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Table Of Contents
- Zimmer Knee Replacement Lawsuit Overview
- Latest Zimmer Knee Replacement Lawsuit Updates
- FDA Reports and Statistics
- Zimmer Knee Replacement Injuries & Side Effects
- Do You Qualify for a Zimmer Knee Lawsuit?
- Zimmer Knee Replacement Recall Information
- Statute of Limitations for Zimmer Knee Lawsuits
- FAQs
- 1. How do I know if my knee replacement is part of a recall?
- 2. What compensation amounts are typical in Zimmer knee lawsuits?
- 3. How long does a Zimmer knee lawsuit take to resolve?
- 4. Can I still file a lawsuit if my revision surgery was successful?
- 5. What makes Zimmer knee implants allegedly defective?
- 6. How do I prove my injuries were caused by a defective knee implant?
- 7. Will filing a lawsuit require me to appear in court?
- 8. Can I afford an attorney for my Zimmer knee lawsuit?
- Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
Zimmer Knee Replacement Lawsuit Overview
Zimmer knee replacement lawsuits center on allegations that certain Zimmer knee implants, including the NexGen Complete Knee Solution System and Zimmer Persona, are defectively designed and manufactured. Over 1,800 adverse event reports have been filed with the FDA regarding these devices, with patients reporting premature implant failure, severe pain, and the need for painful revision surgery.Zimmer Biomet has faced multiple regulatory actions, including recalls of several components due to loosening and other complications.
Latest Zimmer Knee Replacement Lawsuit Updates
- February 2025 – A $25 million settlement has been reached in a multi-district litigation involving 356 plaintiffs who required revision surgery after receiving Zimmer NexGen knee implants. The settlement addresses claims of design defects that allegedly caused implant loosening and failure.
- December 2024 – The FDA issued new safety communications regarding Zimmer knee implants following reports of higher-than-expected failure rates in the Persona model, particularly in patients under 65.
- October 2024 – A Mississippi jury awarded $4.8 million to a plaintiff who suffered severe complications following implantation of a Zimmer NexGen knee replacement, including damages for pain and suffering and emotional distress. The case highlighted manufacturing inconsistencies that led to premature implant failure.
- August 2024 – Zimmer Biomet expanded its previous recall of Persona Knee implant components to include an additional 20,000 units after reports of loosening and the need for revision surgery continued to increase.
FDA Reports and Statistics
According to the FDA MAUDE database, there have been 2,743 adverse events reported related to Zimmer knee replacements since 2020. These reports include:
- 1,458 reports of device loosening
- 895 reports of severe pain
- 674 reports requiring revision surgery
- 316 reports of device fracture or breakage
The FDA issued warning letters to Zimmer manufacturing facilities in 2022 and 2023 regarding quality control issues and failure to properly investigate device complaints.
Zimmer Knee Replacement Injuries & Side Effects
Patients implanted with defective Zimmer knee replacements have reported a range of serious complications that significantly impact their quality of life.
- Persistent Pain: Chronic, debilitating pain during movement and at rest
- Component Loosening: Separation of the implant from bone causing instability
- Implant Failure: Complete mechanical failure requiring immediate medical intervention
- Infection: Increased risk of deep tissue infections requiring antibiotic treatment
- Bone Fractures: Weakening of surrounding bone structure leading to fractures
- Limited Mobility: Restricted range of motion and difficulty walking
- Swelling and Inflammation: Persistent tissue inflammation around the implant
Do You Qualify for a Zimmer Knee Lawsuit?
