In recent years, Exactech, a major player in the medical device industry, has faced increasing scrutiny and legal challenges over its hip, knee, and ankle replacement products. The Exactech implant recall has brought significant attention to the company, with numerous patients reporting complications such as device failure, bone loss, and the need for revision surgeries. These issues have led to a growing wave of litigation against Exactech, as affected individuals seek justice and compensation for their suffering. The lawsuits center around claims that the company failed to adequately test its products, did not provide sufficient warnings about potential risks and manufactured defective devices.
Mass Tort America is here to help those affected by Exactech’s defective products navigate the complex legal landscape. With a team of experienced attorneys specializing in product liability and mass tort cases, we are dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that defective medical devices can take, and we are committed to holding manufacturers accountable. If you or a loved one has been impacted by an Exactech implant, our firm is ready to assist you in pursuing your legal rights.
The Scope Of The Problem
The problems associated with Exactech’s products have been significant and widespread. Thousands of patients across the United States have reported issues with their Exactech implants, including knee replacements, and hip, knee, and ankle implants. These problems often manifest as severe pain, inflammation, and mobility issues, leading to a decrease in the quality of life. In some cases, patients have had to undergo additional surgeries to remove and replace the defective devices, which comes with its own set of risks and complications.
The lawsuits allege that Exactech was aware of these potential problems with their knee replacement devices but failed to take appropriate action to address them. Internal documents and reports have surfaced, suggesting that the company had knowledge of the defects but continued to market and sell the products. This has led to accusations of negligence, fraud, and breach of warranty. As the litigation progresses, more evidence is likely to emerge, potentially strengthening the plaintiffs’ cases and leading to larger settlements or verdicts.
Exactech’s legal troubles are not limited to individual lawsuits. There has been a push to consolidate many of these cases into multidistrict litigation (MDL). This process allows for more efficient handling of numerous similar cases, streamlining the discovery process and potentially leading to quicker resolutions. MDLs can also put additional pressure on defendants to settle, as they face the prospect of numerous trials and potentially significant financial liability.
Potential Injuries From Recalled Exactech Hip Replacement Devices
Deficient tibial insert packaging is known to be oxidizing. Oxidation of polyethylene-inserted materials in recalled Exactech implants can lead to degradation in human cells which could expose the patient to numerous negative health consequences. Other patients may be experiencing similar symptoms associated with another Exactech replacement lining. Typically these injuries develop slowly and often. Patients who suffer from faulty Exacto hip liners often experience a lot of discomfort.
The Human Cost: Patients Affected By Recalled Exactech Knee Implants
The human costs associated with recalled Exactech knee implants are huge. Patients who underwent knee replacement surgery reported pain, swelling, and stiffness and needed surgical revisions. It has reportedly caused more than 147,000 knee replacement implants to fail and has been linked to premature failure to oxidize polyethylene insert packaging and vacuum sealing failures. The lawsuit alleges Exactech knew about a problem with their Optetrak knee repair system before 2012, but the firm continued to sell. This only worsens the pain suffered by those patients who trust a firm and its services to perform knee replacement procedures.
Defective implants can cause a wide array of health problems including severe injury to joints if they have failed to cure. Synovium is the thick membrane covering joints around joint surfaces that can withstand shock or abrasion. Synovitis is tissue-inflammatory pain that may cause severe pain in joints and cause permanent amputation if left untreated. Those who have suffered knee surgery can also experience osteolysis which can damage the skin. Longer aches and bruises after knee replacement surgeries are uncommon.
Exactech May Have Hid Concerns Before Selling Company With Optertak And Other Implants
Exactech has been tracking issues with the Exactech knee replacement system, including the Optoetrak, since 2012 and then until 2014. However, Exactech founders have probably begun looking for cash to exit their business. In 2017, the announcement that TPG Capital had acquired Exactech was reportedly made public by TPG Capital. TPG acquired Exactech in January 2018. The deal effectively converted Exactech from a publicly-held company to a privately-held.
