A New York Times investigation revealed that that parent company Johnson & Johnson chose to sell defective DePuy ASR hip implants even after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration raised concerns about the device in 2009. The FDA initially approved the device in 2005 without requiring safety data on use of the metal-on-metal implants in humans.
Two years later, the FDA refused to continue to approve the device after studies showed the hip implant failed prematurely in a high percentage of patients. Many patients needed to have the DePuy devices removed and replaced.
It took a full year after the FDA warned Johnson & Johnson about the dangers associated with the device for the product to be pulled from the market, and an estimated 93,000 patients around the world received the defective artificial hips. All DePuy ASR hip implants have since been recalled.
This irresponsibility is shocking. Johnson & Johnson knowingly sold a defective, dangerous device even after the FDA warned the company about problems. As consumers, we expect the products we use to be tested for our safety. Knowing that the DePuy hip implants were never even tested on humans before being placed on the market makes it even worse.
Whether or not you’ve had problems with your DePuy hip implant, consult with an attorney as soon as possible. You may be eligible for compensation. Our Norfolk, Virginia (VA), medical malpractice attorneys have the expertise and experience necessary to handle your case.
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About the Editors: The Shapiro, Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm, which has offices in Virginia (VA) and North Carolina (NC), edits the injury law blogs Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard and Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as pro bono services.
