Knee replacement surgeries are common throughout the U.S. During this complex surgery, a special implant is used to replace the knee joint. These implants are designed to last at least 15-20 years, though more recent models should last even longer.
Unfortunately, when knee replacements are defective or otherwise harmful, a patient could end up in a worse medical condition than before they underwent procedure. If you were injured or have suffered from a medical complication after receiving a knee replacement, you should consider reaching out to a compassionate attorney at Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. for help. Depending on the circumstances of your losses, you might be able to pursue compensation with the help of a Michigan knee replacement lawyer.
Knee Replacement Complications
Defective product laws apply to knee replacements, just as they do to other types of products and faulty medical devices. Manufacturers are liable for testing their products, providing proper warnings for consumers, and taking steps to recall a product if the situation warrants. There are four main manufacturers of knee replacement joints in the United States: Zimmer-Biomet*, Stryker, Depuy-Synthes, and Smith & Nephew. (*Please note that we are no longer handling Zimmer-Biomet knee replacement cases.) These various brands of knee replacements have caused receivers the following complications:
- Loosening or breaking of the implant
- Chronic swelling and pain even months after the implant’s placement surgery
- Instability or stiffness resulting in trouble walking
- Breakage, or premature wear of the polyethylene parts of the implant
- Weakening of the bones around the implant (osteolysis)
- Deep joint or periprosthetic injection requiring follow up surgery
- Severe pain
Patients who suffer these or other complications would likely need to go back to the operating room to have the defective knee replacement removed and a new one put in. This creates additional medical bills, the need for more time off work or away from doing the activities that they enjoy doing. Going through another surgery also comes with risks such as infection, blood clots, or rejection of the implant.
However, these and other damages could be the basis for a claim requesting compensation from a negligent manufacturer. However, understanding how to pursue this compensation often takes the assistance of a Michigan knee replacement lawyer.
Deadlines for Filing a Claim
Anyone looking to pursue compensation should be aware of the deadlines for filing a claim. Under Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.5805, potential plaintiffs have three years from the date of their injuries to file a claim. While exceptions might exist to this timeframe, it could be beneficial to reach out to an experienced attorney in Michigan to discuss filing a knee replacement claim.
Michigan Knee Replacement Attorney
If you or a loved one has suffered one or more complications after a knee replacement surgery, you might wish to pursue compensation for your losses. However, after an injury, the idea of navigating the legal system might be overwhelming.
By enlisting the help of a Michigan knee replacement lawyer, however, you could rest assured that a legal professional is working tirelessly to request compensation for your losses. To schedule a free case review, call an attorney at Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. today.
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