It’s been a rough year for Johnson & Johnson, which has faced a slew of lawsuits alleging its talcum powder products have caused ovarian cancer in women. Now, the corporation has found itself in hot water again after it was hit with a billion-dollar verdict over its faulty hip implants, which have caused issues for a number of people.

Last week, a federal jury ordered Johnson & Johnson and its DePuy Orthopaedics unit to pay out more than $1 Billion to six plaintiffs who experienced serious injuries due to faulty metal-on-metal hip implants. After eight hours of deliberation, the jury found the DuPuy Pinnacle hip replacement devices were not only defectively designed, but also that the company failed to warn patients about the risks, both a common thread in many products liability cases.

The plaintiffs in this case experienced serious complications after surgery, including bone erosion, necrosis, corrosion of the hip device, and more. Johnson and Johnson plans to appeal the decision, and more than 8,000 similar lawsuits are currently pending.

Signs of a Faulty Hip Implant

Common signs of a defective hip implant include the following:

  • Metallosis: A major issue with metal-on-metal hip replacements is metallosis, which is a type of metal poisoning that occurs when metallic debris builds up in the body.
  • Dissociation: Dissociation occurs when the metal head and neck begin to corrode, which could cause separation of the implant.
  • Clicking or Popping Noises: Some people experience clicking, grinding, and popping noises when bending, walking, or otherwise moving the hip. This is often very painful and uncomfortable.
  • Necrosis: Damaged or dead tissue around the hip device may occur with metal-on-metal hips.
  • Revision Surgery: Unfortunately, premature failure of hip implants often leads to the need to revise the hip surgery.

These symptoms should be taken very seriously. If you have experienced severe pain or any other issues after having hip replacement surgery, you should see your physician immediately.

The Ruth Law Team is currently taking on cases on behalf of those who have experienced complications after a hip implant. For more information and a free case evaluation with an attorney, call (888) 783-8378 or simply fill out the form to the right of this page.