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The First Exactech Knee Bellwether Trials in Multidistrict Litigation 

  • October 4, 2024
  • KBA-RL
  • No Comments

The First Exactech Knee Bellwether Trials in Multidistrict Litigation 

The first Exactech knee bellwether trials are scheduled to begin in July and September of 2025, following multi-district litigation (MDL). This litigation involves at least 1,670 lawsuits, all related to Exactech’s defective hip, knee, shoulder, and ankle implants. These lawsuits claim that a packaging problem caused these devices to degrade and fail much earlier than expected. Many patients were forced to undergo corrective surgeries within a few years of receiving the implants, leading to an overwhelming number of complaints and legal claims.

 

Reason for Exactech Trial Delays

The initial bellwether trial dates were rescheduled after both parties requested more time to prepare their cases. These claims arose after Exactech issued a recall for their knee replacement systems in April 2024. Attorneys needed additional time to gather evidence, including testimonies from affected patients and medical professionals. Both sides are preparing for what could be a lengthy court process, although there remains a strong possibility for settlement.

 

Exactech MDL Overview

Exactech’s legal troubles began after the company issued a major recall in early 2022. This recall included more than 140,000 Optetrak, Optetrak Logic, and Truliant knee replacement systems, which had been implanted in patients since 2004. Additionally, 15,000 components used in Exactech Vantage ankle replacements were recalled. By the end of 2022, centralized pretrial proceedings were established under U.S. District Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis in the Eastern District of New York.

 

Despite the possibility of settlement, attorneys are preparing for trial. Exactech’s implants are associated with multiple medical complications, including device degradation, joint failure, bone damage, and infection. While thousands of plaintiffs have already filed lawsuits, Exactech’s massive recall indicates that many more patients may still come forward to assert their legal rights.

 

Why Exactech Patients Are Suing

Patients allege that Exactech’s flawed manufacturing and packaging processes resulted in defective devices. These defects made the implants prone to failure far earlier than their intended lifespan. Typically, joint replacements are expected to last for 10 to 20 years. However, the plaintiffs in these lawsuits experienced severe complications within just a few years.

 

Because product defect cases rely on strict liability, the plaintiffs do not need to prove negligence. Exactech has already admitted that their devices are defective, which strengthens the plaintiffs’ cases significantly. This admission provides strong evidence that patients are entitled to compensation for their injuries and damages. As a result, Exactech faces severe legal consequences for selling dangerous and defective devices.

 

The Packaging Defect: A Critical Issue

Exactech admitted that a significant packaging issue led to many of these problems. The packaging failed to protect the implants from oxygen exposure, allowing oxidation to occur. This led to the rapid breakdown of critical components, which in turn caused joint failure, bone damage, and soft tissue injuries. Some patients even developed infections as a result of the defective implants.

 

The company initially recalled its devices due to “out-of-specification” vacuum-sealed bags used with a plastic tibial insert component. These bags failed to provide a protective barrier against oxygen, leading to premature device degradation. This degradation occurred even before the devices were implanted, significantly reducing their effectiveness and lifespan.

 

In June 2021, Exactech issued its first recall for hip implant devices, citing excessive and premature wear. The FDA categorized this recall as Class II, which indicates a moderate risk to health. In March 2023, the FDA issued a safety communication explaining that the implants were packaged in bags missing a critical barrier layer. Without this protective layer, the plastic components of the devices were more vulnerable to oxidation, which ultimately caused them to fail prematurely.

 

KBA Attorneys’ Investigation

KBA Attorneys is actively investigating claims related to Exactech’s recalled knee, ankle, and hip implants. Our law firm is working closely with affected patients to ensure that their legal rights are protected. If you or a loved one have been impacted by a defective Exactech implant, KBA Attorneys can help you navigate the legal process and seek compensation for your injuries.

 

We are dedicated to helping clients recover damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other related costs. Our law firm has a team of experienced attorneys that are committed to holding Exactech accountable for its defective products. At KBA Attorneys, we understand the complex nature of medical device litigation and will work tirelessly to ensure that your case is handled with care and attention.

 

Our attorneys are offering free consultations to potential clients. We will evaluate your case and help determine whether you are eligible to join the multidistrict litigation or pursue a separate lawsuit. With the first bellwether trials approaching, now is the time to take action and assert your legal rights.

 

Conclusion

The Exactech knee bellwether trials in 2025 will be a pivotal moment for thousands of patients who have suffered due to defective implants. As these cases move forward, patients will have the opportunity to seek justice for the pain and suffering they’ve endured. KBA Attorneys is dedicated to representing those affected and helping them secure the compensation they deserve.

 

If you believe you have been harmed by a defective Exactech implant, contact us for guidance and support. The firm’s legal team has the experience and resources needed to navigate the complexities of medical device litigation and fight for your rights in court.