Nevada Zimmer Knee Replacement Lawsuit: Get the Right Attorney

Quick Summary

• Understanding Your Legal Rights: It’s important to recognize that as a recipient of a potentially defective Zimmer knee implant, you have the right to pursue legal action. This can include claims for product liability based on defects in the implant’s design or manufacturing process, or for failure to warn of potential risks.
• Navigating the Legal Process: The process begins with assessing the specifics of your complications and how they relate to the implant. Consulting with a legal expert who specializes in medical device litigation in Nevada is crucial. They can help determine the strength of your case based on evidence such as medical records, expert testimony, and other relevant documentation.
• Potential for Compensation: If your lawsuit is successful, you may be eligible for various forms of compensation. This could include costs for medical treatments required due to the implant, lost wages, pain and suffering, and possibly punitive damages if egregious negligence is proven. The specifics of what compensation is available can vary widely based on the details of your case.

How S&C Can Help With Your Claim?

S&C can help with your claim by providing expert legal assistance to individuals dealing with complications from Zimmer NexGen CR-Flex knee implants. Our team is not only proficient in filing lawsuits, but we’re also dedicated to aiding you in recovering damages for medical costs, pain and suffering, and lost income.

We make it our mission to stand with you in your confrontation with large insurance companies and parts manufacturers, ensuring that you have a strong ally in this challenging time. We’re committed to ensuring you receive the justice you deserve.

Zimmer Knee Lawsuit

Nevada, like many other states, has seen a significant number of Zimmer knee replacement lawsuits, alleging issues with their knee replacement systems. The central allegations in these lawsuits often include claims of defective design and failure to provide adequate warnings about the risks.

Several of these lawsuits have resulted in substantial awards for the plaintiffs, reflecting the court’s recognition of issues with the knee replacement systems.

Zimmer Biomet, the manufacturer of Zimmer knee implants, has faced numerous lawsuits because its products have failed. Zimmer Biomet often tried to shift responsibility for its products’ failure by attributing it to the doctors who performed knee replacement surgeries.

This approach was frequently observed in numerous cases. However, if evidence shows Zimmer Biomet was grossly negligent or engaged in willful misconduct, such as knowingly selling a risky or defective product without adequate warnings, punitive damages could be pursued.

This means that the company could be held liable for negligence and product liability as well as for knowingly allowing consumers to use a defective device, potentially leading to a product liability lawsuit.

What Is a Zimmer Knee Implant?

As stated by the ma Zimmer knee implant is a medical device used in total knee replacement surgeries to address severe knee osteoarthritis by substituting the natural knee joint with artificial components [1].

However, despite its market dominance, Zimmer Biomet’s knee implants have come under legal scrutiny due to issues that patients have experienced post-surgery, which has led to increased attention on knee replacement implants and knee surgeons’ expertise and techniques.

What Is Wrong With The Zimmer Knee Implants?

What is wrong with the Zimmer knee implants is aseptic loosening, infection, and periprosthetic fractures.

The Zimmer NexGen Knee Flex System, for instance, has been associated with poor range of motion and component loosening. The Zimmer Persona Knee components were recalled due to implant loosening and chronic pain, both of which often necessitate revision surgery.

Reasons Behind The Recall

Zimmer has faced multiple recalls due to these complications. Notably, in March 2015, the FDA issued a Class II recall of the Zimmer NexGen CR-Flex knee replacement due to concerns over early failure rates.

In the same year, Zimmer also recalled 11,658 units of the Zimmer Persona knee implant due to failure and adverse events. This trend of recalls highlights a pattern of issues with implant failure in various Zimmer knee implant devices.

These recalls didn’t just affect Zimmer; they impacted thousands of patients as well. The 2015 recall affecting the Zimmer Persona Trabecular Metal Tibial Plate used in knee implants, for example, was classified as Class 2 by the FDA. This suggests the potential for temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences affected patients due to the defect.

The specific issues that led to the recall notice included problems with seating and fixation, which could cause patients pain and necessitate corrective surgery, which in this case is corrective revision surgery.

Despite these issues, it’s essential to note that the FDA plays a crucial role in monitoring medical devices, including Zimmer knee implants. The FDA’s 510(k) clearance process is an expedited approval path that allows medical devices to enter the market without a full FDA review under certain conditions.

Main Side Effects Named In The Lawsuits

Now that we understand the issues with Zimmer knee implants and the recalls let’s look at the main side effects named in the lawsuits. Zimmer knee replacement lawsuits commonly allege devices became unstable and required revision surgery due to loosening.

In some cases, knee implants were recalled because of design issues or manufacturing flaws that led to premature loosening and instability.

As a result, some recipients of Zimmer NexGen CR-Flex knee replacements reported the need for corrective surgeries due to knee pain and implant loosening.

