Have you suffered from defective Exactech knee, ankle, and hip replacement parts? If you have, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit and join the multidistrict (MDL) litigation case against the manufacturer.
Exactech has recalled around 200,000 joint replacement parts that have the potential for early degradation from the U.S. market since August 2021. You can view the Exactech joint replacement letter here. Hundreds of Exactech recall lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturer for negligence in manufacturing medical implants. The consequences that patients had to face for these defective implants are unsurmountable; many had to go for costly revision surgeries for which they were not prepared.
Find everything you need to know about Exactech joint replacement lawsuits and how we can help in this blog.
Centralization of Exactech Recall Lawsuits in a Multidistrict Litigation Case
As per Reuters reports of October 2022, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) has taken a significant step by consolidating 75 lawsuits related to Exactech joint replacement into a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL). MDL comes into play when multiple cases, originally filed in various federal courts, are merged and transferred to a single federal court. The goal of an MDL is to streamline and economize the legal process for all parties involved. Additionally, this consolidation ensures that these separate lawsuits will arrive at uniform and consistent legal outcomes.
These 75 cases, along with the potential for more lawsuits in the future, are now slated to be adjudicated in the Eastern District of New York, presided over by Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis.
Exactech had previously expressed its support for consolidating the lawsuits. The company had advocated for the cases to be litigated in Florida’s Northern District, where the company is headquartered. However, approximately one-third of all Exactech recall lawsuits have been filed in New York’s Eastern District. The problematic Optetrak knee-replacement device was developed at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Brooklyn. Given these circumstances, it was a logical choice for the Exactech MDL to be held in the Eastern District of New York.
The JPML’s decision emphasizes that this consolidation will bring several advantages. Streamlining and accelerating the pretrial procedures and reducing the likelihood of repetitive discovery involving attorneys disclosing the evidence they intend to present during trial are among the benefits. Furthermore, this consolidation guarantees consistent rulings on legal challenges and issues.
In line with the JPML’s decision, the possibility exists for future lawsuits related to defective Exactech joint replacement devices to be included in the MDL.
Why are People Suing Exactech?
Exactech’s polyethylene inserts were originally designed to provide relief for arthritic or injured joints, offering the promise of a healthier, more active life. However, since 2004, a troubling issue has developed within the company’s operations. The problem stems from the improper storage of knee, ankle, and hip replacement inserts. They are exposed to oxygen due to faulty vacuum packaging. Consequently, many of these inserts have experienced rapid deterioration, leading to post-implantation failures in patients.
The deterioration of these inserts can have serious consequences, resulting in injuries and complications that significantly impact individuals’ lives. These complications include:
● Bone Loss: The weakening of the bone structure around the implant site.
● Instability: Difficulty in maintaining proper joint stability.
● Pain While Walking: Creating discomfort and pain during everyday movements.
● Swelling Around the Affected Area: Further discomfort and aesthetic issues.
● Grinding Sounds: Emanating from the degrading insert, causing anxiety and discomfort.
In the summer of 2021, Exactech took its first step by issuing a safety advisory concerning the polyethylene liner within its Connexion GXL hip replacement devices. This advisory highlighted the possibility of liner degradation in specific patient cases and under certain circumstances. On August 31, 2021, the company furthered its response by initiating a recall of numerous knee and ankle implants due to concerns with the polyethylene inserts used in manufacturing.
The situation evolved further in August 2022, as Exactech extended its recall efforts to encompass their Connexion GXL hip liners and additional polyethylene liners. In both instances, the common cause of concern was the improper storage of inserts dating back to 2004, making them susceptible to premature degradation.
In the wake of these developments, individuals who have undergone revision surgery due to the failure of Exactech knee, ankle, or hip implants have chosen to take legal action against the manufacturer. These lawsuits contend that Exactech did not fulfill its obligation to provide safe and reliable implants for patients. This legal recourse seeks to ensure that those affected receive the compensation and justice they rightly deserve.
If you have suffered from defective Exactech joint replacement products, you should consult a product liability lawyer immediately. The expert lawyers at People For Law are always ready to extend their supportive hands to everyone who needs them and ensure they receive proper legal guidance and fair compensation.