Arkansas Zimmer Knee Replacement Lawsuit: Get the Right Attorney

Quick Summary

• Reasons Behind the Lawsuit: The Arkansas Zimmer knee lawsuit represents a collective legal action addressing the failures and injuries associated with Zimmer knee implants. Common issues cited include premature loosening, pain, and the need for revision surgeries, prompting claims of defective design and failure to warn patients.
• Implications for Affected Patients: For those impacted in Arkansas, this lawsuit signifies a path to potentially hold the manufacturer accountable and seek compensation for the hardships endured. It highlights the broader issues with Zimmer knee implants and stresses the importance of corporate responsibility in patient safety.
• Evaluating Eligibility for Compensation: Determining if you qualify for compensation involves assessing the specifics of your complications, the timing of your implant surgery, and how directly your issues can be linked to the Zimmer knee device. Legal advice from an attorney experienced in medical device litigation can provide personalized insights and help navigate the eligibility criteria.

How S&C Can Help With Your Claim?

S&C can help with your claim by serving as your guiding light in the complex and often intimidating world of Zimmer knee replacement lawsuits in Arkansas, with a specialized focus on medical device litigation.

Here are three ways S&C can assist you:

• Navigating Legal Complexities: By understanding the intricacies of medical device law, S&C can maneuver through the legal procedures efficiently, ensuring that your case is handled with expertise.
• Personalized Attention: Each case is unique, and S&C provides personalized attention to tailor a legal strategy that aligns with your specific circumstances.
• Proven Track Record: With a history of successful litigation in medical device lawsuits, S&C brings experience and a record of favorable outcomes to your case.

Zimmer Knee Lawsuit

Knee replacements are supposed to improve your quality of life. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case for several patients who underwent Zimmer knee replacement surgery and received a Zimmer Persona knee implant.

Instead of a pain-free life post-surgery, they reported complications such as:

• loosening
• instability
• pain
• infections

These complications led to an array of legal claims, including the Zimmer Persona lawsuit, initiated by the individuals who suffered from them.

The Zimmer Persona Knee System, in particular, has been recalled due to increased patient complaints of loosening or radiolucent lines. 

What Is a Zimmer Knee Implant?

According to the manufacturer, the Zimmer knee implant is a medical device used to replace damaged knee joints and restore mobility in patients with severe knee damage. Zimmer Biomet, the manufacturer, offers a range of total knee replacement systems, including the NexGen, Persona, and Vanguard Total Knee System, designed to cater to various patient needs [1].

These artificial devices aim to reduce pain and restore function in patients suffering from knee issues like arthritis or injuries. They’re designed to act as a synthetic alternative to your knee, mimicking its function and form.

Though this sounds promising, unfortunately, while these devices promise a pain-free life, they’ve been associated with a slew of complications, which we’ll delve into next.

What Is Wrong With The Zimmer Knee Implants?

Faulty design and loosening are what is wrong with the Zimmer knee implants. Additionally, early wear has been observed, which can necessitate premature replacement surgery, and packaging errors have raised concerns about the sterility and integrity of the implants upon delivery.

These issues have led to fractures, flawed components, and even parts falling into the surgical site, posing challenges for Orthopaedic surgeons.

According to a 2018 research by the National Institute of Health, Zimmer NexGen CR-Flex, in particular, has been associated with a high implant failure rate. Studies indicate that 36% of these implants were loose within two years of surgery, leading to pain and the potential need for revision surgery [2].

Faulty designs in medical devices, such as Zimmer knee implants, can cause serious problems. For example, if an implant doesn’t fit right, it might damage the body and require more surgeries to fix. In 2015, the Zimmer Persona Trabecular Metal Tibial Plate was recalled because it was causing people chronic pain and needed to be replaced sooner than expected.

When manufacturing mistakes happen, medical devices can become dangerous. Zimmer Biomet had to recall its NexGen and Persona knee devices because they were failing early. This was due to issues like the implant coming loose or not connecting properly.

The recall of the Persona Trabecular Metal Tibial Plate and the high rate of failure in Zimmer NexGen CR-Flex implants show that there are serious worries about how reliable these products are.

Reasons Behind The Recall

The class II recalls by Zimmer of knee devices have been a significant catalyst contributing to over 15,000 class action lawsuits regarding the NexGen implant, concerning:

• loosening
• device failure
• early wear
• faulty packaging
• defective parts posing a risk of serious injuries

Zimmer knee replacement recalls have been issued for various reasons, including loosening, early wear, faulty packaging, and defective parts that pose a risk of serious injuries.

Specific issues that led to Zimmer knee implant recalls include implants and tools prone to fracture, improper fit causing damage when components are forced into place, and packaging errors compromising sterility.

Zimmer knee implant recalls, such as the one involving the Persona knee replacements, were due to poor seating and fixation of flex knee that resulted in pain, discomfort, and the potential need for replacement surgery, with the recalls affecting nearly 12,000 artificial knees implanted in patients.

Zimmer Biomet’s recalls, including the Persona and NexGen Knee systems, have sparked legal action due to defects like elevated endotoxin levels, packaging problems, and implant loosening. These issues necessitate additional surgeries, increasing the stakes for patients seeking compensation.

Main Side Effects Named In The Lawsuits

One of the main reasons behind the Zimmer knee lawsuits is the side effects experienced by patients post-surgery. Persistent hip pain and discomfort have been reported, leading to dissatisfaction with the implants.

Looseness and poor fixation have also been identified as significant problems with Zimmer knee implants. In some cases, the tibial tray and femoral implants were found to be extremely loose.

