In August 2011, a panel granted Zimmer knee lawsuit consolidation to plaintiffs with complaints about the alleged problems associated with Zimmer’s NexGen knee implants. This Zimmer knee MDL granted plaintiffs the ability to consolidate their cases for greater efficiency in case management.

Zimmer Knee Lawsuit Factors

Plaintiffs in Zimmer knee lawsuit cases allege that the Zimmer NexGen components used in knee replacement surgery have a tendency to loosen. This loosening causes loss of mobility and pain, and it also increases the risk that a patient will need additional surgery.

Zimmer Knee Consolidation vs. Class Action

Consolidation differs slightly from a class action lawsuit. In multi-district litigation (MDL), each plaintiff retains his or her own claim and own Zimmer knee lawyer. The claims themselves are consolidated to make the discovery process more efficient. In a class action lawsuit, a few representatives sue on behalf of the entire class.

Zimmer Knee MDL Granted Despite Opposition From Zimmer

Zimmer opposed the consolidation of each Zimmer knee lawsuit. However, the MDL panel found more than 70 pending actions against the company, all of which allege that the knee replacement components are “prone to premature loosening.” Each pending Zimmer knee lawsuit also raises the question of whether the high-flex components made by Zimmer actually offer patients any improvement in flexion. Zimmer argued that consolidation was not appropriate, citing the following issues:

• The consolidated cases involve not one, but eight different products.
• These products involve six sets of design documents and six different project teams.
• The products involve a total of eight different 510(k) regulatory applications.

Potential Zimmer Knee Complications

Each pending Zimmer knee lawsuit indicates several complications associated with the allegedly defective knee replacement components.

• Difficulty walking
• Knee replacement failure
• Difficulty rising to a standing position
• Loosening of knee replacement components
• Joint pain, especially in the knees
• Increased need for revision surgery or replacement of defective components

Hiring a Zimmer Knee Lawyer

Anyone affected by premature loosening of a Zimmer knee component should seek the advice of a Zimmer knee lawyer. The pain and loss of mobility associated with this type of defect can make it difficult to earn a living, care for children and carry out normal activities. Dealing with this problem also has very real financial and emotional costs for patients and their families.

The Zimmer Knee lawyers at Chaffin Luhana LLP are ready to discuss your potential case at no charge. Call 1-888-480-1123.