5 Things to Know About Exactech Total Joint Replacement Lawsuits
Attorneys are helping patients file lawsuits related to defective Exactech joint replacements. Faulty packaging caused some of the company's knee and ankle implants to break down earlier than expected. This means some patients may be experiencing pain, swelling or other problems after a knee or ankle replacement. They may also need one or more revision surgeries.
Patients affected by these implants may want more information. To that end, we've collected the top five things consumers may want to know about Exactech lawsuits.
Considering an Exactech Joint Replacement Lawsuit? Get a Free a Case Review1: Exactech Lawsuits Stem From Recalled Knee and Total Ankle Replacements
Current Exactech lawsuits result from an extensive recall. The recall covers Exactech ankle and knee replacements implanted as early as 2004.
Company officials recently learned that certain parts of these implants were packaged incorrectly. The packaging mistake exposed the plastic insert component to oxygen. The oxygen can trigger oxidation. According to Exactech documents, oxidation can make the plastic insert wear out early.
This early wear may cause affected implants to fail sooner than anticipated. Affected total knee replacements may also lead to osteolysis, a form of bone loss. Degradation can also cause the implant to loosen or break.
Experts say total knee and ankle implants generally last 10 years or more. Recalled Exactech implants may not live up to this expectation. If these joint replacements fail early, patients may require additional surgery to repair or replace the defective implants.
The costs of implant failure have driven some patients to seek legal damages by filing Exactech recall lawsuits. If you or a loved one received a faulty Exactech joint replacement, you should speak with a lawyer. An experienced medical device attorney can help you understand the options for pursuing compensation.
Types of Recalled Exactech Knee Replacements and Ankle Replacements
- Optetrak® Knee System
- Optetrak Logic® Knee System
- Truliant® Primary Knee System
- Vantage® Total Ankle System
2: Exactech Patients Can Watch for Signs of Implant Failure
Exactech does not recommend surgical removal of its knee or ankle devices that still work well. But patients with recalled implants can monitor for signs of device failure. The following new or worsening symptoms may signal implant problems:
- Inability to bear weight
- Instability in the joint
- Grinding sounds coming from the joint
- Joint swelling
- Pain while walking
- Noises such as popping or clicking in the joint
Patients experiencing any of the above signs should speak with a physician about their implant. The physician can determine if their patient's problems are caused by implant failure.
If the symptoms come from a worn out Exactech knee or ankle implant, the patient may have legal options. An experienced medical device lawyer can help the patient pick the best course of action.
3: Patients Have Options for Exactech Settlements & Compensation
Patients affected by recalled Exactech joint replacements may have several compensation options. These options include:
- Product Liability Lawsuit: This form of personal injury lawsuit holds companies responsible for injuries caused by defective products. Defective medical devices commonly lead to this type of lawsuit. If the case verdict favors the injured patient, it may award them money as compensation for injuries. For example, an Exactech knee replacement lawsuit might award the patient money to pay for revision surgery or lost wages.
- Exactech Settlement: A settlement might be negotiated by the patient's lawyer without going to trial. This route may save time and money for everyone involved, but those conveniences may come at a price. A settlement may award the patient less money than a lawsuit. It may also require the patient to give up the right to file a lawsuit.
Exactech has a third-party claim settlement company. But, such settlements may not cover the same expenses as an award from a successful lawsuit. This type of compensation may only cover costs patients have already paid without covering future medical expenses or care.
Patients may feel more confident about choosing a compensation option if they discuss it with a lawyer first. Many medical device law firms offer free, no-obligation Exactech case evaluations.
4: An Implant Serial Number Can Help Patients Find Out If They Are Affected
Patients with knee or ankle replacements may not know the details about their implants. This can make it difficult to determine if their implant is part of the Exactech recall. But patients may be able to sort this out with the following tips:
- Get joint replacement records. Healthcare providers keep records of implant details even after ankle or knee replacement surgery. Patients can request their records from the hospital or surgery center where they were treated. These records should contain the patient's implant details, including the serial number.
- Check the serial number. Patients can check the serial number on Exactech's website. The site can let patient's know if their serial number is tied to a recalled knee or ankle implant.
Access the Serial Number Checker Here >>>
5: Exactech Has Faced Implant Lawsuits Before
Exactech has already faced lawsuits related to their devices and business practices. Whistleblowers filed a lawsuit against the company under the False Claims Act in 2020. The case accused Exactech of providing defective knee implants to federal healthcare beneficiaries.
Years earlier, Exactech faced a lawsuit filed by the Justice Department. It accused Exactech of illegal business practices that generated false Medicare claims. That case reached a settlement in 2010.
If you or a loved one were injured by an Exactech joint replacement, you should consider legal action. You can sign up for a free, no-obligation Exactech legal consultation here.