Stryker Hip Implant Lawsuits Centralized in Minnesota MDL

The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) has approved the consolidation of Stryker hip implant lawsuits into multidistrict litigation (MDL) in Minnesota. U.S. District Judge Donovan Frank will handle all of the pretrial proceedings for the Stryker hip implant MDL. The JPML selected Judge Donovan because of his experience with complex MDL and medical device lawsuits.

Stryker Hip Implant Recall

Stryker Corp. recalled the Stryker Rejuvenate and AGBII hip implant systems in June 2012 over concerns that the components could corrode and release metal into the bloodstream. Injuries associated with the Stryker hip implants include:

• Stryker hip implant failure
• Dislocated hip
• Heart disease
• Metallosis
• Necrosis of tissue around implant site
• Loss of bone strength
• Cancer

Stryker argued that no ABG II lawsuits were included in the litigation and wanted cases involving the AGB II to be removed from the litigation. The JPML found that three Stryker ABG II implant lawsuits had been added to an amended motion and that the devices were similar enough to the Rejuvenate hip implant system to include them in the MDL. The JPML also denied Stryker’s request to drop its name from the MDL because, according to the company’s website, Stryker initiated the voluntary recall in 2012. While Stryker alleges that the recalled hip implants were manufactured and sold by Howmedica Osteonics Corporation, the JPML found that the Stryker name has been consistently used in all of the recall notices and other communications by the company. Therefore, it is appropriate for the Stryker name to be included in the MDL.

More than 120 Stryker Hip Implant Lawsuits Pending in U.S.

More than 40 lawsuits have been filed by patients who allege they experienced Stryker hip implant failure. They claim that Stryker manufactured a defective device and failed to perform adequate safety tests before releasing the hip implants on the market. By grouping these Stryker hip implant lawsuits into MDL, the legal proceedings for these cases will be handled more efficiently and consistently than if they had been allowed to proceed independently.

This MDL is the second consolidation of Stryker hip implant lawsuits in the U.S. In January, the New Jersey Supreme Court approved a group of more than 80 similar lawsuits to be handled in multicounty litigation in the Bergen County Superior Court. Judge Brian Martinotti will handle the preliminary proceedings for these cases. A case management conference has been scheduled for June 18.

Learn More about Your Legal Rights

Many people have experienced significant injuries due to corrosion or fretting at the modular neck joint. As a result, they have required revision surgery or other medical treatment to repair the damage. If you or someone you love received a Stryker hip implant, you may have legal rights. To learn more about your options, visit the Stryker Metal Hip Implant Recall Class Action Lawsuit Investigation. When you submit information about your Stryker hip implant complications, an attorney will review your information to determine whether you have legal grounds to file a Stryker lawsuit. You could be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries.