Nebraska Zimmer Knee Replacement Lawsuit: Get the Right Attorney

Quick Summary

• Overview of the Lawsuit: The Nebraska Zimmer knee lawsuit targets failures and defects in Zimmer knee implants that have led to patient complications, such as pain, reduced mobility, and the need for revision surgeries. This legal action claims that Zimmer Inc. was negligent in designing, manufacturing, and selling these faulty implants.
• Implications for Affected Individuals: For residents of Nebraska dealing with these complications, the lawsuit presents an opportunity to seek redress for the hardships endured. This includes potential compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages caused by the implant failures.
• Legal Steps to Consider: If you’ve been impacted by a Zimmer knee implant, the first step is to consult with a legal expert who specializes in medical device litigation to evaluate your case. Gathering detailed medical records, documentation of your complications, and any relevant communications with your healthcare provider will be crucial. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the process, file your claim appropriately, and represent your interests in court.

How S&C Can Help With Your Claim?

S&C can help with your claim by providing legal representation to Nebraska residents who have suffered due to the failure of a Zimmer knee implant.

Moreover, S&C law firms offer the following services for individuals who’ve experienced complications from Zimmer Persona knee replacements:

• Filing individual lawsuits on behalf of individuals
• Personalized legal approach
• Detailed examination of your case
• Free consultations to evaluate potential claims

Their legal assistance extends to seeking compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, and other damages associated with the failure of Zimmer knee implants.

Zimmer Knee Lawsuit

The Zimmer knee replacement lawsuit saga was triggered by allegations that Zimmer’s knee implants were failing at a higher rate than expected, leading to patients experiencing complications. A growing number of lawsuits have been filed in Nebraska district courts, with some cases consolidated into multidistrict litigation to streamline the process.

The complaints commonly allege that Zimmer’s knee implants caused pain and necessitated additional surgeries, directly impacting the plaintiffs’ quality of life. The legal battles paint a picture of a medical device manufacturer that might have prioritized profits over patient safety.

What Is a Zimmer Knee Implant?

As stated by the manufacturer, Zimmer knee implant is a medical device designed to replace damaged knee joints and restore mobility [1].

However, complications have arisen with certain models, particularly the knee replacement device known as Zimmer NexGen Knee.

Nebraska residents with Zimmer NexGen Knee Replacements have reported complications that affect daily living, such as complications related to:

• Loosening
• Pain
• Infection
• Difficulty walking

If you have experienced any of these complications, it is important to seek medical attention and consult with a legal professional to understand your rights and options.

What Is Wrong With The Zimmer Knee Implants?

What is wrong with the Zimmer knee implants is that Zimmer Biomet, the manufacturer, may face product liability claims due to issues such as defective components and premature loosening of the knee implant parts.

2019 research conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the British Medical Journal (BMJ) has revealed several concerns with metal-on-metal implants. The BMJ study highlights a significantly increased need for corrective surgeries, known as revision therapies, in these implants compared to those using metal-on-polyethylene [2].

This finding is in stark contrast to the claims by many manufacturers about the superior longevity of metal-on-metal designs. Furthermore, evidence suggests that such metal-on-metal implants may lead to a higher risk of joint dislocation and elevated metal ion levels in the bloodstream.

Reasons Behind The Recall

The recall of Zimmer Persona Knee was prompted by reports of joint device loosening and the development of radiolucent lines, which indicated the device had become disconnected from the bone. After receiving complaints about the Zimmer Persona Trabecular Metal Tibial Plate knee implant, the FDA issued a Class II recall for the Zimmer Persona Knee system on March 12, 2015.

A Class II recall is issued when a device may cause a temporary or reversible medical or health threat, as was the case with the Zimmer Persona knee replacement. The recall affected 11,638 orthopedic devices that had been implanted in patients, putting them at risk of experiencing severe pain or other complications from early device failure.

Main Side Effects Named In The Lawsuits

The lawsuits against Zimmer cite a range of complications, from pain and loosening of the thigh bone around the implant to the need for revision surgery due to implant failure. 

Zimmer’s NexGen knee replacement systems, including the NexGen Complete Knee Solution and the NexGen CR-Flex Porous Femoral Component, have been associated with loosening problems.

Patients have had to undergo required revision surgery due to Zimmer implants losing. Considering that knee replacement devices have a finite lifespan, future replacements can incur additional costs. 

These complications have led prominent knee surgeons to raise concerns about Zimmer knee implants, eventually leading to recalls.

The serious concerns raised about Zimmer knee implants have escalated beyond patient reports. Two notable orthopedic surgeons from Chicago found that 36% of Zimmer NexGen knee implants were loose within two years, potentially requiring further surgeries.

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 been implanted with a Zimmer Persona knee device and subsequently suffered complications such as implant loosening, pain, infections, or revision surgery.

The FDA recalled approximately 11,000 Zimmer Persona knee implants in 2015 after reports of implant failures and adverse events.

