Georgia Zimmer Knee Replacement Lawsuit: Get the Right Attorney

Quick Summary

• Path to Justice: The Georgia Zimmer knee lawsuit offers a legal avenue for individuals impacted by the implant’s recall to pursue justice and seek compensation. It serves as a crucial step for those seeking to address and mitigate the repercussions of faulty medical devices.
• Understanding the Process: Engaging in this lawsuit entails understanding the specific grounds for claims, such as pain, loosening, infection, or the need for revision surgery, all attributed to the implant’s failure. Familiarizing yourself with these aspects is essential for determining your case’s viability.
• Securing Compensation: Successfully navigating the lawsuit could result in compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related hardships. This primer is designed to guide affected Georgians through the complexities of the legal process, highlighting the steps to initiate a claim and what to anticipate in terms of potential outcomes.

How S&C Can Help With Your Claim?

S&C can help with your claim by serving as your navigational beacon through the complex legal seas of Zimmer knee implant complications. They offer comprehensive support, from meticulously reviewing your medical records to skillfully evaluating your claim, ensuring you’re not adrift at any stage of the process.

Their expertise extends to:

• Gathering the necessary evidence
• Negotiating with the manufacturer or their insurance company
• Representing you in court, ensuring your rights aren’t trampled on

Zimmer Knee Lawsuit

Zimmer knee implants generate over $2 billion in annual revenue and are widely used, including surgeries performed by knee surgeons in Georgia. However, these knee replacements have been a source of pain, discomfort, and difficulty with mobility for many patients.

This reduced quality of life has led some patients to undergo revision surgeries and, subsequently, has given rise to numerous lawsuits.

What Is a Zimmer Knee Implant?

According to the manufacturer, the Zimmer knee implant is a medical device designed to replace damaged knee joints, giving a second chance to those suffering from debilitating knee conditions. This orthopedic device is surgically implanted into the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia) during a knee replacement surgery [1].

The goal is to restore mobility and improve patients’ quality of life. Zimmer Biomet, the leading manufacturer, takes pride in offering a range of orthopedic devices, including the Zimmer NexGen knee, which is a favored option among orthopedic surgeons.

However, the road to recovery isn’t always smooth. Some models of Zimmer knee implants have caused complications for patients, turning their hope for a pain-free life into a painful nightmare.

The Zimmer knee replacements once hailed as a remedy for deteriorating knee joints, have instead become a source of discomfort and distress for many.

What Is Wrong With The Zimmer Knee Implants?

The Zimmer NexGen knee replacement system, in particular, has been a major cause for concern. Reported to have defective products have high rates of failure, this knee replacement device has resulted in pain and debilitating effects for patients, painting a grim picture of what was supposed to be a life-changing solution.

The FDA has received over 100 reports of premature loosening of NexGen knee implants, highlighting the system’s unreliability.

The High Flex NexGen implants, introduced in 2001, have been associated with the following problems:

• Premature loosening complaints
• Packaging issues
• Implant loosening
• Incorrect labeling
• High endotoxin levels

According to a 2021 study conducted by the Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics at the University of Oxford, concerns have been raised regarding metal-on-metal implants, which include specific NexGen devices, potentially leading to higher rates of revision surgeries and the possibility of elevated metal ion levels in the bloodstream of patients [2].

Reasons Behind The Recall

When it comes to Zimmer knee implants, one product that has gained notorious fame is the Zimmer Persona Knee. Launched as Zimmer’s latest knee replacement product, the Persona Trabecular Metal Tibial Plate was subject to a Class II recall in 2015. The recall specifically targeted all lots and sizes of the tibial component.

The U.S. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued the recall because of high rates of implant failure. They also received reports of adverse events related to the product. The device was found to be causing the risk of the following complications:

• Loosening
• Radiolucent lines
• Pain
• Decreased mobility
• Need for revision surgeries
• Instability
• Infection

Some patients suffered complications, necessitating additional surgical interventions in some cases.

Loosening is one of the most common complications of total knee replacement surgery. Patients usually need revision surgery to fix it. What that means is another surgery is required to address the loose knee replacement. – John R. Schultz, M.D, National Expert and specialist in Interventional Orthopedic

Main Side Effects Named In The Lawsuits

Knowing the potential complications of Zimmer knee implants can be crucial if you’re considering legal action. Lawsuits against Zimmer knee implants cite a myriad of side effects, including:

• Persistent pain
• Bone loss
• Inflammation around the knee joint
• Difficulty walking or getting up from a seated position
• A feeling of potential falling due to knee instability

If you have experienced any of these complications, it may be worth exploring your legal options. More severe side effects include bone fractures, loss of bone tissue, and complete hip implant failure.

Perhaps the most distressing is the need for revision surgeries, which are often more complicated than the initial knee replacement surgery.

These surgeries are frequently necessary due to side effects of Zimmer knee implants, such as loosening of the implant, which leads to restricted motion and difficulty performing daily activities.

How Do You Qualify for a Zimmer Knee Lawsuit?

