When the same product harms many individuals, and they decide to pursue legal action against the entity that has caused this harm, their cases can be consolidated into mass tort lawsuits. Mass tort lawsuits significantly reduce the litigation costs for the individual plaintiffs as well as speed up the litigation process, reducing the burden on the victims.
In recent years, lawsuits against Exactech have gained momentum. In this blog, we have explored some important details about the Exactech recall lawsuit.
Why is Exactech Being Sued?
In 2021 and 2022, Exactech recalled the Ankle Polyethylene Inserts and Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Knee manufactured between 2004 and August 2021 due to the product packaging not being up to specifications. The reason for these recalls was that the bags were missing one of the oxygen barrier layers that protect devices from oxidation. Oxidation can cause device wear and fracture and may require corrective surgery.
In June 2021, Exactech issued a recall for certain GXL liners that were used in MCS, Acumatch, and Novation hip implants due to their premature and excessive wear. However, the company did not provide any explanation for the reason behind these wear problems. In August 2022, Exactech expanded the recall to include all devices that contained plastic components and were packaged in defective bags.
These recalls and the potential risk associated with the products culminated in the Exactech recall lawsuits. Exactech is being sued for compensation for damages that occurred because of potentially defective Exactech hip, knee, and ankle implants. The plaintiffs have claimed that Exactech sold these products despite being aware of it being faulty. The plaintiffs have filed lawsuits on the grounds of:
● Negligence
● Failure to warn
● Breach of warranty
● Strict product liability
● Fraud
Source
Which Products Are Included in the Exactech Recall Lawsuits?
Since 2021, Exactech has recalled numerous products, which then incited individuals to claim compensation for the risk of injury they face. These cases have since been consolidated into a mass tort case. If you have suffered complications because of the following Exactech products, you may qualify to file an Exactech lawsuit.
● MCS Hip with Connexion GXL liner
● Acumatch Hip with Connexion GXL liner
● Truliant Knee: CR Tibial Inserts, CRC Tibial Inserts, CR Slope Tibial Inserts, PS Tibial Inserts, PSC Tibial Inserts
● Novation Hip with Connexion GXL liner
● Optetrak Logic Knee: CR Slope Tibial Inserts, CR Tibial Inserts, PSC Tibial Inserts, CRC Tibial Inserts, PS Tibial Inserts, CC Tibial Inserts
● Vantage Ankle: Fixed-Bearing Liner
● Optetrak Knee: All-polyethylene CR Tibial Components, All-polyethylene PS Tibial Components, CR Tibial Inserts, CR Slope Tibial Inserts, PS Tibial Inserts, HI-FLEX PS Tibial Inserts
What are the Injuries Experienced due to Defective Exactech Products?
Individuals who received a recalled Exactech implant are at risk of various painful complications. Early device failure may exhibit symptoms including pain, bone loss, and mobility issues. Many times, the only way to correct these issues is through corrective surgery. The most common injuries suffered due to defective Exactech implants include:
● Bone loss
● Component fracture
● Device failure
● Difficulty walking
● Dislocations
● Early and excessive device wear
● Inability to bear weight
● Instability
● New or worsening pain
● Noises such as clicking, grinding, or popping
● Revision surgery
● Swelling
Who Can File an Exactech Lawsuit?
Individuals who are eligible to file an Exactech recall lawsuit include those who have received a recalled Exactech hip, knee, or ankle implant and have had surgery or been advised to undergo surgery by a healthcare professional. If your surgeon hasn’t advised corrective surgery, but you are experiencing symptoms such as pain, stiffness, limited mobility, loosening because of osteolysis, or have radiographic evidence of osteolysis, you may still qualify for a lawsuit.
In order to verify your eligibility, check your medical records or consult your orthopedic surgeon. If you have any doubts about the brand of the implant you received, you can enlist the assistance of a product liability lawyer at People for Law. We have extensive experience with mass tort cases and can help you get the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Conclusion
Recalled Exactech knee, hip, or ankle implants pose a grievous risk to the numerous people who have received them. Exactech’s negligence in packing these products and failing to take adequate measures in time to rectify their mistake has put countless individuals at risk of severe complications.
If you, too, have received a recalled Exactech implant, People for Law can help you put forward a solid case with our expertise in mass tort cases. Your case is more than just a number to us. It is a foundation stone in the fight against the negligence of medical product manufacturers who have endangered the lives of countless people.