Zimmer Biomet Shoulder Implant Injury Lawsuits. Patients who underwent a shoulder replacement using the Zimmer Biomet Comprehensive Reverse Shoulder system are at risk for device fracture, repeat surgery, infection, and other serious complications. Parker Waichman LLP is representing injured people and their families to hold the manufacturer accountable for its dangerous implants. If you have […]
Zimmer Biomet Shoulder Implant Injury Lawsuits. Patients who underwent a shoulder replacement using the Zimmer Biomet Comprehensive Reverse Shoulder system are at risk for device fracture, repeat surgery, infection, and other serious complications. Parker Waichman LLP is representing injured people and their families to hold the manufacturer accountable for its dangerous implants. If you have experienced complications from a shoulder implant, contact our offices today to talk to one of our experienced attorneys about the possibility of filing a lawsuit.
The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint, with the glenoid making the shoulder socket and the top of the humerus serving as the ball. During a standard shoulder replacement, prosthetic devices replace each of these components. A prosthetic cup goes into the shoulder socket, and a prosthetic ball replaces the top of the humerus. In a reverse shoulder replacement surgery, the implant pieces are switched: The ball is implanted into the shoulder socket, and the cup is fixed on top of the humerus.
Reverse surgeries are best for people who have torn rotator cuffs or arthritis compromising the rotator cuff. While the rotator cuff ordinarily powers the shoulder joint, a reverse shoulder replacement procedure allows the deltoid muscles to power the shoulder, instead. The patient thereby will not have to put additional strain on an already injured part of the joint. Many patients find this approach gives them an improved range of motion and pain relief.
The Comprehensive Reserve Shoulder System, manufactured by Zimmer Biomet, is one option of shoulder prostheses surgeons can use during a reverse shoulder replacement procedure. But studies and reports show the implant is prone to fractures and failure, causing serious complications for patients. The tray that attaches to the humerus bone can break, become loose, and separate from the bone or the rest of the implant.
In December 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initiated a CLASS I Recall (the gravest type of medical device recall) on the Comprehensive Reverse Shoulder System because of its incredibly high rate of fractures. The FDA stated that fractures were higher than reported on the device packaging and that these fractures could result in:
The recall affected more than 3,600 devices, and Zimmer Biomet followed it with an Urgent Medical Device Recall Notice sent to health care providers who had an inventory of the devices, notifying them of the recall and the risks. The Notice requested providers identify and quarantine devices included in the recall so that a Zimmer Biomet sales representative could retrieve them.
These devices present a danger to people who receive them, and Parker Waichman LLP is fighting to hold Zimmer Biomet accountable for its disregard for patient safety. We are filing lawsuits that allege Zimmer Biomet engaged in the following:
If you underwent a shoulder replacement surgery using the Zimmer Biomet Comprehensive Reverse Shoulder System and contracted a complication related to the device, contact our offices today to see if you might be eligible to join our active litigation.
In February 2016, Zimmer Biomet settled a Colorado plaintiff’s Comprehensive Reverse Shoulder System case for $350,000. The Denver plaintiff received two Comprehensive Reverse Shoulder implants (the left in 2009 and the right in 2010), and the humeral trays of both implants broke within three years of surgery. The Plaintiff had to undergo two additional surgeries to have the devices removed and replaced, and he filed a lawsuit against Zimmer Biomet in 2014.
No other substantial settlements have yet taken place, but Parker Waichman LLP is aggressively pursuing the compensation our clients deserve for their medical treatment costs, revision surgeries, time off work or lost jobs, and for their physical and mental pain and suffering. These injuries have had profound effects on our clients’ lives, and we are doing everything we can to make sure they achieve justice. Contact our firm today to find out more information about the status of the Comprehensive Reverse Shoulder System litigation and to set up a free consultation with one of our attorneys.
It is not unusual for clients to contact us about their Comprehensive Reverse Shoulder System cases not knowing for sure if they have this particular brand of implant. Surgeons have limited time to advise you before the surgical procedure, and we understand they don’t use this valuable time to discuss brand names and manufacturers. You do not have to know the name of your implant to begin the case process with our firm.
When you sign with Parker Waichman LLP, our attorneys will order your medical records to find out what implant you have. In our records order, we will request copies of your intraoperative notes and implant records, which will contain a product sticker or lot number that identifies the exact device your surgeon used. When we know for sure that you have a Comprehensive Reverse Shoulder System, we can move forward with the rest of our investigation, which will include additional records order and review.
If you underwent a shoulder replacement surgery and experienced a fracture, break, or dislodgement of the device, contact the offices of Parker Waichman LLP today. Statutes of limitations apply to all cases, so you should not delay in seeking a review of your potential claims. Our experienced medical device lawyers are prepared to investigate your claims and present you with timely answers about your options for legal recourse.
Call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529) today to receive a free, no-obligation case consultation with one of our experienced and compassionate lawyers.