Lawsuit Information Center
Stryker Hip Settlements Coming?
A New Jersey state court judge has selected a group of 10 Stryker Rejuvenate hip replacement lawsuits for early mediation, in order to discuss the potential for reaching settlement agreements during the early stages of litigation.
With over 300 complaints already filed throughout the New Jersey state court system, and even more expected in the coming months, Stryker Rejuvenate cases were centralized earlier this year as part of a Multi-County Litigation or MCL. An MCL consolidates the cases for discovery purposes as there are some witnesses and evidence that will be common to all of these Stryker hip lawsuits.
A recall of the Stryker Rejuvenate and Stryker ABG II was first announced in July of last year when Stryker Orthopaedics finally took “voluntary action” to recall the products given the potential risks associated with fretting and corrosion at the modular-neck junction. Better late than never, I guess.
The judge assigned to the MCL issued a Case Management Order identifying a small group of cases that will move forward with formal mediation sessions, to be completed by December 15, 2013. The early mediation could help the parties to settle the cases before substantial time and expense is incurred by the parties. If successful, it could lead to additional negotiations in other cases filed.
Besides the cases filed in the New Jersey state court system, there are a number of federal suits that have been filed. These have also been consolidated for the purposes of discovery. The multi-district litigation, or MDL, is centralized before a judge in the District of Minnesota. Currently, there are approximately 200 cases centralized in the federal system.
Hip replacements are typically designed to last 15 to 20 years. The ABGII and Rejuvenate implants were removed from the market after only a few years. As individuals will continue to experience problems the longer the replacements remain in place, the number of cases filed in both state and federal courts will continue to rise.
If you or a loved one has experienced problems with a Stryker Hip Implant and experienced squeaking, grinding or popping from the joint, or pain or discomfort from the implant, please call one of our Stryker Hip Implant attorneys at 800-553-8082 or click here for a free no obligation consultation on your potential Stryker Hip Implant lawsuit or potential settlement.