Washington Zimmer Knee Replacement Lawsuit Attorney

Quick Summary

• Eligibility for Legal Recourse: Understand the eligibility criteria for participating in the Washington Zimmer knee lawsuit. This includes factors such as the type and severity of complications experienced, the timeframe for filing a claim, and other relevant considerations. By assessing your eligibility, you can determine whether you have a viable legal claim against Zimmer.
• Steps to Secure Compensation: Learn about the steps involved in securing compensation through the Washington Zimmer knee lawsuit. This includes gathering evidence, filing a claim, participating in legal proceedings, and negotiating a settlement. Understanding the process helps you navigate the legal system effectively and maximize your chances of obtaining fair compensation.
• Legal Guidance and Support: Discover resources and support available to assist you throughout the legal process. This may include hiring a qualified attorney with experience in product liability and medical device litigation. A skilled legal team can provide guidance, representation, and advocacy to help you pursue your claim and seek justice for your injuries.

How S&C Can Help With Your Claim?

S&C can help with your claim by leveraging our expertise to assist individuals who have faced complications from Zimmer Persona Knee implant surgeries.

We offer the following services:

• Guiding clients through complex legal procedures toward compensation and justice.
• A team of proficient attorneys skilled in product liability law.
• Consistently securing rightful compensation for damages caused by defective medical devices.

The firm’s services are comprehensive, ranging from representing personal injury claims to recovering losses from surgeries and recovery periods.

Zimmer Knee Lawsuit

In Washington state, a growing number of individuals have taken legal action against Zimmer Biomet Holdings, a major medical device company, due to serious complications with their knee replacements.

Many of these cases have revolved around the necessity for revision surgery, which is not only more complex and invasive than the initial knee replacement surgery but also imposes a significant emotional and financial burden on patients.

The legal actions against Zimmer highlight concerns over the safety and efficacy of their knee replacement systems. Plaintiffs argue that the company failed to adequately test the devices or warn about potential risks, leading to a range of debilitating complications.

What Is a Zimmer Knee Implant?

According to the manufacturer, Zimmer knee implant is a medical device engineered to enhance the quality of life for patients needing knee replacements [1].

Despite the intended benefits, certain models, including the NexGen Knee Replacement System, have not met the expectations of patients and medical professionals, leading to significant legal challenges and scrutiny.

In 2010, Zimmer recalled approximately 68,000 components related to their NexGen Knee Replacement System. This recall has spawned a multitude of lawsuits stemming from problems patients faced with the knee replacement system.

What Is Wrong With The Zimmer Knee Implants?

What is wrong with the Zimmer knee implants is that they cause several issues, primarily device failure, persistent pain, and subsequent complications that often necessitate additional revision surgery.

The March 2015 recall, specifically of the Zimmer Persona Knee components, was a response to the alarming number of reports regarding implant loosening and the presence of radiolucent lines, which are indicative of early device failure.

Patients suffering from Zimmer knee replacement device failures reported problems such as loosening of the device, pain, discomfort, and the need for subsequent knee replacement surgeries.

Reasons Behind The Recall

The Zimmer Persona knee replacement device was recalled due to early failure. Many patients required revision surgery or experienced other complications.

According to the FDA 2020 notice, the agency issued a Class II recall for the Zimmer Persona Trabecular Metal Tibial Plate after receiving reports of the device loosening and the development of radiolucent lines [2].

This recall affected 11,638 devices that had already been implanted into patients, putting these individuals at risk of severe pain and the necessity for revision surgeries.

The recall of Zimmer Persona Knee components, which are orthopedic devices, in March 2015 was triggered by a substantial number of patients reporting implant loosening, chronic pain, and premature device failure.

Main Side Effects Named In The Lawsuits

The side effects named in the Zimmer knee replacement lawsuits paint a harrowing picture of the complications faced by patients with faulty Zimmer knee implants.

According to the Centeno-Schultz Clinic 2021 research, primary concern is revision knee replacement, a more complex procedure than the initial knee surgery, which involves higher risks such as [3]:

• wound drainage
• infection
• bleeding
• nerve or blood vessel damage
• thrombosis

Not only is knee replacement surgery itself more risky, but patients undergoing revision knee surgery typically face prolonged recovery times that can extend several months, during which intensive physical therapy might be required.

The emotional toll on patients cannot be understated. Factors such as the lengthy recuperation period and the possibility of enduring pain despite the corrective procedure have a significant emotional impact.

Another side effect named in the lawsuits is the pain and discomfort caused by radiolucent lines, which are gaps that appear on radiological images. These can lead to debilitating complications and serious adverse health consequences that necessitate revision surgery.

How Do You Qualify for a Zimmer Knee Lawsuit?

To qualify for a Zimmer knee lawsuit, you must have a Zimmer knee implant and experience symptoms such as knee pain, swelling, infections, nerve damage, or difficulty in walking or standing that may indicate a device failure.

