Missouri Zimmer Knee Replacement Lawsuit: Get the Right Attorney

Quick Summary

• Understanding Your Legal Rights: It’s crucial to be aware that complications from Zimmer knee implants can form the basis for a lawsuit if these issues result from the implant’s design, manufacturing, or failure to warn patients of potential risks. Patients in Missouri who have experienced pain, immobility, or the need for additional surgeries due to these implants have legal grounds to seek redress.
• Navigating the Lawsuit Process: The process involves several key steps starting with gathering all relevant medical records and other evidence that supports your claim. Consulting with a legal professional who specializes in medical device litigation can provide you with the guidance needed to initiate and navigate through the complex legal landscape.
• Potential Compensation: Compensation in such cases might include reimbursement for medical expenses related to the implant issues, compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages if the complications have affected your ability to work, and potentially punitive damages if egregious negligence is proven. The specifics of what compensation is available can vary based on the details of your case and the evidence you are able to present.

How S&C Can Help With Your Claim?

S&C can help with your claim by offering a full suite of legal services tailored to the complexities of Zimmer Persona knee implant complications.

Their expertise is evident through various key actions, including:

• Meticulous review of medical records to ensure a thorough understanding of each case
• Thorough evaluation of claims to identify the strongest arguments for compensation
• Provision of informed advice on the most strategic course of action to take, tailored to each client’s unique situation

As you engage with their team, you become more than just a client; you become an integral partner in the shared goal of achieving justice.

Zimmer Knee Lawsuit

As we delve deeper into the world of Zimmer knee replacement lawsuits, it’s vital to understand the scope of these legal proceedings. Across the country, lawsuits are being filed focusing on defects in the Persona and NexGen CR-Flex models.

Plaintiffs allege high failure rates and the necessity for revision surgeries. With so many patients affected, the scale of these lawsuits is massive. While Zimmer knee implants are a significant focus, they’re not the only ones under scrutiny.

Several prominent knee surgeons have also been examining other manufacturers, such as:

• DePuy Synthes
• B. Braun
• Arthrex Inc.
• Smith & Nephew

These companies have also faced lawsuits for their knee replacement products. For example, the first lawsuit filed against DePuy Synthes over the Attune Knee Replacement was in Alabama in 2017, with expectations of more nationwide filings to follow in 2018. B. Braun faced at least 25 knee replacement lawsuits in California in 2017, with patients alleging injuries from their devices.

What Is a Zimmer Knee Implant?

As stated by the manufacturer, Zimmer knee implant is a medical device engineered to replace a damaged knee joint, but these particular implants have come under fire for their concerning failure rates [1].

In fact, over 36% of these implants were found to be loose within two years. Critics argue that Zimmer disregarded expert advice to recall these defective implants.

Issues have been linked to loosening components, faulty design leading to a limited range of motion, and the necessity for additional revision surgery. The implications of these issues are far-reaching, affecting patients’ quality of life and often requiring further medical intervention.

What Is Wrong With The Zimmer Knee Implants?

What is wrong with the Zimmer knee implants is the high failure rates, the necessity for frequent revision surgeries, and the resulting decrease in patients’ quality of life due to these complications.

Orthopedic surgeons reported the following issues with Zimmer NexGen knee implants:

• High rates of knee replacement loosening, with 36% of the implants being loose after two years
• 9.3% of the implants requiring revision or being scheduled for revision due to pain and looseness
• A concerning rate of early aseptic loosening of the tibial component led to the discontinuation of its use by some institutions.

Patients commonly experienced symptoms like medial knee pain and effusions, often accompanied by X-ray evidence of a varus alignment of the tibial component. These issues, coupled with the frequent need for revision surgeries, have been the crux of the Missouri Zimmer NexGen knee lawsuits.

Reasons Behind The Recall

Given these alarming issues, it’s no wonder that a recall was issued. Patients injured by the Zimmer Persona Knee system reported issues like:

• loosening
• instability
• pain
• infection
• the necessity for revision surgeries

Furthermore, legal claims filed against Zimmer Biomet allege:

• negligence
• insufficient testing
• inadequate warnings of potential risks
• continued marketing of a defective product

As a result, individuals who experienced complications with Zimmer Persona implants may seek justice through class action lawsuits or individual litigation.

In 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a recall for the Zimmer Persona knee replacements, which affected nearly 12,000 devices that had already been implanted in patients.

The recall targeted the Persona Trabecular Metal Tibial Plate, a crucial component that attaches to the thigh bone (tibia) and supports the artificial knee joint.

This particular focus emphasized the importance of addressing potential issues related to this specific medical device. Higher-than-expected complaints of loosening or radiolucent lines prompted Zimmer Biomet’s voluntary recall. The recall raised fundamental questions about the implant’s design and the need for continuous monitoring.

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

Main Side Effects Named In The Lawsuits

When you hear about side effects, you might think of minor inconveniences. But the side effects named in the Zimmer Persona Knee System lawsuits are anything but minor.

Patients have reported issues including:

• pain
• implant loosening
• difficulty walking
• knee instability

The impact of chronic pain and its side effects extends beyond physical discomfort, affecting patients’ daily lives and overall well-being.

According to the NHS 2023 research, other complications include [2]:

• Bone fractures
• Loss of bone tissue
• Joint swelling
• Inflammation
• Complete implant failure

How Do You Qualify for a Zimmer Knee Lawsuit?

