LitPRO
Florida-based Exactech produces knee, hip, and ankle replacement devices, which are sold in the U.S. and abroad. The company began recalling some of its devices in 2021, due to a packaging defect that could cause the devices to fail prematurely. Those devices may also be subject to fractures and cracks because of the defective packaging. The recalled devices have been sold and implanted since 2004.
Hundreds of patients who received the devices have filed product liability lawsuits against Exactech since the recalls began. Plaintiffs typically claim the implants failed prematurely, causing bone loss, pain, and swelling. In some cases, revision or replacement surgery has been or will be needed to resolve the alleged issues. Some plaintiffs claim Exactech played down or hid evidence of their products’ problems or did not warn patients about the devices’ risks.
A multidistrict litigation (MDL) has been set up before the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, combining more than 1,000 cases. Other litigations are pending in multiple states. If a settlement is reached, experts say plaintiffs may expect to receive compensation for medical bills, suffering, and lost income. Exactech recently filed for bankruptcy, so further action on litigation is delayed until the bankruptcy court issues a notice.