In a positive development for Smith & Nephew hip implant patients, a judge in Maryland ruled that experts for the plaintiffs are qualified and may testify at trial against the company that made their failed metal-on-metal hip devices.
Judge Catherine Blake issued a 38-page opinion stating that the plaintiffs’ orthopedic surgeon, biomechanical engineer and FDA regulatory experts may testify at trial on certain topics. The lawyers at Alex Davis Law Office played a key role in the arguments and legal briefs leading up to the decision. The Smith & Nephew cases started more than six years ago, in early 2017 in Maryland federal court. Our firm holds a leadership position in the litigation, and represents clients from nearly every U.S. state with injuries related to their hip implant devices.
Court order focuses on THA plaintiffs
Judge Blake’s decision, issued October 12, 2023, focuses on cases where patients had a mix of Smith & Nephew components implanted in their bodies as part of a total hip arthroplasty, or THA for short. The components in question were not approved by the FDA to be used together in the same surgery. The plaintiffs believe Smith & Nephew should have done more to warn patients about the dangers of the metal-on-metal configuration being used off-label by surgeons.
Injuries from metallosis and THA failure
The THA device is a metal-on-metal hip system, which carries a risk of early failure after just a few years due to toxic cobalt and chromium particles shedding into the patient’s body over time. Additional risks include pseudotumor, tissue necrosis, kidney damage and neurological injuries from metallosis.
Free consultation for Smith & Nephew hip claims
Lawsuits involving complex legal issues and medical device regulations require an attorney who understands how to handle a mass tort claim. If you or a loved one have a Smith & Nephew hip implant and have questions, call the attorneys at Alex Davis Law at 502-882-6000 for a free consultation.