Alabama Zimmer NexGen Knee Replacement Recall Lawyers
The DiLorenzo Law Firm, LLC is now accepting clients who had knee replacement implants manufactured by Zimmer, Inc., that are defective and causing discomfort, pain, and lack of mobility since the replacement surgery. If you had a Zimmer NexGen Knee device implanted during knee replacement surgery, contact The DiLorenzo Law Firm, LLC to discuss your potential claims. We are evaluating knee replacement complications in the Zimmer implant and we've begun filing lawsuits nationwide.
Zimmer NexGen Knee Replacement Recall Lawyers
In 2011, The DiLorenzo Law Firm, LLC began evaluating the Zimmer NexGen Knee Replacement devices after a report showed a significantly higher failure rate that other similar devices. Zimmer Holdings, manufacturer of NexGen knee replacements, continues to market the devices, in spite of a March 2010 report revealing alarmingly high failure rates in the implants.
Two experienced orthopedic surgeons prepared the NexGen report, finding that the Zimmer NexGen femoral component came loose in 36% of cases reviewed -- and 9.3% of patients had to undergo revision surgery to fix the painful problem. Both failure rates are far above the normal range for such knee implant devices, according to doctors who have reviewed the data.
"This component is still commercially available but should not be used for any patient," the doctors said, in the report.
The doctors presented the report March 11, 2010 at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) in New Orleans. The report, entitled "The High Failure Rate of a High-Flex Total Knee Arthroplasty Design," points to statistics from 146 total-knee arthroplast (TKA) surgeries. Four authors signed onto the report: Hany Bedair, M.D.; Megan Tormey; Craig J Della Valle, M.D.; and Richard A Berger, M.D.
One of the authors, Dr. Berger, had previously tried to convince Zimmer Holdings to fix the problem or remove the product from the marketplace. Dr. Berger felt compelled to criticize the product even though he had made $8 million working for Zimmer, designing surgical tools and devices and training doctors. The company responded to the warnings by punishing the doctor for speaking out. (See New York Times: "Surgeon vs. Knee Maker: Who’s Rejecting Whom?")
Because the company refused to act on his warnings, Dr. Berger went public with the information, presenting the "High Failure Rate" report at the annual AAOS meeting. Again, Zimmer refused to heed the warning. Instead, the company released a statement pointing to data from Australia and claiming the product is perfectly safe. However, that same Australian data shows that the Zimmer NexGen LPS has the second highest revision rate of the 20 knee replacement devices listed -- nearly 60% higher than the average.
Although Zimmer ignored Dr. Berger’s warnings, United States Senator Charles E. Grassley (R, Iowa) did not. Senator Grassley sent a harsh letter to Zimmer CEO/President David Dvorak, demanding answers to questions about the safety of the knee implant devices. (See Sen. Grassley's letter to Zimmer)
Dvorak and his company have not released details of the conversation with Sen. Grassley following the senator’s letter. The company has only said they answered questions about the company’s complaint handling processes.
Sen. Grassley’s letter pointed out that, because of an earlier agreement with federal prosecutors, Zimmer Holdings was required to post detailed information about financial relationships with healthcare providers. Federal prosecutors in New Jersey had filed charges against Zimmer Holdings, alleging conspiracy to commit violations of the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute, but reached an agreement with the company, requiring detailed public disclosures.
Contact An Alabama Zimmer NexGen Knee Replacement Recall Attorney
If you've encountered problems with your Zimmer NexGen knee device during your knee replacement recovery or if you have encountered pain or a loosening of your Zimmer NexGen knee device since surgery - a Zimmer NexGen knee replacement lawsuit may be a viable option for you.
Call our Birmingham, Alabama offices today for a free consultation. The number to reach us is 1-(800) 200-3604. Do not wait another day and risk losing your claim.
The attorneys at The DiLorenzo Law Firm, LLC are now filing Zimmer knee lawsuits for clients and are evaluating Zimmer NexGen knee replacement claims nationwide. If you have one of the defective devices, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for your pain and suffering through a Zimmer lawsuit.
The DiLorenzo Law Firm, LLC's experienced injury lawyers have extensive experience with product liability claims, specifically those involving defective medical devices. We can help you to identify your device and determine whether a Zimmer NexGen knee replacement lawsuit makes sense for you.
Alabama has a two year statute of limitations on filing certain product liability and personal injury claims. It takes time to acquire medical records and draft pleadings, so please do not delay in contacting us if you have any concern that your hip replacement device may be subject to this recall. |
