Motion Filed to Consolidate Stryker Hip Lawsuits
A motion has been filed with the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML), requesting consolidation of all federal product liability lawsuits related to the Stryker Rejuvenate and ABG II hip replacement systems. At least 30 lawsuits, spread across 12 different District Courts, are currently pending. The request was filed on February 12, 2013, and includes a recommendation from one plaintiff to transfer litigation to the the District of Minnesota, where 10 of the current lawsuits against manufacturer Howmedica are pending.
Plaintiffs who have filed Rejuvenate and ABG II lawsuits, and who are struggling to keep up litigation costs and medical expenses, are eligible for Stryker hip lawsuit loans, or cash advances on their future settlements or jury awards.
Centralizing litigation before one judge will simplify pretrial proceedings, and mitigate the problem of conflicting rulings from different judges. Multidistrict litigation (MDL) is generally considered the most convenient route to justice for plaintiffs and the quickest way for courts to process large numbers of cases. The JPML has not set a deadline for Howmedica to respond by, but a hearing has been scheduled for May 30, 2013 in Chicago.
Multi-county litigation underway in NJ
In New Jersey, all Stryker Rejuvenate lawsuits pending in the state court have been consolidated into multi-county litigation (MCL) in Bergen County. The home state of Howmedica’s heaquarters, New Jersey is expecting more complaints against the implants to emerge. Those who are considering filing a case in the MDL, but who are concerned about staying financially afloat during the lengthy litigation process, may find relief in securing Stryker hip lawsuit loans.
Stryker hip lawsuits cite metallosis
All plaintiffs involved in action against Howmedica allege similar problems with the Rejuvenate and ABG II systems. The metal-on-metal design has been linked to the release of dangerous levels of cobalt and chromium into the bloodstream, caused by the neck component rubbing against the femoral stem. Such a release of toxins can cause pain, inflammation, and metallosis.
A recall was conducted on the Rejuvenate and ABG II implants in July 2012, just four years after the system was introduced, and well short of the 10+ year life-expectancy of older, more traditional hip implants. Owing to the sheer number of patients with Stryker hip replacements, hundreds of product liability lawsuits are expected to be filed over the coming years. Plaintiffs allege Howmedica concealed the high failure rate of their devices. According to the first Stryker hip lawsuit, filed in August 2012, there are at least 60 “adverse event” reports filed with the FDA.
Legal funding companies can help plaintiffs
Even those with a strong case against Howmedica may find themselves waiting months and even years to receive compensation. In the meantime, plaintiffs are treading financial water, and may even consider settling for less than they deserve. For individuals who can’t afford to pay the cost of living on top of their medical and legal expenses, pre settlement funding can help bridge the gap between filing a lawsuit and receiving a payout.
Legal funding can provide Stryker hip lawsuit loans to those waiting for a verdict from the upcoming MDL against Howmedica. At LawStreet Capital, we understand the financial and psychological cost of litigation. To find out if you qualify for a lawsuit cash advance, contact our legal funding experts for assistance. There is no risk involved; we only require payment if you win your case, and our rates make us one of the most competitive legal funding companies in the industry. Once your case has been approved, a cash advance can be wired to your bank account within 24 hours. Call toll-free on 800-345-8500 to find out more.
