Smith & Nephew is Sued Over Faulty Knee Implant

A Georgia resident has filed a complaint against medical device maker Smith & Nephew claiming he suffered serious injuries from its faulty knee replacement system.

Plaintiff Jimmy Dugger claims that in February 2008, he underwent total knee arthroplasty surgery and was implanted with several Smith & Nephew implant components in his left knee, including the Smith & Nephew Journey Uni Tibial baseplate and insert, according to the complaint. He says he had to undergo revision surgery in May 2011 after the metal in the implant failed because of fatigue and fracturing.

The complaint says that the Smith & Nephew Journey Uni Tibial Baseplates and polyarticular inserts were recalled due to premature failure.

Dugger’s suit alleges that the implant was defectively designed, unreasonably dangerous and defective, with a propensity for fracture and premature failure, necessitating revision surgery sooner than other implants. The complaint also claims that the company knew or should have known that the knee replacement system would fail because of “fracturing, loosening, dislocating, or infection” if they were implanted by doctors who were not properly trained in the “minimally invasive surgery” technique marketed by Smith & Nephew.

The product liability lawsuit claims that the company failed to provide adequate training on the surgical technique and failed to warn the public about the risks the device carried.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a faulty knee replacement or another unsafe medical device, contact Sokolove Law for a free legal consultation and to find out if a product liability lawyer may be able to help you. For legal help, call (800) 581-6358.

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