Four lawsuits filed against DePuy and J&J regarding failed hip devices
FORT WORTH, TEXAS—Four cases were filed today by the Law Offices of John David Hart on behalf of plaintiffs whose DePuy ASR Acetabular Hip Replacement Systems have failed. Three cases were filed on behalf of Elizabeth Gatlin, Larry and Theresa Clabin, and Brenda Leffingwell and David Smith, against DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., DePuy Inc., DePuy International, Ltd., Johnson & Johnson, Inc., Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc. and Johnson & Johnson International, Inc. in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. A fourth case was filed on behalf of Kenneth and Kathy Linder in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas – Austin Division. John David Hart is the attorney representing each of these plaintiffs.
DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., a division of Johnson and 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 has also been associated with increased metal ion levels in the blood. Recent information published by the British Orthopaedic Association indicates that failure rates at six years may be as high as 49%.
In December 2010, the cases pending in Federal Court against DePuy and J&J 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. There are approximately 700 cases filed in federal courts as a result of this recall. There are numerous cases pending in California and New Jersey state courts as well. The number of lawsuits is expected to increase significantly in the coming months.
“The number of people affected by this recall is astounding,” said attorney John David Hart. “This unsafe device should not have been on the market. Unfortunately, the ASR devices were implanted in approximately 93,000 people worldwide.“
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 www.hiprecallinfo.com.