These complications take a toll not just on the physical well-being of patients but also on their mental health. Imagine going through a strenuous surgery in the hope of a better life, only to be met with persistent pain, discomfort, and the looming threat of another surgery.

That’s what these patients had to face, and that’s why these lawsuits have been filed—to seek justice for these patients and to hold the responsible parties accountable.

The primary causes of knee implant failure are wear and loosening, infection, instability, leg fractures, or stiffness – Dr. Amar Ranawat, Orthopedic Surgeon at Hospital For Special Surgery, New York

How Do You Qualify for a Zimmer Knee Lawsuit?

To qualify for a Zimmer knee lawsuit, you must have experienced complications such as device loosening, instability, or the need for revision surgery due to a design defect or other flaw in the Zimmer knee implant.

A recall of the device in question, such as those issued for specific models of knee implants due to various problems, may support eligibility for a lawsuit. So, if you’ve undergone knee surgery and experienced issues with your knee implant, you might be eligible to claim compensation through a lawsuit.

The Status Of The Zimmer Knee Implant Litigation in Arkansas

Let’s consider the current status of Zimmer knee implant litigation in Arkansas. Recently, three new Zimmer NexGen LPS knee replacement lawsuits were filed in district court, and over 440 additional lawsuits were consolidated into the Zimmer NexGen MDL.

Many patients with Zimmer NexGen LPS knee replacements have reported serious problems, including loosening and failure, resulting in the need for additional revision surgeries.

The statute of limitations is critical, as it governs the timeframe in which patients can file a lawsuit after discovering harm from their knee replacement surgery.

Zimmer Knee Lawsuit Average Settlement Amounts in Arkansas

Most of the terms of these settlements are often kept confidential. In January 2018, Zimmer reached a confidential settlement agreement to resolve all remaining NexGen lawsuits across state and federal courts. This settlement aimed to bring closure to legal disputes.

As of May 2019, 258 cases were still pending within the Zimmer NexGen Knee litigation, reflecting the ongoing legal challenges. While we may not have the exact numbers, we know that these lawsuits aim to compensate patients for their pain, suffering, and any financial losses they’ve incurred due to the faulty implants.

Filing a Zimmer Knee Lawsuit in Arkansas

Suppose you’ve been affected by a faulty Zimmer knee implant and want to file a class action lawsuit in Arkansas. In that case, the first step is to select a law firm with a proven track record in medical device litigation, including Zimmer knee replacement lawsuits.

The chosen law firm should possess an extensive understanding of product liability and personal injury laws specific to Arkansas, ensuring they navigate the legal landscape effectively.

Types of Evidence To Present

When it comes to presenting evidence in a Zimmer knee lawsuit, medical records are at the top of the list. These records can highlight the severity of the complications you faced due to the faulty, faulty knee implant, providing concrete proof of your suffering.

Additionally, expert testimony can strengthen your case by substantiating the claims made about the Zimmer knee implants’ faulty design or manufacturing defects.

Besides medical records and expert testimonies, documentation of complications and damages is also crucial. This can include records of the additional surgeries you had to undergo, the time you had to take off work, and any other losses you incurred due to the faulty implant.

What is the Statute of Limitations for the Zimmer Implant Lawsuit in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, the statute of limitations for defective medical device product liability lawsuits is three years. This means that you have three years from the date of injury or the date when the injury was discovered or should have been discovered to file a serious product liability lawsuit here.

How Much Is The Zimmer Implant Lawsuit Worth in Arkansas?

The worth of a Zimmer implant lawsuit in Arkansas depends on several factors, such as the severity of complications, damages incurred, and the outcome of similar cases.

The specific value of a Zimmer implant lawsuit in Arkansas is not publicly disclosed, as settlement agreements and individual lawsuits are often confidential. Compensation in Zimmer implant lawsuits often includes coverage for the cost of revision surgery and related medical expenses.

FAQs

What is the typical duration of a Zimmer knee replacement lawsuit in Arkansas?

The duration can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case, the court’s schedule, and whether the case is settled out of court or goes to trial. It could take anywhere from several months to a few years.

How does the discovery process work in a Zimmer knee replacement lawsuit?

During discovery, both parties gather and exchange information relevant to the case. This includes medical records, depositions, interrogatories (written questions), and expert reports.

How can I prove that my complications were caused by the Zimmer knee replacement?

Medical records, expert testimony, and documentation of symptoms and treatments can help establish a link between the implant and your complications. Your attorney will help gather and present this evidence.

What role do medical experts play in a Zimmer knee replacement lawsuit?

Medical experts provide specialized knowledge and testimony to support claims of product defects and medical harm. They can explain the medical aspects of the case to the court.

Related Articles:

• Alaska Zimmer Knee Replacement Lawsuit
• Alabama Zimmer Knee Replacement Lawsuit Attorney
• Arizona Zimmer Knee Replacement Lawsuit

See all related medical device lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

Get Your Free Consultation From Arkansas Zimmer Knee Implant Lawyers

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP we stand by your side during these trying times. If injuries from a Zimmer knee implant surgery have impacted you or someone close to you, reach out to us without delay. Our legal team boasts a wealth of expertise in such matters and will expertly guide you through each step of the legal maze.

We’re committed to providing clear insights into your legal options and determining if you have grounds for a Zimmer knee implant lawsuit. Our initial consultation is offered at no cost, and our fees are contingent upon securing a victory for your case.

Reference:

1. https://www.zimmerbiomet.com/en/products-and-solutions/specialties/knee.html
2. https://misuse.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/error/abuse.shtml