To qualify for a Zimmer knee replacement lawsuit, you must have received a Zimmer knee replacement that was a defective product subject to a recall. This includes specific brands and models of knee replacement devices, such as the Zimmer NexGen and Persona, which have been named in lawsuits.

Experiencing complications such as:

• loosening or instability of the implant, necessitating revision surgery
• the device failed to attach to the bone properly, leading to instability and the need for corrective surgery
• defective medical device design, improper fit, early wear, or any other complication resulting in financial loss

It is essential to consider the specific circumstances of a patient’s case, such as in product liability lawsuits, to qualify them to join a lawsuit.

The Status Of The Zimmer Knee Implant Litigation in Georgia

With the rise in Zimmer knee lawsuits, a key development has been the consolidation of federal lawsuits into multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Illinois. If you’re a plaintiff or a Georgia resident affected by Zimmer knee implant complications, joining the MDL could streamline your litigation process and provide a collective platform to address common issues.

The MDL has seen outcomes such as confidential settlement agreements to resolve remaining NexGen lawsuits. In February 2018, the MDL for NexGen Knee cases was closed after reaching these settlements. With ongoing and new claims, the legal landscape surrounding Zimmer knee lawsuits is continually evolving.

Zimmer Knee Lawsuit Average Settlement Amounts in Georgia

The question on everyone’s mind is, how much could a Zimmer knee lawsuit settlement amount to? Well, the truth is, it varies. Settlement negotiations can take place at any time during the case and may result in a settlement without going to trial if both parties agree.

Settlement amounts are typically designed to cover past and future medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The severity of the injury, cost of treatment, lost income, and impact on quality of life are taken into consideration.

Compensation usually includes coverage for:

• Revision surgery
• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Other financial losses incurred due to the faulty implant

While specific settlement amounts for Zimmer knee implants in lawsuits filed in Georgia may not be publicly disclosed, looking at past cases can provide an idea of potential compensation.

Filing a Zimmer Knee Lawsuit in Georgia

Filing a Zimmer knee lawsuit in Georgia involves presenting a compelling case. This includes providing evidence of the type of complications you’ve experienced, the damages suffered, and the company’s alleged negligence or failure to warn about the potential risks.

While the process may seem daunting, having a competent legal team by your side can make the road less bumpy.

Types of Evidence To Present

In any lawsuit, evidence is king. For a Zimmer knee lawsuit, this may include:

• Your medical records highlighting the complications you’ve experienced
• Expert testimony about the implant’s design or your condition
• Documentation of financial losses
• Medical images showing the implant’s failure or loosening
• Test results indicating infection or inflammation
• Records of your doctor’s visits and treatments

Documenting your symptoms over time can be significant. Any correspondence with Zimmer Biomet or your surgeon about your complications can also serve as crucial evidence.

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

The statute of limitations for the Zimmer implant lawsuit in Georgia dictates a time frame of two years within which a legal claim must be filed. This critical time limit varies based on the specifics of each case, and overlooking this deadline may forfeit your ability to seek compensation.

It’s also important to note that the clock starts ticking from the date you became aware of the injury or should have reasonably been aware of it, not necessarily from the date of the surgery.

With these time constraints and the possibility of a recall notice, it’s highly recommended to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure timely filing.

How Much Is The Zimmer Implant Lawsuit Worth in Georgia?

The worth of the Zimmer implant lawsuit in Georgia is contingent upon several critical factors, including the severity of the patient’s injury, the total cost of medical treatment required, the amount of income lost as a result of the injury, and the overall impact on the patient’s quality of life.

While there is no standard settlement amount for Zimmer knee implant lawsuits in Georgia, the compensation can be significant. The compensation would include payment for the following:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

For example, the law firm Sulzer Medica settled approximately 4,000 cases with American patients for $1 billion, averaging about $200,000 per patient.

FAQs

Can I file a lawsuit if I received my Zimmer knee replacement outside of Georgia?

Yes, you can file a lawsuit regardless of where the surgery took place. Consult with an attorney to determine the best jurisdiction for your case.

What should I do if my insurance company refuses to cover costs related to my defective knee replacement?

Consult with your attorney, who can help negotiate with the insurance company or include these costs in your lawsuit for compensation.

How can I keep track of all my expenses related to my knee replacement issues?

Keep detailed records of all medical bills, travel expenses for medical appointments, lost wages, and any other costs related to your knee replacement complications. Organize receipts and statements in a dedicated folder.

Related Articles:

• Connecticut Zimmer Knee Replacement Lawsuit
• Delaware Zimmer Knee Replacement Lawsuit Attorney
• Florida Zimmer Knee Replacement Lawsuit

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

Get Your Free Consultation From Georgia Zimmer Knee Implant Lawyers

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP we stand by you in these difficult times. Have you or someone close to you suffered from the adverse effects of defective medical devices such as Zimmer knee implant surgery? Reach out to us. Our seasoned attorneys specialize in these complex cases and will guide you through the legal maze.

We’re here to demystify your rights and determine if you have a viable Zimmer knee implant claim. Our initial consultation is free of charge, and we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win 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