Debunking Myths About Exactech Class Action Lawsuits
A class action lawsuit is viewed by each plaintiff individually with the same results, whereas an MDL has each case treated individually with different outcomes. Contrary to popular perceptions, some cases go to trial in court and others settle themselves out of court, affecting settlements and personal compensation. MDLs retain more individual control over the litigation than class cases which are represented collectively by the leading plaintiffs or attorney. It is a common misconception that the class action process is more complex than a personal claim.
Legal Grounds And Challenges
The legal grounds for the Exactech lawsuits primarily involve product liability claims. These claims argue that the company’s implants were defectively designed, manufactured, or marketed. Design defects suggest that the product is inherently unsafe while manufacturing defects indicate that something went wrong during the production process. Marketing defects involve inadequate warnings or instructions that fail to inform users of potential risks.
One of the key challenges in these cases is proving causation. Plaintiffs must demonstrate that the Exactech implant directly caused their injuries. This often requires expert testimony and extensive medical evidence, which can be costly and time-consuming to gather. Additionally, defendants may argue that the complications were due to other factors, such as the patient’s health condition or the surgeon’s technique, rather than the implant itself.
Another significant challenge is the statute of limitations. This legal principle sets a time limit on when a lawsuit can be filed. In many states, the clock starts ticking when the injury is discovered or should have been discovered. For patients who experience delayed symptoms, this can complicate their ability to file an Exactech lawsuit and seek legal recourse. However, courts may allow exceptions in certain cases, such as when there is evidence of fraudulent concealment by the defendant.
Updates On Exactech Hip Implant Legal Actions
Exactech also faces legal issues in relation to hip implants. Previously the company had recalled hip and liner products from several brand names including Connexion GXL liners. This recall could cause problems with hip and shoulder muscles, swelling, instability, and even require corrective revision surgery. Since February 2024 there haven’t been any cases involving Exactech hip implant claims in court. The litigation is still in place despite the fact only 163 of them involve hip products.
What Do You Expect For Exactech Recall Lawsuit Settlement Amounts?
Our firm estimates that Exactech knee replacement lawsuit settlements and ankle replacement litigation could be up to $1,000,000, and ankle replacement litigation may be more complex. We are anticipating 2022, and it is a prediction of 2020. Exactech settlements are being predicted at the moment, and the results seem uncertain. So be cautious about this settlement projection. But this is a historic settlement for defective knee replacement claims as the specific facts of this recall were revealed by Exactech.
The Role Of Regulatory Bodies
Regulatory bodies like the FDA play a crucial role in overseeing the safety and efficacy of medical devices. Exactech, a global medical device company based in Florida, has had its products subject to recalls and safety alerts from these agencies. For instance, the FDA issued a recall for certain Exactech knee replacements and ankle implants due to issues with the polyethylene component, which can degrade over time and lead to device failure. These regulatory actions provide important support for plaintiffs’ claims, as they underscore the potential dangers associated with the implants.
However, the regulatory process also has its limitations. The FDA relies on manufacturers to conduct thorough testing and report any adverse events. If a company fails to comply with these requirements, defective products can still reach the market. Moreover, the approval process for medical devices is often criticized for being less rigorous than for pharmaceuticals, allowing some unsafe products to slip through the cracks. This underscores the importance of vigilant legal action to hold companies accountable when regulatory oversight falls short.
Is Mass Tort America The Right Choice For Your Exactech Case?
Choosing the right legal representation is crucial for anyone affected by Exactech’s defective implants. Mass Tort America offers extensive experience and a dedicated team of attorneys who understand the complexities of mass tort litigation. Our firm has a proven track record of successfully handling similar cases, and securing significant settlements and verdicts for our clients. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Patients from all over the nation can rely on our Concierge Team to help coordinate everything, from medical consultations to legal proceedings. Our commitment is to provide comprehensive support, ensuring that you receive the best possible outcome. If you or someone you know has suffered due to an Exactech implant, contact Mass Tort America at 800-356-4338 or visit our contact form at https://masstortamerica.com/contact/ to start your journey toward justice.
