At Lynch Solicitors we have been involved in the DePuy Hip litigation since the product was first recalled in this country in 2010. We have dealt with a significnt number of cases for our clients. We consider ourselves as one of the top firms in this speciaiist area. We have acted for clients from each corner of the country. We have evolved a strategy to maximise the outcome for our clients. We have developed this strategy keeping in mind the expected outcome for the client based on our experience from dealing with such a large number of cases, This enables us to set up a database of settlements from which to compare each case to ensure the best result.
Those patients who have been implanted with defective DePuy hip implants may have pain, loss of mobility and in some cases, softtissue injuries to muscles and nerves in the area of their hip.
In addition to the mechanical failure of the device, metal poisoning is a serious concern. This is due to the metal on metal contact between the ball and the socket of the implant, which can cause metallosis (body reacts to metal.) Metallosis can cause inflammation around the joint, tissue damage and bone damage.
Many patients require further surgery exposing them to all the risks associated with such major surgery including infection, adverse reaction to anaesthesia and a loss of opportunity for future hip replacements, a particular concern for the young and more active for whom these DePuy ASR products were specifically marketed.
At a recent DePuy Hip Recall Conference, which Lynch Solicitors hosted, DePuy patients learned that there is a very slow recovery following revision surgery because metal debris stays in the tissues for some time after the metallic joint has been removed and the body can still react creating inflammation. The pain does, however, seem to improve over time.
There are a number of legal areas which come in to play and which Lynch Solicitors are taking account of:
- Product Liability – DePuy
- Medical Negligence – Clinician
Another essential aspect for consideration is the Statute of Limitations. Every civil action must start before a specified time. After this time period no action can be brought and so the claim would be “statute barred”. The clock is ticking – timing is everything!
If you have been affected by the DePuy hip recall proceedings must be issued as soon as possible to ensure that your case does not become “statute-barred”.
In the US progress with the class action, together with the various individual cases, is well under way. The class action itself is being case managed by a specific Judge and the matter is to appear before him again on the 5th April 2011.
Our colleagues in Canada have also advised that they are working in tandem with the US lawyers and proceedings have begun to be issued in the Canadian Courts.
In Australia, a class action, taken on behalf of the 5,000 people who are estimated to have received the DePuy, was issued in the Sydney Federal Court at the end of February 2011. Closer to home, in the UK, matters appear to be at a relatively advanced stage. Our UK colleagues have advised that a settlement scheme is currently in the process of being negotiated.
Lynch Solicitors act for a considerable number of clients and have established international links in order to offer the best options in the context of information and compensation.
We hosted an International DePuy Hip Implant Recall Conference in March 2011. Two UK experts, Mr. David J. Langton, MRCS at University Hospital of North Tees and Dr. Thomas Joyce, at Newcastle University, spoke at the conference and advised patients to seek ultrasound scans and second opinions.
Lynch Solicitors believe that when it comes to the issue of compensation for pain and suffering, DePuy patients need an objective second opinion. With this in mind, we have established links with medical experts in the UK.
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