Signs that you may be eligible for corrective surgery include complications like implant loosening, limited mobility, and chronic pain that necessitate early revision surgery. Additionally, persistent pain, instability, or declining joint function after knee replacement could signify the need for revision surgery due to implant failure.

People filed lawsuits over the DePuy Attune and Zimmer NexGen knees because the devices failed to attach to patients’ bones, which made the knee replacements unstable. Patients needed revision surgery to repair the loose implants – Dr. Aimee Hachigian-Gould, Orthopedic Surgeon and Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

The Status Of The Zimmer Knee Implant Litigation in Washington

In February 2018, Zimmer Biomet settled ongoing lawsuits related to its NexGen Knee system, with the terms of the settlement kept confidential. As of November 2022, the Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) for Zimmer NexGen Knee cases has been closed.

This closure of the MDL does not necessarily preclude the filing of new lawsuits related to the Zimmer NexGen Knee system, as individuals who believe these devices have harmed them may still seek legal counsel and potentially file individual claims.

The resolution of the MDL and the settlements that were reached reflect a significant milestone in the Zimmer knee implant litigation saga. Yet, they also underscore the ongoing concerns and vigilance required by patients who have received these implants and may encounter future complications.

Zimmer Knee Lawsuit Average Settlement Amounts in Washington

For claimants in Zimmer knee lawsuits, the possibility of compensation can be a glimmer of hope amid the turmoil.

Plaintiffs can pursue different types of compensation, encompassing:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Future loss of earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

Compensation for medical bills related to the Zimmer knee implant complications is a key component of restitution claims.

Claimants are also eligible to receive compensation for:

• Lost wages incurred as a result of complications from a Zimmer knee implant.
• Damages awarded to plaintiffs may encompass compensation for pain and suffering.
• Emotional distress due to the defective Zimmer knee implant.

Filing a Zimmer Knee Lawsuit in Washington

Initiating legal proceedings against Zimmer can be undertaken through:

• Filing an individual injury lawsuit
• Seeking an out-of-court settlement
• Joining multi-district litigation or class action lawsuits if multiple individuals suffered from similar issues with Zimmer knee replacements

Navigating various product liability lawsuits and claims is complex and demands professional legal counsel, particularly when dealing with intricate medical device laws.

Types of Evidence To Present

In Zimmer knee lawsuits, the importance of evidence is paramount.

It is critical to present:

• Surgical medical records to identify the manufacturer of the knee implant
• Pathology specimens that may reveal defects or issues with the device
• Explanted devices that are crucial for demonstrating the malfunction or failure

These items of evidence are often preserved and managed according to specific case management orders, and sometimes, third-party medical evidence storage providers are enlisted to ensure the integrity and proper handling of such crucial evidence.

Preservation and shipment methods for medical evidence are established to avoid alteration of the condition of explanted devices and pathology specimens. Destructive testing of explanted devices and pathology specimens is not permitted without mutual agreement between the parties involved in the lawsuit.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for the Zimmer Implant Lawsuit In Washington?

The statute of limitations for the Zimmer implant lawsuit in Washington is three years, which governs product liability cases involving defective medical devices such as Zimmer knee implants.

This duration dictates that personal injury claims, including those for Zimmer knee implants, must generally be initiated within three years from the date the injury was discovered or should have been discovered.

How Much Is The Zimmer Implant Lawsuit Worth in Washington?

The worth of the Zimmer implant lawsuit in Washington depends on various factors. Drawing from past cases, in the largest knee replacement lawsuit settlement, which involved Sulzer Medica and not Zimmer specifically, the company paid $1 billion to settle around 4,000 hip and knee implant cases, including Zimmer hip total knee replacement only cases, with settlement amounts averaging $200,000 per patient.

Similarly, in other knee replacement lawsuits involving faulty knees and Zimmer hip replacements alone, average settlements have reached 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.

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 impact can a successful lawsuit have on my life?

A successful lawsuit can provide financial compensation for medical expenses and other damages, help cover the cost of future treatments, and offer a sense of justice and closure.

Are there any support groups for patients with defective knee replacements in Washington?

Yes, there are support groups and online forums where patients share their experiences and offer support. Your healthcare provider or attorney may have recommendations.

Related Articles:

• Virginia Zimmer Knee Replacement Lawsuit
• Utah Zimmer Knee Replacement Lawsuit Attorney
• Vermont Zimmer Knee Replacement Lawsuit

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

Get Your Free Consultation From Washington Zimmer Knee Implant Lawyers

Schmidt & Clark, LLP stands by your side in these difficult times. Should you or someone close to you suffer from injuries stemming from Zimmer knee implant surgery, we encourage you to contact us.

Our seasoned team specializes in such cases and will guide you through every step of the legal process. We’re committed to demystifying your legal options and determining your qualification for filing a Zimmer knee implant lawsuit.

Reference:

1. https://www.zimmerbiomet.com/en/products-and-solutions/specialties/knee.html
2. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/postmarket-requirements-devices/recalls-corrections-and-removals-devices
3. https://centenoschultz.com/symptoms-of-a-loose-knee-replacement/