October 28, 2013 — Stryker Corp. could spend up to $1.13 billion to resolve hundreds of lawsuits involving the recalled Rejuvenate and ABG II hip implants, according to a securities filing. Stryker recalled the hip replacements in July 2012 over concern that a metal-on-metal component could corrode prematurely.
Before the recall, approximately 20,000 Americans were implanted with the Stryker Rejuvenate and ABG II. Stryker is now facing hundreds of product liability lawsuits in a federal Multi-District Litigation (MDL No. 13-2441) in Minnesota.
Stryker has already offered to pay for “reasonable and customary” medical care for people who were injured. They estimated costs may be between $700 million and $1.13 billion, but many factors could affect the final figures:
“[Total costs will depend] on the number of and actual costs of patients seeking testing and treatment services, the number of and actual costs of patients requiring revision surgeries, the number of and actual costs to settle lawsuits filed against us, and the amount of third-party insurance recoveries.”
The problem with the Rejuvenate and ABG II was a modular-neck stem component. Unlike other hip implants, which have a solid piece of metal for the stem and neck, the Rejuvenate and ABG II had an interchangeable component that was supposed to help an orthopedic surgeon custom-fit it to each patient. Instead, it introduced a problematic metal-on-metal junction, which could corrode prematurely.
Complications of a defective Stryker hip implant include:
- inflammation
- pain
- swelling
- metallosis (toxic metal poisoning)
- systemic reactions from metal ions in bloodstream
- loosening of the hip implant
- premature failure of the hip implant
- need for revision surgery
Do I have a Stryker Rejuvenate or ABG II Hip Implant Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Stryker Rejuvenate or ABG II induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by a defective hip implant, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Medical Device Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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