are often chosen because they’re designed to be durable and customizable. Some benefits of using Stryker hip implants include:
- Improved mobility
- Reduced joint pain
- Faster recovery times
- Longer-lasting results.
However, not all patients experience these benefits. Some Stryker models have been linked to early failure, metal poisoning, and other serious issues.
What Types of Legal Issues Have Been Reported?
Many lawsuits have been filed against Stryker due to problems with their hip replacement devices. The most common legal claims include:
- Defective design: Some implants failed earlier than expected or caused tissue damage.
- Manufacturing defects: Issues during production may have led to unsafe devices.
- Inadequate warnings: Patients and doctors weren’t always informed about the risks.
- Failure to recall: Some argue that Stryker didn’t act quickly enough to protect patients.
These issues have led to thousands of lawsuits, many of which have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) to streamline the legal process.
Which Stryker Models Have Faced Lawsuits?
Several Stryker hip replacement models have been the focus of legal action. These include:
- Rejuvenate Modular Hip System
- ABG II Modular Hip System
- LFIT V40 Femoral Head
- Accolade TMZF Stem
These models were linked to problems such as corrosion, fretting (wear between metal parts), and metal ion release, which can cause pain, inflammation, and tissue damage.
What Are the Typical Grounds for Filing a Lawsuit?
If you’ve been injured by a Stryker hip implant, you may be able to file a lawsuit based on:
- Product liability: The device was defective or unreasonably dangerous.
- Negligence: Stryker failed to test or monitor the product properly.
- Breach of warranty: The product didn’t perform as promised.
Each case is different, but these are the most common legal theories used in Stryker hip replacement lawsuits.
What Evidence Is Needed to Support a Claim?
To build a strong case, you’ll need solid evidence. This may include:
- Medical records showing the implant and any complications
- Surgical reports and imaging scans
- Documentation of revision surgeries
- Blood tests showing metal ion levels
- Expert witness testimony
- Product identification (model and serial number)
- Proof of lost wages or reduced earning ability
- Personal journals or statements about pain and lifestyle changes.
Your attorney will help gather and organize this evidence to support your claim.
Who Can File a Stryker Hip Replacement Lawsuit?
Anyone who received a Stryker hip implant and suffered complications may be eligible to file a lawsuit. This includes:
- Patients who needed revision surgery.
- Individuals with metal poisoning or tissue damage.
- People experiencing chronic pain or mobility issues.
- Family members filing on behalf of deceased loved ones.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, a legal consultation can help clarify your options.
What Is the Process for Filing a Lawsuit?
Filing a Stryker hip replacement lawsuit usually involves these steps:
- Initial consultation with a lawyer
- Review of medical records and implant details
- Filing the complaint in court
- Joining the MDL (if applicable)
- Discovery phase (sharing evidence)
- Settlement negotiations or trial
Your lawyer will guide you through each step and keep you informed along the way.
Are There Deadlines for Filing?
Yes, there are strict deadlines known as statutes of limitations. These vary by state but typically range from one to three years from the date of injury or discovery of the problem. Missing the deadline could mean losing your right to sue. Hence, it’s important to act quickly.
How Long Does the Lawsuit Process Take?
The timeline for Stryker hip replacement lawsuits can vary. Some cases settle within a year, while others may take several years to resolve. Factors that affect the timeline include:
- Complexity of the case
- Number of plaintiffs in the MDL
- Court schedules and negotiations.
Your attorney can give you a better idea based on your specific situation.
What Are the Possible Outcomes?
There are two main outcomes in these lawsuits:
- Settlement: Stryker may offer compensation to avoid going to trial.
- Trial verdict: If the case goes to court, a judge or jury will decide the outcome.
Most cases settle before trial, but some go all the way through the legal system.
What Types of Compensation Can Plaintiffs Seek?
If your lawsuit is successful, you may be able to recover financial compensation to cover the following:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning potential
- Costs of revision surgery
- Emotional distress
What Factors Influence Compensation Amounts?
Several factors can affect how much financial compensation you receive, such as:
- Severity of your injuries
- Number of surgeries required
- Length of recovery time
- Impact on your daily life
- Age and overall health
- Ability to work and earn income
- Strength of your evidence
- Whether you join an MDL or file individually
Each case is unique, so compensation varies widely.
Types of Expert Witnesses You Can Hire
Expert witnesses play a key role in these lawsuits. They help explain medical and technical details to the court. Common types include:
- Radiologists
- Orthopedic surgeons
- Vocational rehabilitation experts
- Pain management doctors
- Biomedical engineers
- Toxicologists
- Economists
- Life care planners
- Medical device regulatory consultants
- Product safety specialists
Your legal team will choose experts based on your specific injuries and claims.
Apply for a No-Risk Stryker Hip Replacement MDL Lawsuit Loan Today
If you’re facing financial hardship while your Stryker hip replacement MDL lawsuit is ongoing and waiting on a settlement, a lawsuit loan can help cover your expenses. Contact us at High Rise Financial today or call (866) 407-6404 to find out if you qualify for a Stryker hip replacement MDL lawsuit loan. Our friendly team is here to answer your questions and walk you through the application process.