The recent voluntary worldwide recall of DePuy’s ASR hip-resurfacing system and its ASR hip Acetabular system has 3,500 patients in Ireland wondering about their next move. If all 3,500 people require corrective surgery to remove and replace the recalled hip replacements, the costs could total over €100 million, an Irish Independent article noted. The total covers only the costs of the surgeries and does not include court costs or additional compensation for patients.
Around 93,000 patients around the world have the two recalled devices implanted into their bodies. Some patients have had them removed, only to be left without replacements and unable to walk. Some doctors suggest that not everyone who received the implants will require surgery. The article said, “David Moore, president of Irish Institute of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, has said only a minority of patients who had the ASR implant would need further surgery.”
Data from studies recorded in the National Joint Registry of England and Wales demonstrated that at least one in eight people with the recalled hip replacements required “corrective surgery” within five years of receiving the implants, the article said.
There are currently lawsuits proceeding against Depuy Orthopaedics Inc. in Florida, New Jersey, and California, the article noted. Some patients and their legal teams are worried that they will not receive adequate compensation from DePuy for corrective surgery, subsequent medical costs, and pain and suffering caused by the devices.
As more and more cases are filed against the company, the question remains whether or not DePuy will take responsibility for the costs incurred by patients due to the recalled products.
If you or a loved one has required secondary surgeries or experienced serious side effects or health complications from DePuy’s ASR XL Acetabular System and the ASR Hip Resurfacing System, contact Newsome Law Firm and fill out a case evaluation form today. Our team of attorneys has experience specific to complications associated with defective medical equipment. Not only can they give you the legal guidance you need, they can help you get the compensation you deserve.
References:
McDonald, Dearbhail. (September 14, 2010) “Hip ‘revision surgery’ bill for patients could be €100m.” Retrieved on September 14, 2010 from the Irish Independent web site.
Reddan, Fiona. (September 14, 2010) “Hip recall: what happens next?” Retrieved on September 14, 2010 from the Irish Times web site.