Orthopedic surgeons, who frequently handle Zimmer knee replacements, have provided crucial insights into these issues. They report that:

• According to the HSS research from 2021, more than 85% to 90% of patients can expect Zimmer knee replacements to perform well for at least 15 to 20 years [2]
• However, they’ve observed an increase in implant failures among younger, more active patients due to higher demands on knee replacement
• In some cases, issues like loosening of the prosthesis in Zimmer knee replacements may necessitate revision surgery

The most common symptoms of a failed knee implant are pain, decrease in joint function, knee instability, and swelling or stiffness in the knee joint. – Amar S. Ranawat, MD, 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 be an individual who has received Zimmer Biomet knee replacement components and is now experiencing complications.

Your eligibility for joining a Zimmer knee lawsuit is often contingent upon whether the whole knee replacement system or part in question has been subject to a recall.

Potential complications leading to a lawsuit may include joint pain, swelling, infections, nerve damage, bone issues, and difficulty with mobility.

The Status Of The Zimmer Knee Implant Litigation in Nevada

Currently, Zimmer knee implant litigation in Nevada involves multidistrict litigations (MDLs) to streamline the pretrial process and enhance efficiency across cases. MDLs facilitate a streamlined pretrial process, which may lead to more consistent rulings and resolve cases faster than if those cases were to proceed as individual lawsuits.

MDLs are distinct from class actions and often more suitable for pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturer mass torts because they respect the unique issues of law and fact present in individual cases.

Precedent cases, such as product liability lawsuits such as the 2002 Sulzer Medica settlement, can influence the outcome of Zimmer knee implant lawsuits. Sulzer Medica settled around 4,000 lawsuits over its hip and knee implants for $1 billion, one of the largest settlements in the industry.

This case reminds us that significant compensation is possible for those impacted by defective knee implants, which may affect the thigh bone.

Zimmer Knee Lawsuit Average Settlement Amounts in Nevada

With precedent cases in mind, you might be curious about the potential settlement amounts in Zimmer knee lawsuit cases in Nevada. These may include compensatory damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

However, the worth of a lawsuit varies greatly depending on the specifics of each case, including the extent of damages and the quality of the evidence presented.

Compensatory damages play a critical role in determining the settlement amount in Zimmer knee lawsuit cases, as they reflect the economic and non-economic losses suffered by the plaintiff.

Non-economic damages may cover compensation for experiences such as pain, emotional distress, and diminished enjoyment of life.

In these lawsuits, they generally allege that in addition to compensatory damages, plaintiffs may also be awarded punitive damages. These are intended to punish the manufacturer for egregious or reckless behavior. To be awarded punitive damages in Zimmer knee lawsuits, plaintiffs must typically provide substantial evidence of the manufacturer’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Filing a Zimmer Knee Lawsuit in Nevada

The first step involves consulting with a personal injury lawyer experienced in defective medical device cases. Your lawyer will guide you through the legal process, including gathering evidence and determining the best legal strategy for your case.

Remember, it’s crucial to select an attorney with a clean disciplinary record and good standing with the Nevada Bar Association.

Types of Evidence To Present

When filing a Zimmer knee replacement lawsuit, you’ll need to gather and present certain types of evidence. This may include medical records, X-rays showing implant issues, and documentation of complications.

This evidence is crucial in building a strong case against Zimmer Biomet and proving the damages you’ve suffered as a result of their defective knee implant.

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

The statute of limitations for the Zimmer implant lawsuit in Nevada is four years from the date of injury or the discovery of the injury. It’s crucial to be aware of this deadline when considering legal action.

Nevertheless, exceptions to this rule may apply under certain circumstances, such as when an injury isn’t immediately apparent or if there has been an attempt to conceal it.

How Much Is The Zimmer Implant Lawsuit Worth in Nevada?

The worth of the Zimmer implant lawsuit in Nevada depends on the specific circumstances of each case, including the extent of damages and evidence presented.

However, it’s worth noting that Zimmer has previously paid around $400 million to settle cases related to the Durom Cup, with individual verdicts ranging from $2 million to over $20 million in recent years.

Of course, not every case will result in such high settlements, but substantial compensation is a possibility for those affected by defective Zimmer knee implants.

FAQs

Can I still file a lawsuit if I no longer have my Zimmer knee replacement?

Yes, you can still file a lawsuit if you no longer have the implant. Medical records, surgery reports, and expert testimony can help establish the link between the implant and the complications.

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

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.

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.

Related Articles:

• Missouri Zimmer Knee Replacement Lawsuit
• Montana Zimmer Knee Replacement Lawsuit Attorney
• Nebraska Zimmer Knee Replacement Lawsuit

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

Get Your Free Consultation From Nevada Zimmer Knee Implant Lawyers

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP we understand the complexities you face with Zimmer knee implant complications. Should you or someone you cherish be suffering from such injuries, we invite you to get in touch. Our seasoned attorneys specialize in these intricate cases and will guide you every step of the way through the legal maze.

We offer free consultations to help you understand your rights and consider a lawsuit for Zimmer knee implant complications. You won’t pay for our services unless we win your case.

Reference:

1. https://www.zimmerbiomet.com/en/products-and-solutions/specialties/knee.html
2. https://www.hss.edu/conditions_revision-total-knee-replacement-faqs.asp