Published by If you or a loved one experienced complications, injuries, or issues following hip replacement surgery with a Stryker LFIT V40 implant, you may be entitled to pursue compensation. At Schmidt & Clark, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to defective hip implants. Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Schmidt & Clark today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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Complimentary Private Legal Review: Should you or someone close to you experience complications following hip replacement surgery, it’s imperative to get in touch with our legal team without delay. You could be eligible for financial restitution through a lawsuit, and our attorneys are here to assist.
Table Of Contents
What’s the Problem?
February 23, 2017 – Plaintiffs’ lawyers last month filed a motion with the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) to centralize all federal Stryker V40 LFIT lawsuits before one judge in the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts.
The LFIT V40 femoral head has been used in a number of different hip replacement systems, including the Stryker Accolade TMZF, the Stryker Accolade 2, the Meridian, and the Citation hip implant.
In their motion to consolidate, plaintiffs note that the Stryker LFIT V40 femoral head was designed to be used in the above and other hip replacement systems, but that its design was flawed. The femoral head is supposed to lock in place on the stem, but the taper lock has been reported to fail because of excessive movement between the head and stem.
Related Article: Inadequate Hip Implants Litigations
Plaintiffs further allege that Stryker knew that these components were defective for years, but downplayed the risks and failed to warn doctors and patients. They add that each LFIT V40 lawsuit presents “common claims arising under product liability laws” with a common core set of facts, which means the parties would be properly served by the creation of an MDL.
They recommend the District of Massachusetts for the litigation because it provides an easily accessible location, the venue can handle a high volume of cases, and it has very experienced judges. The creation of an MDL will help reduce duplicative discovery, avoid conflicting rulings by different judges, and expedite the litigation process.
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Stryker LFIT Lawsuit Filed in Alabama
April 14, 2017 – According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff underwent total hip replacement surgery in April 2010 with the Stryker Accolade TMZF Hip Stem and the LFIT Anatomic V40 femoral head. Shortly after the surgery, fretting and corrosion occurred between the femoral stem and femoral head junction, according to the lawsuit. This resulted in “trunnionosis,” which is a major factor in hip implant failure.
The plaintiff claims he suffered damage to the hip joint including pain and inflammation, and also developed metallosis, a condition that occurs when friction between the metal ball and socket of the hip joint causes metal particles to be released into the bloodstream.
He suffered from severe pain and discomfort, limited mobility, and soft tissue damage. As a result of these problems, Plaintiff was forced to undergo hip revision surgery in March 2015.
Plaintiff blames Stryker for failing to adequately study the LFIT Anatomic V40 femoral head before bringing it to market, and for failing to adequately warn about its potential risks. He brings counts of liability, negligence, breach of warranties, fraudulent misrepresentation, fraudulent concealment, and fraudulent inducement and suppression. His wife also claims loss of consortium.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) agreed to centralize all federal product liability lawsuits related to Stryker Corp’s recall of LFIT Anatomic CoCr V40 Femoral Heads to the U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts. The litigation is In RE: Stryker Orthopaedics LFIT V40 Femoral Head Product Liability Litigation, MDL NO. 2768.
JPML Decision
The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) played a crucial role in the Stryker LFIT V40 litigation. In February 2017, plaintiffs’ attorneys filed a motion with the JPML requesting centralization of all federal Stryker V40 LFIT lawsuits before a single judge in the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts.
In their motion, plaintiffs argued that each LFIT V40 lawsuit presented “common claims arising under product liability laws” with a common core set of facts. They recommended the District of Massachusetts as the appropriate venue because it provides an easily accessible location, can handle a high volume of cases, and has experienced judges.
The JPML agreed with the plaintiffs’ motion and centralized all federal product liability lawsuits related to Stryker Corp’s recall of LFIT Anatomic CoCr V40 Femoral Heads in the U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts. The consolidated litigation is officially titled “In RE: Stryker Orthopaedics LFIT V40 Femoral Head Product Liability Litigation, MDL NO. 2768 [1].”
This centralization helps reduce duplicative discovery, avoids conflicting rulings from different judges, and expedites the overall litigation process for all parties involved.
Stryker LFIT V40 Injuries & Hazards
The Stryker LFIT V40 hip implant has been associated with several serious complications that can require revision surgery and cause long-term health issues.
