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The Stryker Hip Lawsuits Rage on, Central Illinois, Peoria, LaSalle Peru a Hotbed

2013 April 11
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by Ryan Bradley

Another Metal-on-Metal Recall

July 6, 2102: Stryker Orthopaedics a a major player in the medical device business, and a prominent designer and manufacturer of prostheses and medical devices recalled two of its hip implant models. This recall was premised on the fact that the hip prostheses in question are prone to “fretting and corrosion”that could trigger pain, swelling, and other complications in patients.

As has been the case with other metal on metal hip failures by manufacturers such as DePuy, Wright Medical, and Zimmer, countries that register medical devices have been the first to warn of failures. In the case of the Stryker Rejuvenate, the Canadian regulatory body, Health Canada, recalled theStryker Rejuvenate back in April of 2012 . This was not the only problem that Stryker has had with its devices either. Also in April the Australian and New Zealand Departments of health recalled the Stryker MITCH TRH Modular Head due to premature failure.

Stryker’s Rejuvenate Modular and ABG II modular-neck stem devices, are both what is known as metal-on-metal devices . This entire group of prostheses, from a variety of different manufacturers has been called into question recently by the legal and medical community. In fact the FDA has formed a special panel to address the problems.

In regards to the Rejuvenate Modular and ABG II modular-neck stem devices Stryker is informing patients who have been implanted with one of the recalled devices to contact their physician immediately. Meanwhile, the company has stopped global production of the devices.

If you or a loved one have a Stryker Hip, you may have a Claim for Monetary Relief.

If you or a loved one has had a Rejuvenate Modular and ABG II modular-neck stem device implanted, it is also prudent to call an experienced attorney so that you can be sure to protect your legal right to compensation.

According to Stryker , “While modular-neck stems provide surgeons with an option to correct certain aspects of a patient’s anatomy and hip biomechanics, given the potential risks associated with fretting and corrosion at the modular neck junction, Stryker Orthopaedics decided to take this voluntary action.”

The company had experienced high levels of reports of early failure rates in the Rejuvenate Modular and ABG II modular-neck stem devices since their introduction in 2009. While the life span of a hip prosthesis can be 20 years , there have been reports of Rejuvenate Modular and ABG II modular-neck stem devices failing in six months.

When hip prostheses fail, most of the failures will require another surgery known as a revision surgery. Hip failure and r evision surgery is painful . This second surgery takes a heavy toll on the patient and can increase the chances for further injury. This phenomenon is known as increased morbidities and represents the major element of compensation in defective device cases.

from → Uncategorized

Pradaxa Part Two: The flawed Clinical Trial

2013 March 28
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by Ryan Bradley

fdapradaxanoFlawed Pradaxa® Clinical Trial?

RE-LY, an acronym for Randomized Evaluation of Long-term anticoagulant therapy, is the manufacturer’s clinical study comparing Pradaxa® with warfarin.   THis study is not widely known to the general public, and its results are disturbing.  For a while now, those in the consumer protection community have leveled allegations of flaws and in the study citing that the study did not go far enough and that the methods used were not adequate.

Now experts are also critical.  The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, said that “total serious adverse events were not reported, so the net effect of dabigatran (Pradaxa) cannot be assessed with certainty.”  It is already well-known that Pradaxa has no reversal agent, and can lead to uncontrolled bleeding, and the British Colombian Study adds more fuel to the fire.

In analysis of the clinical study, the drug-safety watchdog group Therapeutics Initiative criticized the rush to market for Pradaxa finding that the release was “premature, pharmacologically irrational and unsafe for many patients.”

Accordingly, it is fair to say that Pradaxa has many critics–including those at the upper level of the medical community.  In late 2012, the FDA finally weighed in regarding the uncontrolled bleeding crisis caused by Pradaxa.  The FDA is now continually monitoring the drug and the reports of bleeding events reported to it.

The drug has been under attack by physicians groups and patient advocates since 3,781 adverse effects and 542 deaths associated with Pradaxa were reported last year to the Food and Drug Administration. Its adverse reports and deaths surpassed all other monitored drugs. With sales higher than $1 Billion last year, millions of people are possible victims of the drug.

