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Texas Jury Makes Historic Award In Johnson & Johnson/DePuy Pinnacle Hip Replacement Lawsuit

On Behalf of | Mar 22, 2016 | Hip Implants |

When Johnson & Johnson, through its subsidiary unit, DePuy, introduced the Pinnacle hip replacement joint to doctors around the world, they allegedly failed to disclose a crucial fact about the metal-on-metal design. As a steady stream of court cases have argued, the company knew the device had defects which would shorten its lifespan in the human body. When the devices failed, they caused such internal damage as tissue loss and bone erosion. Doctors also found high levels of metal in their patient’s bloodstream.

Now, a jury in Texas has awarded five plaintiffs more than $502 million in what is being seen as a landmark decision against DePuy and its parent company, Johnson and Johnson. While $140 million was awarded in compensatory damages, it is the $360 million in punitive damages that has the attention of lawyers around the country. While a previous trial ended in a verdict for Johnson & Johnson, there are presently more than 8,000 more cases presently consolidated in federal court in Texas. This mimics recent actions around the country, each lawsuit looking to bring the truth about the Pinnacle hip replacement to the fore.

Now, such a result is not precedent, but it can and will be used to gauge awards in future actions, and with more and more Pinnacle suits being filed, it seems clear that individuals harmed by the device need to find competent representation to handle their potential claim. It’s not necessarily a question of medical malpractice, though that may be included. Instead, the faulty design and manufacturing, coupled with the company’s attempt to cover up the issue from the public, creates a legitimate legal concern. Pinnacle hip replacement recipients who are concerned  or  know they have been injured need to speak with competent counsel immediately.

The injury attorneys at Lomurrow Law  can help. We presently have active Pinnacle cases venued in Judge Kinkeade’s court and have the knowledge and understanding of the intricaciesof these complex cases to obtain favorable results for our clients.  Johnson & Johnson and DePuy will try to minimize the impact of the Texas verdict on future claims.

Complications  may not be obvious at first, but signs of faulty hip replacement include:

  • Pain in the groin, hip or leg;
  • Swelling at or near the hip joint;
  • Limited range of motion or
  • A limp or change in walking ability.

If you are experiencing any similar symptomology, make sure to see your doctor immediately.

If you believe you have been injured as a result of a Pinnacle hip, please call the  skilled injury attorneys at Lomurro Law by email or phone at 732-482-9285 for a free consultation. Our experience gives you the best chance for maximum compensation.