- Trunnionosis: Failure at the junction between the femoral stem and femoral head
- Metallosis: Release of metal particles into the bloodstream due to friction between components
- Pain and Inflammation: Severe discomfort in the hip area and surrounding tissues
- Limited Mobility: Restricted movement and difficulty walking
- Soft Tissue Damage: Injury to muscles and other tissues surrounding the hip joint
Do You Qualify for a Stryker LFIT V40 Lawsuit?
You may qualify for a Stryker LFIT V40 lawsuit if:
- You received a hip replacement that used the Stryker LFIT V40 femoral head component
- You experienced complications such as trunnionosis, metallosis, pain, inflammation, or limited mobility
- Your injuries required medical treatment or revision surgery
- You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to the Stryker LFIT V40 implant
Evidence Required for a Stryker LFIT V40 Lawsuit
- Medical records documenting your original hip replacement surgery
- Documentation of your Stryker LFIT V40 implant (model and lot number if available)
- Medical records showing complications and treatments
- Records of any revision surgeries
Damages You Can Recover
Plaintiffs in Stryker LFIT V40 lawsuits may be eligible to recover damages for:
- Medical expenses including revision surgeries
- Lost wages due to inability to work
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium (as claimed in the Alabama lawsuit)
Statute of Limitations for Stryker LFIT V40 Lawsuits
The statute of limitations for filing a Stryker LFIT V40 hip implant lawsuit varies by state. In general, patients have a limited time period from either the date of injury, the date they discovered their injury was related to the hip implant, or the date of the recall announcement to file a claim.
Product liability cases typically have statutes of limitations ranging from 1-6 years, depending on the state. Some states may also have a “discovery rule” that extends the deadline if you didn’t immediately know your injury was caused by a defective product.
It’s critical to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after experiencing complications with your Stryker LFIT V40 hip implant to ensure your legal rights are protected before the filing deadline expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hip replacement systems used the Stryker LFIT V40 femoral head?
The LFIT V40 femoral head has been used in several hip replacement systems, including the Stryker Accolade TMZF, the Stryker Accolade 2, the Meridian, and the Citation hip implant systems.
What is the specific defect alleged in the Stryker LFIT V40 lawsuits?
The lawsuits allege that the taper lock design is flawed, causing excessive movement between the femoral head and stem. This leads to fretting and corrosion at the junction, resulting in conditions like trunnionosis and metallosis.
What is trunnionosis and how does it affect hip implant patients?
Trunnionosis is a condition that occurs at the junction between the femoral stem and femoral head of a hip implant. It is a major factor in hip implant failure and can lead to pain, inflammation, and the need for revision surgery.
What is metallosis and why is it dangerous?
Metallosis is a condition that occurs when friction between the metal components of a hip joint causes metal particles to be released into the bloodstream. This can lead to inflammation, tissue damage, and other serious health complications.
Where has the Stryker LFIT V40 litigation been centralized?
The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) has centralized all federal product liability lawsuits related to Stryker’s LFIT Anatomic CoCr V40 Femoral Heads in the U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts under MDL NO. 2768.
Are there any specific models of Stryker LFIT V40 hip implants involved in the recall?
Yes, specific models and lot numbers of Stryker LFIT V40 hip implants have been involved in recalls due to higher than expected rates of failure. Patients should check with their healthcare provider and the FDA website for information on recalls related to their specific device.
What steps should I take if I am injured by a Stryker LFIT V40 hip implant?
If injured by a Stryker LFIT V40 hip implant, seek immediate medical attention, document the injury and any treatments, retain medical records and the device, and consult a lawyer to discuss potential legal action and compensation.
Can I join a class action lawsuit if I was affected by the Stryker LFIT V40 recall?
Yes, individuals affected by the Stryker LFIT V40 recall may join a class action lawsuit if one is available. Class action lawsuits allow multiple plaintiffs to combine their cases, providing a stronger collective legal action against the manufacturer.
Related Articles:
See all related product liability lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.
Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
Time is limited to pursue legal action for Stryker LFIT V40 hip implant injuries. The statute of limitations varies by state, so it’s crucial to contact a qualified attorney as soon as possible to preserve your legal rights.
The Medical Device Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Stryker LFIT V40 Femoral Head Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and are currently accepting new injury cases in all 50 states.
Our firm offers:
- Free, confidential consultations
- No upfront costs or fees
- Payment only if we win your case