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Stryker to Pay $1.4 Billion Settlement
As you may recall, Stryker Corporation had several serious issues with some of their products that were sold to many doctors, hospitals, and other medical providers all across the country. The Michigan-based company sells implants that are used for hip replacement surgery. These products have left many patients in serious pain or dealing with other complications such as swelling and debilitating injuries directly related to product use.
Recently, a settlement was announced between Stryker Corp. and thousands of patients who received the Rejuvenate or ABG II hip replacement systems. Due to the Stryker products’ defects, these patients had to undergo revision surgery to remove or replace the problematic devices. Many patients and healthcare workers claimed that Stryker was neglectful in the design of the devices, as well as negligent in properly testing the safety of the devices before distributing them for use. The company was also accused of hiding pertinent information about the risks of serious injury and death, as well as failing to warn patients and healthcare professionals of the devices’ dangers. Stryker recalled both of its hip systems in July 2012, admitting during the recall that the neck components often rub against each other as the patient walks, and that this rubbing causes metallic debris. The debris can travel through a patient's bloodstream or tissue and cause serious problems, making revision surgery a necessity.
According to the settlement, Stryker will provide an approximate payment of $300,000 to each plaintiff in 39 states. Thousands of cases from all over the country were filed in the U.S. federal court and consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL), a common grouping of several lawsuits against a single entity. New Jersey State Superior Court Judge Brian Martinotti oversaw the Stryker hip replacement settlement, which is not for a fixed sum--meaning Stryker’s liability will not be capped. Many experts anticipate the total amount of payments under the settlement will exceed the current $1.4 billion.
The Stryker hip replacement settlement includes all plaintiffs who underwent revision surgery before November 3, 2014. It’s important to note that additional terms of the payment may be negotiated for further claims after this date. The settlement allows patients who have been injured due to Stryker’s negligent actions to recover a wide range of damages. Plaintiffs can seek moneys for lost wages, pain and suffering, medical expenses (including future medical expenses), and other financial losses. In some cases, plaintiffs may also seek punitive damages for Stryker’s conduct. Throughout the coming months, claims from each affected patient will be examined on a case-by-case basis.
In order to be included in the Stryker hip replacement settlement, patients must submit their claims by March 2, 2015. Payments are scheduled to be distributed in the summer of 2015, with the remainder of payments expected to be received by the end of 2015. If you or a loved one has been affected by faulty or defective Stryker hip replacement products and would like your case to be considered as part of the settlement, contact a lawyer to help you navigate the legal process. The attorneys at Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, P.A. are ready to assist in this lawsuit. We’ve helped families file claims against those responsible for victim’s injuries and we can help you, too. Remember, there is a fast-approaching deadline to file your claim, so act quickly!
We strongly believe in fair and just compensation for everyone who has been the victim of someone else’s negligence. Please contact us online so we can help you and your family receive the justice you deserve. You can also call us day or night and speak with a live attorney at 305-448-8585 or toll-free at 877-448-8585.
