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In August 2010, DePuy Orthopedics recalled a hip implant because it was defective. Tens of thousands of patients have the recalled implant. An alarming number have had problems, often requiring a second surgery, which is why the device was recalled.

There are actually two defective products included in the recall: the ASR Hip Resurfacing System and the ASR XL Acetabular System. If you have had a hip replacement since 2005, the recall may apply to you. If you don’t know whether you have a DePuy implant, you can contact your surgeon or the hospital to find out.

Symptoms of a problem may include pain, swelling, popping, dislocation and difficulty walking. The first step is to find out what’s causing the problem. Surgery to fix these problems – called revision surgery – may be required.

Patients who have received the defective implant have legal options. While DePuy has offered to pay for out-of-pocket expenses for treatment and surgery, if necessary, the offer is insufficient in many cases. You may have other damages, such as past and future pain and suffering, other medical bills, lost earnings and even permanent harm such as disfigurement. You may be able to recover these damages by filing a lawsuit.

These are not medical malpractice lawsuits, but rather product liability lawsuits. The cases aren’t against the doctors or surgeons but against the maker of the devices (DePuy).

Be aware that DePuy may ask you to sign something. They may want your medical records or ask if they can have the defective device after it’s removed. It may seem like an innocent request, but they are taking evidence – the evidence you may need to succeed in your claim. Do not agree to anything without talking to an experienced DePuy hip recall attorney.

If you need a referral to a DePuy hip recall attorney, please contact us. We can recommend someone with the experience to help. The deadline for filing this type of lawsuit is generally two years. Although there may be exceptions, you will lose the right to sue if you miss the deadline.

An Internet search brings up tons of attorneys on this issue. We can help you sort through the list to find the best attorney for you. Please contact us if you would like a DePuy lawsuit attorney referral or if you just have questions.