Suppose you or your loved one received a sudden knee, hip, and ankle implant from Exactech and later experienced all sorts of complications. In that case, you are entitled to various types of compensation through the ongoing Exactech recall lawsuit. As thousands of affected patients and a nationwide legal response seemed to be underway, mass tort lawyers from People For Law are stepping up to aid victims in understanding their rights and pursuing justice. 

In this specific blog, we break down what the Exactech recall involves, who is eligible to file a lawsuit, and how mass tort lawyers can aid you in guiding you through the legal process. 

What Is the Exactech Recall About?

Exactech is a specialized medical device manufacturer that has been producing innovative orthopedic implants for decades. However, in recent years, the company has issued multiple recalls on several of its products, including:

• Knee replacement systems (OPTETRAK, TRULIANT)
• Hip implants (Connexion GXL liners)

It was the recall that further stemmed from defective packaging, which allowed oxygen to enter the vacuum-sealed bag containing the implants. This type of exposure to oxygen caused the polyethylene components to degrade prematurely, leading to increased wear, early failure, and the need for revision surgeries. 

According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), these recalls are classified as Class II, meaning the devices can cause temporary or medically reversible health problems, as well as serious injury, if not properly attended to.

What Problems Did the Defective Implants Cause?

Patients who were affected by Exactech implants report a range of medical issues. Some of it consists of

• Swelling and inflammation
• Chronic joint pain
• Implant loosening and shifting
• Bone loss

Mechanical Failure of the Device

According to the expert mass tort lawyers from People For Law, who believe that in many cases, these complications do require revision surgery, which carries added risks, increased recovery time, and additional medical costs. 

Why Is There a Lawsuit?

However, the Exactech recall lawsuit centers on the argument that the company knew or should have known about the packaging defect and further failed to warn patients and healthcare providers in a timely manner.

Due to this, thousands of people underwent rapid surgery by using defective implants, as it is unaware of the overall risks. Most of them have suffered from avoidable pain, disability, and financial losses due to rising medical bills, time off work, and future surgeries. 

It has led to a growing number of product liability lawsuits filed against Exactech. However, these cases have been consolidated into a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) to streamline the overall legal process and manage a large volume of claims effectively.

What Is a Mass Tort and How Does It Work?

A mass tort is a legal action that enables several plaintiffs with similar claims to sue one or more defendants. Unlike a class action, where all plaintiffs are treated as a group, mass torts treat each case separately. This enables compensation based on the specific injuries and damages suffered by each individual. 

It is the mass tort lawyers from People For Law who play a critical role in these cases. They sincerely work with medical experts, gather evidence, and file individual claims within a specific MDL structure. These experienced attorneys help plaintiffs level the playing field against powerful corporations like Exactech and fight for fair compensation for victims. 

What Role Do Mass Tort Lawyers Play in the Exactech Lawsuit?

Medical Record Review

It is the lawyer who obtains and analyzes surgical records, implant information, and postoperative medical reports.  

Filing a Lawsuit

If you are eligible, your mass tort attorneys from People For Law will file a definite claim on your behalf as part of the Exactech MDL or in the state court.

Negotiation and Settlement

Furthermore, our mass tort lawyers efficiently negotiate settlements that reflect the actual cost of your injuries, including their past, present, and future impact.

Trial Representation

If our mass tort fails to reach a fair settlement, they will take the case to trial as part of the Bellwether process. However, these legal professionals mostly work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you never pay unless they recover the compensation for you.

Am I Eligible to File an Exactech Recall Lawsuit?

Mass tort lawyers handle the Exactech recall lawsuit that helps clients in several key ways.

Free Case Evaluation

They mainly assess whether your implant is part of the recall and whether your injuries qualify for a legal claim. 

You are eligible to file a lawsuit if

• You suffered from knee, hip, and ankle surgery using the Exactech device that is listed in the recall. 
• You really experienced pain, swelling, mobility issues, and were told your implant failed. 
• You needed and are scheduled for revision surgery to replace the implant. 
• However, your implant was manufactured between 2004 and 2022, depending on the specific product. 

As Exactech provides these implants to thousands of hospitals and clinics across the USA, people in several states may be affected.

What Compensation Could I Receive?

Victims of defective Exactech implants are entitled to compensation for

All sorts of medical expenses, whether in the past or the future.

• Lost wages or earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Cost of revision surgery
• Loss of quality of life

Each of these cases is unique, and the compensation does depend on your individual circumstances.

Concluding Thought

If you believe that you or your loved one has been a victim of a recalled Exactech implant, you must speak with an experienced mass tort lawyer as soon as possible. Furthermore, lawsuits are already in progress, and deadlines might apply depending on your state and the status of the MDL. Therefore, by working with an experienced attorney from PFL, you can hold Exactech accountable and pursue the justice and compensation that you deserve.