“Recalls were for dishwashers and cars, not body parts.” Those were the words of a DePuy hip replacement patient as she testified before a U.S. Senate hearing on medical device safety earlier this month. In August 2010, DePuy Orthopaedics voluntarily recalled its ASR hip replacement system. Since then, class action lawsuits have sprung-up across the country over the defective device.
The woman told the 21-member panel that she initially thought the hip replacement surgery was a good idea. However, that opinion changed when blood tests showed that metal levels in her body were 1000 percent higher than normal. The hip implant was breaking down and releasing metal particles into her bloodstream. She underwent a second surgery to remove the DePuy implant and replace it with one by a different manufacturer. The operation left her with diminished mobility and in significant pain.
Later, she discovered that the surgeon who performed the first DePuy replacement surgery received over $600,000 in consulting fees from DePuy. Her testimony framed the discussion of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) role in patient safety in the medical device approval process. One senator commented that the FDA has to a better job of monitoring the products it approves once they reach the market.
The DePuy hip replacement system recall affected more than 96,000 patients. Our law firm already represents hundreds, and is currently investigating new cases. If you suffered injuries from a product that was supposed to be safe, contact a Florida lawyer. A skilled Florida attorney gives you the best chance at a fair financial recovery for your injuries.
