Did Your Zimmer Biomet Comprehensive Reverse Shoulder System Fail?

NJ Product Liability Lawyers Explain Filing a Shoulder Replacement Lawsuit

On December 20, 2016, the manufacturing company Zimmer Biomet issued a product recall for its Comprehensive Reverse Shoulder System Humeral Tray, a shoulder replacement implant. The company added additional lot numbers to the recall in February of 2017. Due to design defects, these implants may fracture, causing severe injuries and pain, requiring emergency revision surgery. However, unlike hip and knee implants, it can be extremely difficult or impossible to properly replace shoulder implants after catastrophic failure due to the thinness of the shoulder and arm bones. Due to the reasonable probability of severe injury and/or death, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Class 1 recall — which is the most serious category. If you or a loved one requires revision surgery or suffered implant failure, then you may be able to file a shoulder replacement lawsuit.

The attorneys at Keefe Law Firm are currently reviewing claims involving the Zimmer Biomet Comprehensive Reverse Shoulder System Humeral Tray. We can advise you of your legal options if your Biomet shoulder replacement failed or if your doctor said that you will need revision surgery. Removal or fracture of a reverse shoulder replacement device may cause permanent loss of function, infection and possibly death. The procedure and its effects can impose a severe economic burden on victims and their families as well. Therefore, if you believe you may have grounds for a claim, then contact our shoulder replacement lawyers today.

What Injuries Can the Zimmer Biomet Shoulder Replacement Implants Cause?

A reverse shoulder implant like the Zimmer Biomet Humeral Tray system works by reversing the ball and socket joint in the shoulder. Instead of the arm fitting into the shoulder socket, the implant creates a socket at the top of the upper arm. The shoulder blade component of the implant is a ball, which fits into the arm socket, allowing rotation. Usually, a reverse implant like this is recommended for patients with severe arthritis in the rotator cuff. Additionally, patients whose previous shoulder replacement systems failed may receive a reverse implant.

However, design defects in the Zimmer Biomet Humeral Tray increase the risk of serious device fracture. When a reverse shoulder replacement implant breaks, the resultant injuries may include:

  • Nerve damage. A broken implant can cause shoulder dislocation and bone fracture, which may damage the surrounding nerves. This may cause loss of sensation and decreased mobility.
  • Infection. Fracture of a defective device may increase the likelihood of infection during emergency revision surgery. In rare cases, a serious infection may cause permanent injuries and/or wrongful death.
  • Permanent loss of function. Device fracture may irreparably damage the surrounding bone. As the shoulder blade is quite thin to begin with, damage may prevent surgeons from implanting a second device. As a result, patients may permanently lose function of the affected shoulder and arm.

Although Zimmer Biomet recalled these defective products, preventing future surgeries, thousands of patients are still living with potentially defective implants.

Can I File a Shoulder Replacement Lawsuit for a Recalled Implant?

If you experienced shoulder implant fracture or were told by a doctor that you need revision surgery, then you may have grounds for a shoulder replacement lawsuit against Zimmer Biomet. A product liability claim may allow you to recover compensation for expenses like medical bills for revision surgery. You may also be able to claim damages for permanent impairment, pain and suffering, and other losses.

In the past, Zimmer Biomet faced thousands of lawsuits over recalled hip and knee implants, many of which were consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL). One of these recalls concerned Custom Comprehensive Reverse Shoulder implants with locking rings. While there is not yet a class action or MDL for defective shoulder implants, you may be able to join one in the future.

Need Assistance with a Shoulder Replacement Lawsuit? Call Our NJ Law Firm Now

At Keefe Law Firm, our product liability attorneys are currently investigating claims involving Zimmer Biomet shoulder implant defects. If you or a loved one experienced adverse effects after reverse shoulder replacement, then contact our law firm today. We can investigate your situation and advise you of your options for a lawsuit, if possible. We have New Jersey offices in Red Bank, New Brunswick, Newark and Point Pleasant.

To schedule a free consultation, call (866) 575-5000 or contact us online today. Initial consultations are free, and we also work on a contingency fee basis.