Patients crippled by artificial metal hips to sue health giants for millions
HUNDREDS of Britons who received ‘metal-on-metal’ hip replacements are demanding millions of pounds in compensation from the manufacturers.
In a huge legal action, lawyers for about 700 people fitted with certain implants from three makers are taking a group case to the High Court.
The hips – which became popular in the 1990s – were meant to be stronger than those made of other materials.
Replacements are supposed to offer easy mobility for ten to 15 years. But studies suggest some metal models fail far sooner than they should – leaving patients in crippling pain.
Lawyers also claim the artificial hips have caused non-cancerous tumours, allergic reactions, and led to loss of muscle mass and bone strength.
Gene Matthews, partner at Leigh Day solicitors, said: ‘Some [patients] face needing several operations and in the worst cases might end up in a wheelchair.’ Such individuals ‘might be looking at compensation worth hundreds of thousands’, he said, adding: ‘Across the group action, we are looking at tens of millions of pounds.’ Retired airline engineer Bernard James, who had metal-on-metal hip implants in 2006, said they had ‘ruined’ his life.
Two years after his operation, a pocket of fluid developed, and doctors recommended they were replaced. But the 76-yearold from Cardiff – who was a keen dog-walker – says he can now manage only half a mile.
In total, about 40,000 Britons have been given metal-on-metal hip components. The group action includes around 85 people with Durom implants by Zimmer; 400 with Pinnacle parts by Johnson & Johnson subsidiary DePuy; and 200 with Cormet parts, made by Corin.
Mr Justice Hickinbottom at the High Court will next month rule on how the case should proceed.
A civil trial is expected in autumn next year.
Papers lodged by Corin’s solicitors at the court state: ‘Corin’s defence is that its products were safe.’ Zimmer said the claims were ‘vague’.
DePuy’s defence says that the ‘vast majority’ of patients with Pinnacle implants ‘have improved function without complication’.