PECOS, NEW MEXICO— Carlotta Vigil filed suit today against DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., DePuy Inc., DePuy International, Ltd., Johnson & Johnson, Inc., Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc. and Johnson & Johnson International, Inc., seeking compensation for injuries caused by the failure of her DePuy ASR Hip System.
John David Hart of the Law Offices of John David Hart in Fort Worth, Texas, is the attorney representing Carlotta Vigil in the lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio – Western District. In December 2010, the cases pending in Federal Court against DePuy and J&J regarding the ASR devices were transferred to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio before Judge David Katz. Judge Katz is presiding over the Multi-District Litigation pertaining to the DePuy ASR devices. If Ms. Vigil’s case proceeds to trial, her case may be transferred to the United States District Court for the State of New Mexico- Santa Fe Division.
DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., a division of Johnson & Johnson, Inc., recalled its ASR Metal-on-Metal Hip Replacement Systems on August 24, 2010. DePuy identified reasons for the failure of the devices as component loosening, malalignment, infection, fracture of the bone, dislocation, metal sensitivity and pain. The DePuy ASR devices have also been associated with increased metal ion levels in the blood. Recent information published by the British Orthopaedic Association indicates that failure rates for the ASR devices may be as high as 49% at six years.
In September 2009, at the age of 48, Ms. Vigil underwent hip replacement surgery to have a DePuy ASR Hip System implanted in her left hip. Since the implantation of the device, Ms. Vigil has suffered hip pain, limping, swelling, inflammation, pain in her opposite hip and problems sitting and standing. These problems have affected all areas of her life, including her work as a registered nurse at the local hospital.
Ms. Vigil was diagnosed with multiple neuroendocrine tumors of her liver and intestines shortly after her hip replacement surgery. Her doctor has advised her that she cannot undergo a revision surgery, if recommended, to remove the defective ASR device because of this condition.
“Ms. Vigil is another victim of this unsafe device,” said attorney John David Hart. “She has suffered constant pain and has no surgical options available to remove the defective device. She is in essence, stuck with a faulty ASR device for the rest of her life.”
John David Hart and the Law Offices of John David Hart represent many individuals in the United States who have been injured as a result of this defective hip replacement system. The Law Offices of John David Hart is a group of experienced and dedicated legal professionals working to protect the rights of people wronged by the acts of others. Across the country, the firm represents individuals in cases of catastrophic personal injury, wrongful death, dangerous drugs and medical products, automobile and truck accidents and oil and gas litigation. For more information, please contact John David Hart at 800.961.4278 or johnhart@hartlaw.com or visit www.hiprecallinfo.com.
