The growing number of lawsuits involving Zimmer knee replacement systems has raised significant concerns among patients in Green Bay and across Wisconsin. These medical devices, particularly the Zimmer NexGen and Persona models, have been associated with various complications including premature loosening, instability, persistent pain, and the need for revision surgery. Many patients who received these implants at local medical facilities like Aurora BayCare or HSHS St. Vincent Hospital have reported experiencing difficulties with daily activities and mobility issues. The severity of these complications often necessitates additional surgeries, extended rehabilitation periods, and substantial medical expenses. Product liability claims centered on defective knee replacements typically involve allegations of design defects, manufacturing flaws, or inadequate warnings about potential risks. These cases often require extensive documentation of medical records, expert testimony from orthopedic specialists, and evidence demonstrating how the defective implant has impacted the patient's quality of life.

Legal Rights and Considerations: Wisconsin's product liability laws operate under a modified comparative negligence system, where plaintiffs can recover damages as long as they are not more than 51% at fault. The state's statute of limitations for product liability claims is generally three years from the date of injury discovery, though this may be extended in cases where the defect wasn't immediately apparent. Insurance considerations typically involve both medical insurance coverage for revision surgeries and potential settlements from manufacturer liability insurance. Compensation may include economic damages (medical expenses, lost wages, future care costs) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life). While Wisconsin does not cap compensatory damages in product liability cases, punitive damages are limited to twice the amount of compensatory damages or $200,000, whichever is greater. An experienced Wisconsin product liability lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Here are 8 key symptoms that could indicate complications from a defective knee replacement:

1. Chronic, persistent pain that extends beyond the normal recovery period and differs from expected post-surgical discomfort - this includes sharp, burning, or throbbing sensations around the knee joint during both activity and rest.
2. Instability or a feeling that the knee might "give way" during normal activities, often accompanied by difficulty maintaining balance while walking or standing. This can be particularly noticeable when navigating stairs or uneven surfaces.
3. Unusual swelling, inflammation, or warmth around the knee joint that persists long after the initial surgical recovery period, potentially indicating an infection or immune response to device components.
4. Decreased range of motion or stiffness that limits the ability to fully bend or straighten the knee, making it difficult to perform basic activities like sitting down, rising from a chair, or climbing stairs.
5. Clicking, grinding, or popping sounds when moving the knee joint, which may indicate component loosening or misalignment of the prosthetic parts. These sounds often accompany physical sensations of movement within the joint.
6. Changes in leg alignment or visible deformity, such as the knee appearing bent or twisted when standing straight, suggesting component migration or failure of the implant to maintain proper positioning.
7. Tissue damage or necrosis around the implant site, which may manifest as skin discoloration, persistent warmth, or changes in sensation around the knee area. This could indicate a reaction to metal components or other materials in the device.
8. Secondary complications like bone loss or fractures around the implant site, which may develop gradually and be detected through imaging studies, often accompanied by increasing pain and instability in the joint.

Related Resources:

• Brown County Circuit Court
• Wisconsin Eastern District Federal Court
• Wisconsin Department of Justice Consumer Protection
• Wisconsin Association for Justice
• Aurora BayCare Medical Center Patient Advocacy Office
• Wisconsin State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
• Wisconsin Department of Health Services Medical Device Reporting
• FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program
• Wisconsin Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons

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