Zimmer Knee Implant Lawsuit Filed in Missouri District Court

A knee implant patient filed a complaint alleging serious injuries as a direct result of receiving a defective Zimmer NexGen Total Knee Replacement System. The Zimmer knee implant lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri on May 20, 2013.

Zimmer, Inc. purportedly engaged in negligent conduct that caused the plaintiff to incur economic and non-economic damages. According to the court documents, Zimmer, Inc. and the other defendants knew or should have known about the health risks associated with the NexGen knee replacement, but failed to adequately warn consumers and healthcare professionals.

Zimmer NexGen Total Knee Replacement System

The Zimmer NexGen Total Knee Replacement System has been plagued by complaints of loosening and early failure rates. The FDA has received hundreds of adverse event reports regarding serious complications related to the medical device. In 2007, the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (British edition) published a peer review study that stated 38% of the Zimmer knee replacement systems loosened within 2 years after patients received the knee implants.

When the knee device becomes loose, it begins to deteriorate at an accelerated rate. Patients start to suffer from inflammation, swelling, and are more susceptible to developing infections. Eventually, some patients sustain bone loss, extensive tissue damage, chronic pain, and weakness around their knees.

Complications associated with defective knee implants

Revision surgery may be required when the patients lose significant function in their artificial knees and the pain becomes intolerable. During revision surgery, all or a part of the knee implant is removed and replaced. The procedure is complicated since patients who have already sustained damage from a defective knee implant are more likely to have limited range of motion and a diminished ability to walk properly. There is also a greater risk the patients will suffer from infections, stroke, blood clots, cardiac arrhythmia, and other health problems after the revision surgery.

Plaintiff suffers Zimmer NexGen knee injuries

On November 25, 2009, the plaintiff had total knee replacement surgery on his right knee and received the Zimmer NexGen Knee system. The lawsuit states that the plaintiff suffered from loss of movement, significant pain, and other injuries that were directly caused by the Zimmer NexGen Knee implant. In order to treat his injuries, he underwent revision surgery on March 15, 2011. After the operation, the plaintiff continues to suffer from permanent and long-term injuries that inhibit his ability to perform normal everyday activities.

Zimmer knee implant lawsuit cites deceptive marketing practices

The Zimmer knee lawyer states that the defendants used deceptive advertising materials to mislead the medical community and consumers into believing the knee replacement system was safe and effective. Zimmer, Inc. allegedly downplayed the safety hazards and adverse side effects while promoting the medical device to healthcare providers. The lawsuit claims the Zimmer NexGen Knee system is unreasonably unsafe for its intended purpose and the defendants failed to conduct sufficient safety tests prior to distributing the medical device.

Additional causes of action listed in the Zimmer knee implant lawsuit include defective design, breach of warranty, negligence, fraudulent concealment, and failure to warn. If the plaintiff and his physician had been aware of the safety risks and defects linked to the Zimmer NexGen Knee, they wouldn’t have used it. The plaintiff continues to incur medical expenses for his physical and emotional injuries. The Zimmer knee lawyer is requesting the plaintiff receive compensation for his medical expenses, financial losses, attorney fees, and legal costs.