If you or somebody that you know has taken Pradaxa, and experienced uncontrolled bleeding, please seek medical care immediate, report the case to the FDA, and seek legal assistance.

from → Defective Products, FDA, Pradaxa, Products Liability, Recalled Drugs

Biomet M-2a Magnum: The Next Metal-on-Metal to Fall

2013 March 14
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by Ryan Bradley

hipM2aBiomet M2-a Magnum hip replacements are of the metal-on-metal variety that are subject to many lawsuits. The Biomet M2-a Magnum is similar to the recalled DePuy ASR hip and other metal hip implants such as the Stryker Rejuvenate and the DePuy Pinnacle. As I have written about many time before, these devices have come under scrutiny for their high failure rates and risks of serious side effects. In fact, the Stryker Rejuvenate, and DePuy ASR have actually been recalled by the manufacturer.

The Biomet M2 prosthesis system has a metal femoral head and pelvic cup located in the Acetablum. Like other defective metal-on-metal hip systems, the Biomet uses Chromium and Cobalt. Also like other defective metal-on-metal hips, the friction from the metal components release metal ions into the bloodstream which attack the connective tissues in the hip causing pain, tissue death, dislocation, and eventually necessitate a revision surgery.

If you have a Biomet M2-a Magnum, or any metal-on-metal hip for that matter, you should immediately consult with an experienced physician. After ascertaining you blood levels for Chromium and Cobalt, it may be wise to also visit with an experienced medial device attorney since you could be entitled to significant compensation for your pain and suffering, medical bills, and lost wages.

Warning signs of a defective metal-on-metal hip include:

  • hip pain;
  • inflammation and soft tissue damage;
  • difficulty standing or walking;
  • dislocation of the hip implant; and
  • hip revision surgery.
  • medical expenses;
  • lost wages;
  • permanent disability costs; and
  • pain and suffering.

Please feel free to contact the Illinois Plaintiff’s Lawyer with any questions.

Name:
E-mail:
Phone:
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Type of Metal-On-Metal Hip
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from → Biomet Hips, Consumer Protection, Defective Products, Metal-on-Metal Prosthesis, Products Liability

Mega Loads Equal Mega Danger

2012 November 12
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by Ryan Bradley

If you have ever seen a really large semi-tractor, whether it be a mobile home or a wind turbine,  on the highway, that’s the way the trucking industry wants it. The more that common drivers notice mega loads as they are called in the industry, the safer other drivers and operators of mega loads will be.  Awareness equals safety.

Mega loads, not surprisingly, are the topic of a great deal of controversy on the trucking and transportation community.  Most drivers find them to be an incredibly large nuisance, however to the industries that they serve they are indispensable.  Some believe that mega loads are a simple and efficient use of the highway system, while others believe that mega loads are a hassle that are dangerous.

The major problems with these loads are the damage they do to roads and the possibility of serious accidents with incredible clean-up costs. In Illinois, especially Central Illinois, these types of mega loads are typically associated with transporting wind turbine equipment.  Such loads are common place on Interstate 74 and Interstate 72.

A typical automobile driver should be on high alert when approaching a mega load.  Furthermore, remember that, even though the operator of the mega load is responsible for its own actions, and likely has significant insurance coverage for such loads, it is smart to proceed around mega loads with caution.  Most times when collisions happen with mega loads and regular cars, the driver of the regular car is injured.

Is it dangerous?

Yes.  However, simply because a practice is dangerous, it does not logically follow that such a practice will be outlawed.

This means that it is up to you to drive defensively and be careful.

If you have been injured as part of a collision that was the fault of a mega load truck, please call Ryan R. Bradley for a free consultation.

 

from → Automobile Wrecks, Trucking Accidents

Illinois Meningitis Victims Rise

2012 November 4
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by Ryan Bradley

The wave of sickness sweeping across the nation as a result of the fungal meningitis outbreak set on motion by tainted steroid injections from New England Compounding Center has reached Illinois.  Attorneys in the consumer protection community across Illinois are preparing for lawsuit to help those impacted by the outbreak get compensation for their injuries. 354

An individual in Chicago is the first person in Illinois to be linked to the fungal meningitis outbreak.  This fact was recently confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the case Saturday. Melaney Arnold with the Illinois Department of Public Health referred to it as a “probable” case and said authorities were still waiting on laboratory confirmation.

