The Smith & Nephew hip implant litigation in Green Bay, Wisconsin, centers on allegations that certain metal-on-metal hip replacement devices have caused severe medical complications for patients. These implants, including the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) system and R3 Acetabular System, have been associated with metallosis, tissue damage, implant loosening, and premature device failure. Patients have reported experiencing chronic pain, reduced mobility, and the need for revision surgeries to remove and replace the defective implants. The complications often extend beyond physical symptoms, impacting patients' ability to work, maintain daily activities, and enjoy quality of life. These medical device liability cases involve complex questions of product design, manufacturing processes, adequacy of safety testing, and the company's compliance with FDA regulations. Personal injury claims may arise when patients can demonstrate that their injuries resulted from design defects, manufacturing flaws, or inadequate warnings about potential risks associated with the implants.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Wisconsin's product liability laws operate under a modified comparative negligence system, where plaintiffs can recover damages if they are found to be 51% or less at fault. The statute of limitations for product liability claims in Wisconsin is generally three years from the date of injury discovery, though this may be extended under certain circumstances due to the latent nature of hip implant complications. Claims typically involve both strict liability and negligence theories. Patients may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses (including past and future surgeries), lost wages, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life. While health insurance may cover some medical costs, patients often face significant out-of-pocket expenses. Manufacturers' insurance policies and corporate assets typically provide the primary sources of compensation in successful claims. An experienced Green Bay hip replacement injury lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Related Resources

Local Courts

• Brown County Circuit Court
• U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin (Green Bay Division)

Support Services

• Wisconsin Department of Health Services Medical Device Safety Program
• Brown County Aging & Disability Resource Center
• Wisconsin Board on Aging and Long-Term Care

Additional Resources

• FDA Medical Device Adverse Event Reporting System
• Wisconsin Department of Justice Consumer Protection Bureau
• Wisconsin Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Patient Resources
• American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Hip Implant Information Center

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