You may qualify for a Zimmer knee replacement lawsuit if:
- You received a Zimmer knee implant, such as the NexGen Complete Knee Solution System or Zimmer Persona
- You experienced complications within 10 years of implantation
- You required revision surgery to replace or correct the implant
- You suffered from persistent pain, instability, loosening, or other complications
- You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to the Zimmer device
Evidence Required for a Zimmer Knee Lawsuit
Building a strong case requires substantial documentation. Important evidence includes:
- Medical records confirming the original knee replacement surgery with a Zimmer product
- Documentation of complications experienced after surgery
- Records of doctor visits related to knee implant problems
- Surgical notes from any revision procedures
- Imaging results showing implant failure (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans)
- Documentation of physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Prescription records for pain management
Damages You Can Recover
Successful Zimmer knee replacement lawsuits may provide compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering related to complications and revision surgeries
- Emotional distress from ongoing medical issues
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of consortium
- Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)
Zimmer Knee Replacement Recall Information
Several Zimmer knee replacement components have been recalled due to manufacturing and design defects:
- June 2021: Recall of 20,000 Zimmer Persona Knee implant tibial components due to loosening
- September 2020: Recall of NexGen Complete Knee Solution stems due to packaging errors that could lead to contamination
- February 2015: Class II recall of 11,658 Persona Trabecular Metal Tibial Plates due to reports of radiolucent lines and loosening
- April 2010: Recall of NexGen MIS Tibial Components following high failure rates requiring revision surgery
Statute of Limitations for Zimmer Knee Lawsuits
Legal time limits for filing Zimmer knee replacement lawsuits vary by state:
- Mississippi: Three years from the date you discovered or should have discovered the injury
- California: Two years from the date of injury or discovery
- New York: Three years from injury date
- Texas: Two years from the date you discovered the connection between your injuries and the implant
Consulting with an experienced product liability attorney promptly is crucial to preserve your legal rights within these timeframes.
FAQs
1. How do I know if my knee replacement is part of a recall?
You can verify if your Zimmer knee implant has been recalled by checking your medical records for the exact model and lot number, then comparing this information with the FDA’s recall database. Your orthopedic surgeon or the hospital where your surgery was performed can also help identify your specific implant model.
2. What compensation amounts are typical in Zimmer knee lawsuits?
Settlement amounts for Zimmer knee lawsuits typically range from $100,000 to $750,000, depending on factors such as the severity of complications, need for revision surgery, and impact on quality of life. Some cases with extraordinary circumstances have resulted in jury verdicts exceeding $1 million.
3. How long does a Zimmer knee lawsuit take to resolve?
Most Zimmer knee replacement lawsuits take between 1-3 years to reach resolution. Factors affecting timeline include case complexity, jurisdiction, whether the case joins existing multi-district litigation, and if the case settles or proceeds to trial.
4. Can I still file a lawsuit if my revision surgery was successful?
Yes. Even if your revision surgery successfully addressed the implant failure, you may still qualify for compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages experienced during the period between implant failure and successful revision.
5. What makes Zimmer knee implants allegedly defective?
The primary allegations concern design flaws in the tibial components that may lead to premature loosening, manufacturing inconsistencies affecting the implant’s stability, and inadequate warning to surgeons and patients about potential failure rates and complications.
6. How do I prove my injuries were caused by a defective knee implant?
Establishing causation typically requires expert medical testimony, comprehensive medical documentation showing the progression of complications, evidence of proper implant usage, and sometimes analysis of the removed implant components after revision surgery.
7. Will filing a lawsuit require me to appear in court?
While some cases do proceed to trial requiring plaintiff testimony, the majority of Zimmer knee replacement lawsuits are resolved through settlement negotiations without the need for court appearances. Your attorney will handle most court proceedings on your behalf.
8. Can I afford an attorney for my Zimmer knee lawsuit?
Most attorneys handling Zimmer knee replacement cases work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs. Attorney fees are only paid if you receive compensation through a settlement or verdict, typically as a percentage of the recovery amount.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. With many states imposing a two to three-year statute of limitations from the date of injury discovery, delaying your claim could forfeit your right to compensation.Schmidt & Clark offers:
- Free, confidential case evaluations
- No upfront costs or attorney fees
- Payment only if we win your case
- Decades of experience handling defective medical device litigation
- Personalized attention to your specific circumstances
Our team understands the physical limitations, emotional distress, and financial burden that failed knee implants cause. We’re committed to holding Zimmer Biomet accountable for the injuries their products have caused.[START YOUR FREE ZIMMER KNEE LAWSUIT CONSULTATION NOW]