Ohio Lawyers for Artificial Joints & Implants Causing Harm

Many medical devices, such as artificial joints allow people to retain a great deal of movement and mobility after suffering debilitating medical conditions or being severely injured in an accident. A variety of implants including stents and pacemakers enable the body to work efficiently and safely, prolonging and improving quality of life. However, not all medical devices are risk-free. Some medical devices are poorly designed, inappropriately used, or simply have inherent risks that could lead to serious and painful complications.

If you are dealing with additional harm after receiving an artificial joint or implant, call us at Kisling, Nestico & Redick at 1-800-HURT-NOW. We may be able to help you pursue compensation through a product liability claim. Call an Ohio product liability lawyer today to schedule a free case consultation.

Many Types of Artificial Joints and Implants Have Become Common

Modern medicine has made artificial joints and implants so frequent that you may not think twice about you or a family member receiving one. These common implants and medical devices include:

• Artificial joints: It has become common for individuals to have partial or full joint replacements for hips, knees, and shoulders. It is also possible to have ankle and finger joints replaced.
• Artificial eyes: Ocular prosthesis, or fake eyes, are often used for cosmetic reasons. They enable someone who was born without or lost one or more eyes to have what appears to be a functioning and matching eye.
• Pacemakers: A pacemaker is a medical device implanted in a person’s chest or abdomen, which uses electricity to remedy abnormal heart rhythms.
• Stents: Stents are small tubes placed in blood vessels, canals, or ducts to relieve blockages and allow fluids to flow freely or to enable a part of the body to heal.
• Cochlear implants: A cochlear implant is an electronic device used to give a deaf individual a sense of sound.
• Contraception: There are multiple forms of contraception implants, including a small rod implanted in the upper arm or intrauterine devices (IUD).
• Dental implants: Instead of relying on bridges, many individuals now opt for dental implants. This typically involves permanent implants into the jaw.
• Limb prostheses: While many limb prostheses are temporary and can be removed or worn whenever an individual wants or needs to, some prostheses are permanent.
• Breast implants: One of the most common cosmetic implants is breast augmentation. Breast prosthetics are often used after a mastectomy, however, they can also be used for personal preference.

While certain implants are in response to an injury or medical condition, others are purely for cosmetic purposes. For either reason, artificial medical devices can greatly improve an individual’s physical and mental health. However, they are not without risk. Both the operations and post-procedure can result in harmful complications.

Potential Complications Associated With Artificial Joints and Implants

Some of the most common complications associated with artificial joints and implants, which lead to injuries include:

• Anesthesia complications
• Infections
• Blood clots
• Pulmonary embolism
• Persistent inflammation
• Bone erosion or fractures
• Nerve damage
• Loss of range of motion
• Loss of movement
• Implant failure
• Implant migration
• Plastic or metal fragments released into the body
• Allergic reactions to implant components

The potential complications you experience depend on a number of factors, including the type of device, the material of the implant, the location of the implant, and others. While some artificial joints and implants have a greater likelihood of complications than others, none of them are risk-free. Any surgical procedure creates some level of risk such as hospital-acquired infections.

When you have experienced one or more complications due to an artificial joint or implant, you should speak with an attorney regarding your options. Depending on the circumstances, you may have the right to bring a product liability claim to recover compensation for your physical, psychological, and financial injuries.