Patients suffering from complications like:

• gaps between the implant and bone
• bone loss around the implant
• joint damage
• chronic pain

You might be eligible to file a lawsuit against Zimmer Biomet, and it’s recommended to consult a personal injury lawyer experienced in defective product and medical device cases to evaluate your claim and understand your legal options, including dealing with your insurance company.

The Status Of The Zimmer Knee Implant Litigation in Nebraska

The Zimmer knee implant litigation scenario in Nebraska is dynamic. Several models of Zimmer NexGen knee replacement systems, including the MIS Tibial Components and CR-Flex femoral components, have been identified as potentially defective and may be associated with ongoing litigation.

Zimmer NexGen knee replacement products have been reported to cause issues like loosening, which may necessitate revision surgery. The litigation is currently accepting cases from all 50 states, indicating ongoing and widespread litigation against Zimmer knee replacements.

Zimmer Knee Lawsuit Average Settlement Amounts in Nebraska

The average settlement amount for a Zimmer knee lawsuit varies depending on several factors.

Plaintiffs in Nebraska Zimmer knee lawsuits may seek economic compensation for:

• The cost of medical expenses, including the financial burden associated with revision surgeries
• Claims for lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity due to the patient’s inability to work as a result of their injuries.

Plaintiffs may pursue non-economic damages for the emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life experienced due to complications from Zimmer knee implants. These elements contribute to the overall worth of a Zimmer knee lawsuit.

The costs associated with revision surgery due to Zimmer knee implant complications can be significant. Costs for total knee replacement surgery in the U.S. range from $15,000 to $70,000, with an average cost of $29,300 without complications.

Partial knee replacement surgery generally costs 10-20% less than total knee replacement due to a shorter hospital stay. Outpatient knee replacement surgery is increasingly common and can reduce costs and the duration of hospital stays.

Filing a Zimmer Knee Lawsuit in Nebraska

If you’ve established that you’re eligible to file a Zimmer knee lawsuit, the next step is to understand how to file one. To strengthen a Zimmer knee lawsuit, it is essential to gather all relevant documentation of the device’s malfunction and the consequent injury to demonstrate carelessness and substantiate a claim for just compensation.

Types of Evidence To Present

The evidence you present in your Zimmer knee lawsuit can make or break your case. Medical records are a central component in Zimmer knee lawsuits as they provide evidence of the implant’s failure and subsequent injuries.

Organizing medical records, which include details about the implant and any complications, is crucial for a Zimmer knee lawsuit. Clinical notes from electronic health records can provide valuable information about a patient’s experience with the Zimmer knee implant, including details on complications and pain.

An attorney with expertise in Zimmer knee lawsuits can navigate the complexities of medical records and leverage them effectively in a legal case.

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

The statute of limitations for the Zimmer implant lawsuit in Nebraska law is typically two years for filing a product liability lawsuit, such as those involving complications from Zimmer Knee Implants.

However, there are exceptions. For instance, if the negligence is not discovered within two years, the injured party in Nebraska may initiate a lawsuit up to one year after the discovery of the injury.

There is a 10-year maximum time limit from the date of the incident for filing a medical malpractice claim in Nebraska, irrespective of other circumstances.

How Much Is The Zimmer Implant Lawsuit Worth in Nebraska?

The worth of the Zimmer implant lawsuit in Nebraska depends on factors like medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages.

The compensation for a faulty knee replacement device, including those by Zimmer, can differ significantly, but past cases have seen average settlements of around $200,000 per patient.

FAQs

What evidence is needed to support a Zimmer knee replacement lawsuit?

Evidence includes medical records documenting the knee replacement surgery and complications, proof of the specific implant used, expert medical testimony linking the implant to the complications, and documentation of related expenses and losses.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit for complications caused by a Zimmer knee replacement in Nebraska?

The statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit in Nebraska is typically four years from the date of injury or discovery of the injury. Consult with an attorney to ensure timely filing.

What compensation can be sought in a Zimmer knee replacement lawsuit?

Compensation can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and costs for revision surgery or additional treatments. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded if gross negligence is proven.

Related Articles:

• Missouri Zimmer Knee Replacement Lawsuit
• Montana 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 Nebraska Zimmer Knee Implant Lawyers

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP we stand with you in these difficult times. Should you or someone close to you suffer from the repercussions of Zimmer knee implant surgery, we urge you to get in touch with us.

Our expertise in such legal matters runs deep, and we are committed to guiding you every step of the way through the legal maze. We will shed light on your entitlements and determine if you have a viable claim against Zimmer knee implant complications.

We offer our consultation services free of charge, and our fee structure is contingent upon securing a victory for you. Contact us for an in-depth analysis of your situation regarding Zimmer knee implants.

Reference:

1. https://www.zimmerbiomet.com/en/products-and-solutions/specialties/knee.html
2. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/metal-metal-hip-implants/concerns-about-metal-metal-hip-implants