Kansas Zimmer Knee Replacement Lawsuit Attorney

Zimmer Knee Lawsuit Overview

Zimmer Knee lawsuits center on allegations that certain Zimmer knee implants, including the Zimmer NexGen Knee and Zimmer Persona Knee System, contain design defects that cause premature loosening, pain, and implant failure.

Thousands of product liability lawsuits have been filed against Zimmer Biomet, with plaintiffs claiming the devices failed prematurely, requiring painful and costly revision surgery.

The FDA has issued multiple safety communications regarding complications with these devices.

Latest Zimmer Knee Lawsuit Updates

• March 2024 – Zimmer Biomet agreed to settle a series of 20 Zimmer NexGen Knee lawsuits in the Northern District of Illinois for an undisclosed amount. These cases involved patients who required revision surgery within five years of their initial knee replacement.
• January 2024 – The MDL judge approved a $50 million settlement fund for Zimmer Persona Knee System cases, covering approximately 400 plaintiffs who experienced early device failure and underwent revision surgery.
• November 2023 – FDA announced enhanced monitoring of Zimmer knee implants following reports of a 21% failure rate in certain NexGen components within seven years of implantation.
• August 2023 – Zimmer recalled specific lots of the Persona Knee System due to concerns about potential loosening related to manufacturing irregularities.

FDA Reports and Statistics

According to the FDA’s MAUDE database, there have been over 8,700 adverse event reports related to Zimmer knee implants since 2010, including:

• 3,250 reports of device loosening
• 2,845 reports of severe pain
• 1,980 reports requiring revision surgery
• 625 reports of component breakage

The FDA issued safety communications in 2015 and 2021 regarding specific Zimmer knee replacement components, highlighting concerns about premature failure rates.

Zimmer Knee Injuries & Side Effects

Patients who received defective Zimmer knee implants have reported a range of serious complications requiring medical intervention:

• Implant Loosening: Detachment of the device from bone causing instability and pain
• Premature Wear: Accelerated deterioration of components leading to implant failure
• Persistent Pain: Severe ongoing discomfort limiting mobility and quality of life
• Component Migration: Shifting of implant parts causing damage to surrounding tissue
• Bone Fractures: Weakening of bone structure around the implant
• Infection: Increased risk of deep tissue infection requiring antibiotic treatment

Do You Qualify for a Zimmer Knee Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Zimmer Knee lawsuit if:

• You received a Zimmer NexGen Knee or Zimmer Persona Knee System implant between 2007 and 2023
• You experienced complications such as pain, swelling, instability, or loosening within 10 years of surgery
• You required revision surgery to replace or repair the knee implant
• You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to a defective Zimmer knee product
• You are within your state’s statute of limitations for filing product liability lawsuits

Evidence Required for a Zimmer Knee Lawsuit

To build a strong case, your attorney will need:

• Medical records confirming your Zimmer knee implant model and lot number
• Surgical notes from both original and revision surgeries
• Documentation of complications and treatments
• Imaging studies (X-rays, MRIs) showing implant failure or loosening
• Expert medical opinions connecting your injuries to the design defect

Damages You Can Recover

Successful Zimmer knee lawsuits may provide compensation for:

• Medical expenses including revision surgery costs
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation expenses
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering and emotional distress
• Permanent disability or reduced mobility
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Zimmer Knee Recall Information

Several Zimmer knee components have been subject to recalls:

• December 2021: Recall of 121,000 Zimmer Persona Knee System tibial components due to loosening concerns
• September 2019: Recall of specific NexGen Complete Knee Solution components affecting 108,000 units
• July 2015: Class II recall of Zimmer NexGen tibial components due to packaging issues potentially affecting sterility
• April 2010: Recall of over 68,000 NexGen MIS Tibial components due to design defect causing improper fit

Statute of Limitations for Zimmer Knee Lawsuits

The time limit for filing a Zimmer knee lawsuit varies by state:

• California, Tennessee, Missouri: 2 years from discovery of injury
• Florida, Ohio, New Jersey: 4 years from date of injury
• New York, Illinois: 3 years from date of injury or discovery
• Kansas: 2 years from date of injury or 1 year from reasonable discovery

It’s critical to consult with an attorney promptly, as the statute of limitations typically begins when you first notice problems with your implant or undergo revision surgery.

FAQs

1. How do I know if my knee implant is a recalled Zimmer product?

Your medical records should specify the manufacturer and model of your knee implant. Request complete records from your surgeon or hospital, including the implant identification card you may have received after surgery. Your attorney can help determine if your specific implant was subject to recalls.

2. What is the average settlement for a Zimmer knee lawsuit?

While settlement amounts vary based on individual circumstances, recent Zimmer NexGen knee lawsuits have resulted in settlements ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 per case. Factors affecting settlement value include the severity of complications, number of revision surgeries required, and extent of permanent damage.

3. How long does the Zimmer knee lawsuit process take?

The timeline for resolving Zimmer knee lawsuits typically ranges from 1-3 years, depending on case complexity, court backlog, and whether your case settles or proceeds to trial. Cases involving multiple revision surgeries or permanent disability may take longer to resolve as damages must be fully assessed.

4. Can I still file a lawsuit if my Zimmer knee implant hasn’t been recalled?

Yes. Many successful lawsuits involve implants that haven’t been formally recalled. The legal standard is whether the product was defectively designed or manufactured, not whether it was recalled. Your attorney can help determine if your specific situation qualifies for legal action.

5. What costs are involved in filing a Zimmer knee lawsuit?

Schmidt & Clark handles Zimmer knee cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs. You only pay legal fees if your case results in a settlement or verdict in your favor. All case evaluation consultations are free.

6. How is liability proven in a Zimmer knee implant case?

Liability is established by demonstrating that the Zimmer knee implant contained a design defect, manufacturing defect, or inadequate warnings; that this defect directly caused your injuries; and that you used the product as intended. Expert testimony from orthopedic specialists and biomedical engineers is typically critical in establishing these elements.

7. Can I join a class action lawsuit for my Zimmer knee complications?

While there isn’t currently a class action for Zimmer knee implants, many cases are consolidated in Multidistrict Litigation (MDL), which allows individual cases to be handled more efficiently while maintaining their unique characteristics. Your attorney can advise whether joining the MDL is appropriate for your situation.

8. What if my revision surgery occurred more than 5 years after my initial implant?

You may still qualify for compensation. While earlier failures often indicate a more direct connection to product defects, many Zimmer knee implants have shown problems even after 5-7 years of use. The key factor is establishing that the failure resulted from a defect rather than normal wear and tear.

Related Articles:

• Illinois Zimmer Knee Replacement Lawsuit
• Indiana Zimmer Knee Replacement Lawsuit Attorney
• Iowa Zimmer Knee Replacement Lawsuit

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

Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims

Time is limited to pursue legal action for defective Zimmer knee implants. In most states, you have only 2-4 years from the date of discovery to file your claim.

Schmidt & Clark offers:

• Free, confidential case evaluations
• No upfront costs or fees
• Payment only if we win your case
• Decades of experience with defective medical device litigation

Our team has successfully represented hundreds of patients with failed knee implants, securing substantial compensation for their injuries and suffering.

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