The first bellwether trials in the Stryker defective hip replacements litigation have been scheduled. Two trials have been scheduled for June 15, 2015 and July 13, 2015 in the Superior Court of Bergen County, New Jersey.
Bellwether trials are a common practice in mass litigation due to the large number of cases and complex issues. Bellwether trials are used to avoid relitigating common issues in every case and allow the parties to obtain information that can be used to further settlement negotiations.
More than 2,000 defective hip replacement lawsuits have been filed against the Stryker Corp., claiming that the Rejuvenate and ABG II modular implants manufactured and marketed by Stryker were defective and dangerous. Approximately 600 individual Stryker hip implant suits have been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) that is venued in Minnesota. The Stryker MDL was established last year. Nearly 1,000 cases have been filed in New Jersey, which is where the hip implant manufacturer is located. The New Jersey state court cases have been coordinated as part of a multi-county litigation. In addition, claims are pending in Florida state court.
The Stryker Rejuvenate and ABG II hip implants are unique in their design. Other hip implants have one femoral component that attaches to tissue and ligature. The Stryker implants have a modular neck stem that features adjustable pieces, permitting the length of the femoral component to be customized to fit the individual patient. Over 20,000 individuals have received one of these Stryker hip implant models since 2010. The Stryker Rejuvenate and ABG II Modular Hip implants were recalled only two years after being first introduced to the market.
The hip implants were marketed as being more durable and long-lasting than previous hip implants. However, the hip implants, in fact, have a much higher failure rate, with many failing within a year or two after implanting.
In the third quarter earnings report for 2013, the manufacturer estimated that the total costs associated with these product recalls and settlements could exceed $1 billion.
The Ohio Stryker Hip Implant lawyers at Clark, Perdue & List are currently representing numerous individuals who have suffered personal injury as a result of defective hip implants. If you or a loved one has had hip replacement surgery and the hip implant has prematurely failed, contact Clark, Perdue & List.