To qualify for a Zimmer knee lawsuit, you must have experienced complications from a Zimmer knee implant and have your condition evaluated by a medical professional. After addressing your health concerns, it is crucial to submit your claim for a free case evaluation, where legal experts can review the details of your case and determine your eligibility for legal action.

After receiving a case evaluation, it’s time to find legal representation. An experienced attorney can assist you in navigating the complex legal process. But your journey doesn’t end there. Gathering proper documentation is essential for building a strong legal case.

The Status Of The Zimmer Knee Implant Litigation in Missouri

Understanding the current landscape of Zimmer knee implant litigation in Missouri can provide insights into what you can expect from your lawsuit. As of May 2019, 258 cases were still pending in the Zimmer NexGen Knee litigation. This litigation once included over 1,700 individual lawsuits, illustrating the scale of the issue at hand.

Individual lawsuits related to Zimmer knee implants have been filed throughout the United States. Over 1,700 individual Zimmer knee lawsuits were combined into mass litigation, which concluded with most cases dismissed or withdrawn. The remaining lawsuits were settled confidentially in an Illinois federal court in February 2019.

As of 2017, Zimmer aimed to maintain over 300 federal cases in a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL), seeking to avoid separate trials and potentially disparate judgments. However, plaintiffs are seeking the opportunity to take their cases to trial separately from the MDL.

In addition to individual lawsuits, class action lawsuits also play a significant role in the Zimmer knee implant litigation. In 2017, over 300 federal cases were grouped into a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL). Zimmer opposed the initiative to move individual cases out of the MDL for trial, but plaintiffs are seeking separate trials.

In February 2019, a settlement was reached for 273 out of the 279 remaining lawsuits in the Zimmer NexGen Knee litigation. However, the specific settlement terms were not disclosed publicly.

Zimmer Knee Lawsuit Average Settlement Amounts in Missouri

Settlement amounts depend on various factors, including medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Past settlements in similar cases have averaged around $200,000 per individual.

However, the value of Zimmer implant lawsuits varies and includes compensation for:

• Revision surgery costs
• Medical expenses
• Lost wages during recovery
• Other losses were experienced due to the faulty implant.

Filing a Zimmer Knee Lawsuit in Missouri

Filing a Zimmer knee lawsuit in Missouri involves several steps:

1. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any complications or side effects from the Zimmer knee implant
2. Submit your claim for a case evaluation to determine if you have a valid legal case
3. Find legal representation to guide you through the legal process
4. Gather proper documentation, such as medical records, bills, and any other evidence related to your case

Now, let’s examine the types of evidence you need to present and the statute of limitations for a Zimmer implant lawsuit in Missouri.

Types of Evidence To Present

Presenting evidence in a Zimmer knee lawsuit is crucial. One vital piece of evidence is the informed consent form – a critical document in any malpractice lawsuit.

This form should include:

• Diagnosis
• Discussion of alternative treatments
• Explanation of the procedure
• Expected outcomes
• Implant information
• Potential complications specific to total knee arthroplasty

Orthopedic surgeons, especially knee surgeons, should ensure that the informed consent form for total knee replacement surgery discusses the prosthesis’ longevity and the possibility of needing knee revision surgery.

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

The statute of limitations for the Zimmer implant lawsuit in Missouri is five years from the date the injury occurred. This period is notably more generous than in many other states, where the typical duration is around two years.

Despite this extended timeframe, it’s important to act promptly when considering legal action, as delays can lead to challenges such as diminished witness recollection and the potential disappearance of crucial evidence.

How Much Is The Zimmer Implant Lawsuit Worth in Missouri?

The worth of a Zimmer implant lawsuit in Missouri is influenced by various factors, such as medical expenses incurred, lost income due to inability to work, pain and suffering endured, and the results of similar cases previously settled.

This variability accounts for the costs of:

• revision surgeries
• all related medical expenses
• lost wages during the recovery period
• any other losses that have arisen as a direct consequence of the defective implant

However, it’s important to remember that every case is unique. The compensation you may receive depends on the specific circumstances of your case, the severity of your injuries, and the strength of your evidence.

FAQs

Can family members of affected individuals also file claims?

In some cases, family members may be able to file claims for loss of consortium, emotional distress, or other related damages. Consult with an attorney to explore potential claims for family members.

What should I bring to my initial consultation with a medical device attorney in Missouri?

Bring all relevant medical records, proof of the knee replacement implant, documentation of expenses related to the complications, and any communication with healthcare providers or the manufacturer.

What are common defenses used by manufacturers in medical device lawsuits?

Common defenses include arguing that the complications were caused by factors other than the implant, asserting that the implant was properly tested and approved, and claiming that the patient did not follow post-surgical care instructions.

Related Articles:

• Michigan Zimmer Knee Replacement Lawsuit
• Minnesota Zimmer Knee Replacement Lawsuit Attorney
• Mississippi Zimmer Knee Replacement Lawsuit

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

Get Your Free Consultation From Missouri Zimmer Knee Implant Lawyers

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP we stand by your side in these difficult times. If injuries from a Zimmer faulty knee implant surgery have impacted you or someone you care about, reach out to us without delay.

Our seasoned team is well-versed in these complex cases and will guide you through every step of the legal process. We’ll explain your legal rights and determine whether you can pursue a lawsuit for the issues stemming from Zimmer knee implants.

We offer free consultations, and our fee structure is contingent on winning your case, ensuring our interests are aligned with your success. Contact us for a comprehensive evaluation of your situation with Zimmer knee implants.

Reference:

1. https://www.zimmerbiomet.com/en/products-and-solutions/specialties/knee.html
2. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/knee-replacement/complications/