Nationally the outbreak is due to 17,000 vials of a steroid used for pain relief were recalled after investigators found three lots were contaminated by a fungus that can cause meningitis and strokes.

The Massachusetts pharmacy has held an Illinois pharmacy license since 2010, and Illinois regulators are monitoring the situation.  Furthermore there is another pharmacy, Infusion resource, also in Massachusetts, is no questionable.

Tennessee has been hit the hardest by the outbreak with six deaths and has now effectively revoked the pharmacy’s license in that state. Illinois reported last week that a Chicago resident is the state’s first probable case of fungal meningitis linked to the outbreak. Illinois Department of Public Health spokeswoman Melaney Arnold said Monday that the patient is hospitalized in stable condition and receiving treatment. An estimated 350 Illinoisans may have been exposed to the product at three clinics operated by APAC Centers for Pain Management.

Infected patients have developed symptoms from one to four weeks after being injected with the steroid medication, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC advises patients at risk to remain vigilant for symptoms for several months after the injection. It is important to note that the strain of meningitis that is at issue is not able to be passed from person to person.

If you believe that you have received one of these tainted injections, please contact a doctor and a lawyer to protect your right.

 

from → Illinois Meningitis Outbreak, Pharmaceuticals, Recalled Drugs

Illinois Hit Hard with Recalled Stryker Hips

2012 October 30
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by Ryan Bradley

Over 200 individuals living in North Central Illinois, particularly in Marshall County, La Salle, Spring Valley, Peru and surrounding areas have received the recalled Stryker Rejuvenate Modular and ABG II modular-neck stem devices.

These devices are defective and may necessitate painful and expensive revision surgeries.  It is important to see your doctor and to consult an attorney to protect your legal rights.

It is possible that your doctor may have sent you a letter notifying you of the recall.  If this is the case you should follow your doctor’s suggestions.  You may be entitled to compensation for the injures that you have sustained due to corrosion and fretting.  This corrosion and fretting leads to a phenomenon known as metalosis that was previously discussed on this blog.

In fact, recently plaintiffs in New Jersey have filed enough lawsuits that the state has consolidated all of the cases in front of one judge.  This process will likely continue in other states including Illinois.

You may contact Ryan R Bradley if you have questions and concerns about the Stryker Rejuvenate Modular and ABG II modular-neck stem device recall.

 

from → Defective Products, Metal-on-Metal Prosthesis, Products Liability

Stryker Rejuvenate: The Next ASR

2012 September 28
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by Ryan Bradley

July 6, 2102: Stryker Orthopaedics a publicly traded company, and a prominent designer and manufacturer of prostheses and medical devices recalled two of its hip implant models. This recall was premised on the fact that the hip prostheses in question are prone to “fretting and corrosion”that could trigger pain, swelling, and other complications in patients.

As has been the case with other metal on metal hip failures by manufacturers such as DePuy, Wright Medical, and Zimmer, countries that register medical devices have been the first to warn of failures. In the case of the Stryker Rejuvenate, the Canadian regulatory body, Health Canada, recalled theStryker Rejuvenate back in April of 2012 . This was not the only problem that Stryker has had with its devices either. Also in April the Australian and New Zealand Departments of health recalled the Stryker MITCH TRH Modular Head due to premature failure.

Stryker’s Rejuvenate Modular and ABG II modular-neck stem devices, are both what is known as metal-on-metal devices This entire group of prostheses, from a variety of different manufacturers has been called into question recently by the legal and medical community. In fact the FDA has formed a special panel to address the problems.

If you or a loved one has a Stryker Prosthesis, please consult your doctor and contact Ryan R. Bradley, a Central Illinois attorney that dedicates much of his time to helping those injured by defective medical devices.

from → Defective Products, Healthcare Negligence, Medical Devices, Metal-on-Metal Prosthesis

Put Down the Phone and Drive: Texting and Driving Takes Lives

2012 September 28
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by Ryan Bradley

Quite some time ago a familiar slogan was coined by a group of drivers that were fed up with cell phone related automobile wrecks.  ”Shut-Up and drive!”   Now the refrain is clearly, “put down the phone and drive.”  It took some time, but finally, at the end of last year, the Federal Department of Transportation issued a regulatory ruling that banned texting while driving in most commercial motor vehicles. In Illinois texting and driving has received scrutiny since at least 2006 when a University of Illinois graduate was struck by a car and killed while the driver of the car was downloading a ring tone.

