If you have a recalled knee or ankle replacement implant, the Alabama Exactech lawsuit lawyers at Fob James Law Firm want to help you.
Our biggest concern is making sure you get the justice and the compensation that you deserve.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Contact Fob James Law Firm today for a free case evaluation.
The Problem With Exactech’s Knee And Ankle Implants
In August 2021, Exactech quietly began recalling defective devices, containing Exactech Knee and Ankle Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene.
In February 2022, the company expanded the recall to include “all knee and ankle arthroplasty polyethylene inserts packaged in non-conforming bags regardless of label or shelf life,” according to Exactech’s recall notification.
The recalled devices include the following inserts and components:
- OPTETRAK®,
- OPTETRAK Logic®,
- TRULIANT®, and
- VANTAGE®
The recall includes total knee replacements and total ankle replacements with components and inserts made of polyethylene. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified this as a Class II recall, according to Exactech.
Exactech has acknowledged early wear due to the liners and components. The company’s recall announcement includes a letter to surgeons, indicating the “Optetrak Knee system has shown statistically significant higher overall revision rates as compared to other TKA’s in the Australian, United Kingdom and New Zealand registries.”
The company’s letter also states, “surgeons should maintain an appropriate index of suspicion for patients with any new or worsening pain, inability to bear weight, grinding or other noise, swelling, or instability in their knee or ankle.”
How Did Exactech’s Implants Become Defective?
Beginning in 2004, the Exactech’s defective devices came in vacuum bags missing a secondary barrier layer.
The second layer, when present, contains ethylene vinyl alcohol. Exactech has indicated the secondary barrier layer helps enhance the initial layer’s oxygen resistance.
Exactech explained that, “one of the packaging layers for the plastic insert… may allow oxygen from the air to diffuse into the plastic insert prior to it being implanted in your knee this can lead to a process called oxidation, which can cause the plastic to wear out earlier than expected or to become damaged after it is implanted into the patient’s body.”
Accordingly, the defective knee and ankle replacement devices wear out too soon because of the oxidation caused by the faulty packaging layers.
How Many Exactech Devices Are Recalled?
There are approximately a total of 147,732 inserts implanted in the US since 2004 that were produced with non-conforming packaging.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Defective Exactech Implant?
Potential clients may be suffering from osteolysis (bone loss), loosening, lysis, swelling, difficulty walking, and pain associated with polyethylene wear.
In any event, patients with a recalled device should immediately consult with a medical doctor to discuss options.
Who Qualifies for the Exactech Lawsuit in Alabama?
An Alabama resident who has a recalled Exactech insert and has had a revision surgery may qualify for the Exactech lawsuit.
Your case generally qualifies for the Exactech lawsuit if it meets two criteria:
- You have a recalled OPTETRAK®, OPTETRAK Logic®,TRULIANT®, and VANTAGE®device, and
- You have had a revision surgery
Even if you are unsure if your case qualifies, please contact our Alabama Exactech recall lawyers for a free consultation.
What Can I Recover From An Exactech Lawsuit In Alabama?
Every case is unique, but people who successfully file drug or medical device lawsuits can recover money for some of the following damages:
- PAST AND FUTURE MEDICAL BILLS
- PAIN AND SUFFERING
- LOST WAGES
- LOSS OF EARNING CAPACITY
- BROADLY SPEAKING, A PLAINTIFF COULD BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION FOR ANY PAST AND FUTURE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THEIR DEFECTIVE EXACTECH DEVICE
What Are the Attorney Fees for the Exactech Lawsuit in Alabama?
It costs nothing upfront to hire us as your attorney.
Fob James Law Firm operates on the contingency-fee basis, which means we only get paid if we successfully resolve your case.
Our fees come out of a favorable settlement or jury award, not out of your pocket.
Fob James Law Firm charges Exactech lawsuit clients a 33% to 40% contingency fee.
To speak with one of our experienced Alabama Exactech recall lawyers, call us today at 866-837-1010.
How Long Do I Have To File An Exactech Lawsuit in Alabama?
Every state is different so make sure you consult with an attorney about how long you have to file a lawsuit.
In Alabama, you generally have two years from the date of discovery of your Exactech related injury to file a lawsuit.
When Will the Exactech Knee Replacement Lawsuit Be Settled?
On October 7, 2024, the Court presiding over the Exactech litigation confirmed the scheduling of the first two “bellwether” trials.
A bellwether trial is a representative case chosen by the Court or the parties that helps set values and explore how evidence, expert opinions, and the law would apply to the larger litigation. These test trials allow the parties to determine the strengths and weaknesses in their case and gauge the outcome of future jury decisions.
The first bellwether trials begin on September 29, 2025. The second bellwether trial will begin on November 25, 2025.
We believe the Exactech litigation will settle after the bellwether trials. So, our best estimate is that global settlement will occur the end of 2025 or in 2026.
Our Exactech Recall Attorneys Are the Top Choice in Alabama
For more than 40 years, the attorneys at Fob James Law Firm have been fighting for victims of fraud and injuries across the country.
- We work closely with each of our clients, ensuring they receive personalized attention. With our firm, you will actually speak with your dedicated lawyer not an assistant.
- We move fast. We do not sit on cases. When we take your case we aggressively work your case from day one to ensure you get the compensation you deserve as soon as possible.
- We are not afraid to take your case to trial. As trial lawyers we love to litigate cases in courthouses across the country.
- We never charge fees up front. If we do not win your case you owe us nothing.
Our case results and client testimonials speak for themselves.
Contact an Alabama Exactech Recall Lawyer Near Me For Help
At Fob James Law Firm, our job is to help you to the best of our ability and fight for you.
If you have a recalled Exatech knee or ankle implant, you should contact us immediately. We can determine if you are eligible to file a lawsuit or not.
It won’t cost you anything to speak with us. Additionally, you’ll never pay us anything until we successfully settle or win your case in court.
Our Birmingham, Alabama Exactech attorneys are experienced, dedicated, and they truly care about you. We treat all of our clients exactly how we would want our own family members to be treated.
Contact us right now at 205-407-6009 or set up a free case evaluation so we can help you.