Chicago Area Patients Sue Makers of Defective Hip Implant

Five patients who received an artificial hip implant manufactured by DePuy Orthopaedics Inc. are seeking damages from the company, a division of Johnson & Johnson. In a lawsuit filed today, the plaintiffs accuse DePuy of inadequately testing their Articular Surface Replacement (ASR) implant, ignoring evidence that the device was flawed and moving too slow to recall the defective artificial hip, leaving patients exposed to serious and unnecessary physical and financial harm.

“These patients thought they were lucky to receive a state-of-the-art implant that was going to make their lives easier and ease their pain,” said Chicago Attorney Frank Morrissey, representing the plaintiffs. “What they didn’t know is that the device was manufactured by a company that turned its back on physicians, patients and the public. As reports rolled in from doctors around the globe trying to warn the company about the problems with their device, DePuy failed to take action, and now these families face tremendous physical, emotional and financial hardships as a result of that irresponsible conduct.”