Numbers do not lie, and the data continues to mount regarding texting and driving.  A study out of Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) showed that for heavy trucks the following activities increased risk by:

  • Dialing Cell Phone, 5.9 times more likely to have a crash
  • Use/reach for an electronic device, 6.7 times as likely
  • Texting, 23.2 times as likely.

Texting-Related Wrecks are Severe

Distracted driving not only increases the numbers of accidents, but increases the likelihood that an accident will be serious.

The reason is simple. When you are attentive, you can take some action – braking or swerving – to lessen the damage. But with distracted driving, the responsible party is often unaware an accident is about to occur. Quite often, these accidents involve striking the rear of a stopped vehicle at full speed or drifting into the wrong lane while distracted. The mental or cognitive impairment is akin to falling asleep at the wheel – much worse even than someone who is driving slightly under the influence of alcohol. Reactions will be slowed, but the distracted driver can completely zone out, allowing the truck to move along on autopilot.

Distracted Driving in Your World

If you or a loved one is a victim of distracted driving in Central Illinois, Please contact Ryan Bradley.  Ryan, has been assisitng those injured in automobile wrecks fir his entire career and is here to assist anybody that has been injured.

from → Automobile Wrecks, Consumer Protection, Uncategorized

New Improvements to Illinois Plaintiffs Lawyer

2012 August 21
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by Ryan Bradley

In order to serve my readers better, I am linking to Google+ Authorship.  I already link to other Social Media Services.

Thanks to my readers for your support.  The following are a list of excellent resources involving recent Defective Devices:

Covidien company has had two major recalls in the last few weeks.  One, for its Shiley Tracheostomy tubes is a serious Class I recall.  Ryan R. Bradley is investigating these cases.

Google

from → Uncategorized

Actos Fast Facts

2012 August 21
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by Ryan Bradley

What You Need to know about Bladder Cancer

Actos has been Linked to Bladder Cancer and Other Health Risks

If you have been using Actos to control your type 2 diabetes and have now developed bladder cancer, there is a high likelihood that this cancer is related to your Actos presctiption. Actos is often times prescribed under its generic name, pioglitazone. Despite the consequences of taking Actos, the drug has been prescribed to

What is Actos?

Actos is a drug that is prescribed for People with type 2 diabetes. The generic name for Actos is Pioglitazone. Pioglitazone is contained in Actos, Actoplus Met, Actoplus Met XR, and Duetact.

Actos is owned and marketed by Takeda Pharmaceuticals. Takeda raked in $2.4 billion on the drug in 2008, which was the number ten seller worldwide.

FDA Warns of Actos-bladder Cancer Link

Preliminary results from a 10-year American study ending later in 2012 found long-term Actos users had 40 percent more instances of bladder cancer than people who never took the drug. Consequently, on June 15, 2011, the Food and Drug Administration issued a formal warning that patients taking Actos-containing medicines for more than 12 are at an increased risk for developing bladder cancer.

The FDA required new risk warnings on product inserts for:

  • Actos (pioglitazone)
  • Actoplus Met (pioglitazone/metformin)
  • Actoplus Met XR (pioglitazone/metformin extended release)
  • Duetact (pioglitazone/glimepride)

Source: FDA Drug Saftey Communications.

If you have Taken Actos, you should consult your doctor and an experienced attorney

There can be compensation available for your loss of health and for your medical bills and costs associated with treatment.  There is currently a collection of of over 1000 Actos cases in Cook County in Illinois.  Accordingly, an experienced attorney familiar with the procedures of the Illinois courts could investigate potential claims.  Ryan R. Bradley, of Phebus & Koester, LLPis reviewing Actos cases for individuals across Illinois.

Bladder Cancer Diagram

 

 

from → FDA, Healthcare, Personal Injury, Pharmaceuticals, Products Liability, Uncategorized

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