Exchange Chambers

Hip recall prompts Liverpool conference

Hundreds of patients with metal hip implants have attended a conference arranged by leading law firm Gregory Abrams Davidson LLP.

The conference, which was the first of its kind, was held at Liverpool’s BT Convention Centre with a panel of medical and legal experts providing free advice for worried clients who have been affected by a worldwide recall of two metal hip implants.  The recall has now sparked fears about other metal hip implants.

The two implants recalled so far both manufactured by DePuy a division of Johnson and Johnson are the ASR XL Acetabular and the ASR hip resurfacing systems. Initially hailed as state-of-the-art technology, the implants have been failing after just a few years, when they were expected to last for 10 years or more. Studies have discovered that a major problem is due to the metal surfaces of the implant wearing away, releasing particles that are absorbed into the blood causing secondary health problems.

The company is facing a potential multi-million pound payout to patients in the UK as more people come forward claiming damages for their pain and suffering, loss of earnings, and future medical care and other losses.

Chris Barnes, Barrister at Exchange Chambers in Liverpool said “While these claims are in their early stages, considerable progress can be made in light of the recall by De Puy. We hope that other manufacturers will fully investigate the worrying statistics now emerging about other metal on metal hip replacements.”