Defective Knee Replacement Claims
We expect doctors and medical companies to have a person’s best interests in mind. We are not just talking about consumers in these situations but patients who are seeking medical treatment to address ailments. When patients are harmed by defective medical devices or dangerous products from medical companies, it’s important that they seek out advocates who focus on the rights and well-being of patients. Attorneys Jackson Reed and Travis Terry will fight for you and your loved ones when facing these kinds of circumstances.
Failed joint replacements can be especially debilitating. The Sugar Land, TX team at Reed & Terry, LLP would like to consider the impact of defective knee replacements and who should be held legally liable when failures occur.
How Common Are Knee Replacements?
Relatively common given the way wear and tear can damage the knees over time. According to numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, more than 600,000 knee replacements procedures are performed each year. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons estimates that 90 percent of patients who receive a knee replacement experience a reduction in pain and discomfort thanks to the procedure. Many of these patients are between the ages of 50 and 80.
Knee Replacement Manufacturers
There are many companies out there that design, distribute, and manufacture point replacement devices. Some of the key makers of knee joint replacements include:
- Zimmer-Biomet
- Stryker
- Depuy-Synthes
- Smith & Nephew
Signs of a Defective Knee Replacement
Even though knee replacement surgery is rather common, there are risks of the artificial knee joint failing. Warning signs of knee replacement defects include:
- Knee pain
- Stiffness of the knee
- Swelling of the knee
- Numbness in the knee
- Weakness around the knee
- Infections around the knee
Sometimes a knee replacement is not defective per se but requires revision or adjustment by a medical professional. Knee replacement revision is necessary in roughly 12 percent of all patients 10 years after their initial surgery.
Complications from Defective Knee Replacements
If a knee replacement fails suddenly, the resulting injuries can be catastrophic. A person may experience a dislocated knee, which can be extremely painful. The knee replacement could also wear down the natural bone structure and hard tissues around the knee, which can have serious impacts on health and wellness in the immediate future and down the road. The need for a completely new surgery rather than a revision surgery could be necessary to correct the damage done.
Who Is Legally Liable When a Knee Replacement Fails?
The liable party after a knee replacement fails depends on the nature of the incident.
In some cases, the knee replacement itself is faulty and should have been recalled from the market. In these cases, the medical company is legally liable for putting consumers and patients at risk. In other cases, the surgeon who placed the artificial knee might have been negligent during the procedure, and should be held accountable for the surgical mistakes that were made.
Our lawyers can go over the evidence in your case and determine your best course of legal action. We will answer your questions, address your concerns, and provide expert counsel as you seek justice against the negligent party.
Learn More About Your Legal Options
To learn more about your legal rights and options following a knee replacement, be sure to contact our team of medical product and treatment lawyers. The entire team at Reed & Terry, LLP is ready to listen to your side of the story. You can reach our legal offices in Sugar Land, Richmond, and Katy by phone at (281) 201-0988.