DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., ASR Hip Implant Products Liability Litigation
The causation theory involves metallosis caused by corrosion and wear of the metal components, releasing cobalt and chromium ions into tissues and systemic circulation. Elevated cobalt levels can cause systemic toxicity, including cardiomyopathy, neurological deficits, and thyroid dysfunction. The high failure rate is attributed to design flaws such as large-diameter femoral heads, edge-loading, malalignment, and excessive wear, leading to early device failure and tissue damage.
114
Pending actions
10,454
Total actions filed
Active
Status
12/03/2010
Established
Filing deadline
Precise, official filing deadlines are not explicitly available in the retrieved documents. The general timeframe for filing claims is approximately two years from the initial FDA recall in 2010, suggesting deadlines around July/August 2026. Exact dates require direct consultation of court docket or settlement notices.
Who qualifies
Plaintiffs qualify if they received the DePuy ASR device before the recall in 2010 and experienced failure or complications within a specified period. They must demonstrate injuries such as metallosis, tissue damage, or systemic toxicity attributable to the device. The revision surgery must have occurred within a certain timeframe post-implantation, often within a few years. Documentation such as medical records, surgical reports, and metallosis testing is required.
Products involved
- DePuy ASR XL Acetabular Hip System
- DePuy ASR Hip Resurfacing System
Alleged injuries
- metallosis
- tissue damage
- infection
- implant failure
- need for revision surgeries
- metallosis-related symptoms such as pain, swelling, tissue necrosis
Bellwether trials
The bellwether trial schedule has experienced delays, with initial cases designated by December 2012. A notable trial scheduled for September 5, 2017, was delayed. Ongoing updates indicate multiple postponements and rescheduling, reflecting the complexity of the MDL. Recent verdicts include some large jury awards and verdict cancellations, with the MDL still active as of early 2026. Settlement efforts have resulted in an estimated fund of approximately $4 billion, with individual payouts around $300,000.
Settlement landscape
The MDL involves an estimated settlement fund of approximately $4 billion, with individual payouts estimated around $300,000. The settlement aims to resolve a large volume of pending claims, with some cases already settled and others ongoing. Past similar cases have seen settlement amounts ranging from $166,000 to over $312,500, reflecting the severity of injuries and high profile of the litigation.
Lead counsel
- Ellen Relkin of Weitz & Luxenberg
This page is generated from the official JPML pending-MDL report and public court records, refreshed monthly. It is provided for attorney reference and is not legal advice.
