A Texas federal jury recently awarded $502 million to five plaintiffs with Johnson & Johnson’s defective DePuy Orthopaedics Pinnacle metal on metal hip implant. After hearing 37-days of testimony, jurors found J&J liable for gross negligence, fraud, and failure to warn doctors and patients about the device’s dangers.
The trial was a “bellwether” case to help gauge the possible settlements for 7,000 other plaintiffs alleging J&J’s metal hip replacements spread metal fragments throughout their bloodstream and caused other serious complications. Many hip-replacement patients allege they required additional surgeries to correct inadequacies of the device.
The verdict is a huge win for other J&J hip implant injury victims. In 2014, J&J won a similar trial alleging defects in the DePuy Orthopaedics Pinnacle metal on metal hip implant.
Despite the 2014 victory, J&J understands the writing on the wall. In 2013, the company announced it set aside $2.5 billion to settle lawsuits related to its defective metal on metal hip implants.
After the recent trial, J&J representatives announced a forthcoming appeal of the massive $502 verdict and steadfastly denied any wrongdoing. In spite of being hit with $360 million in punitive damages, J&J still refuses to acknowledge the role its negligent behavior played in causing harm to innocent victims.
While The Cochran Firm, D.C. did not provide representation to any of the parties involved in this case, our law firm regularly represents victims harmed by powerful entities like Johnson & Johnson. Victims should know these trials are ongoing and may still be able to file lawsuits and potentially collect compensation for their injuries.
If you or a loved one were implanted with a Johnson & Johnson metal on metal hip replacement, contact The Cochran Firm, D.C. for a free consultation. There are no costs to speak to an attorney and we do not collect any legal fees unless we win your case.
Call us at 202-682-5800 during business hours or at 1-800-THE FIRM (843-3476) to reach us 24 hours a day. You may also fill out an online contact form with the details of your case and we will contact you at your earliest convenience.
