Exactech Recall FAQ: What Is the Exactech MDL?

Exactech MDL Overview & Filing Information

Exactech Recall Lawsuits are being consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL).

In the Exactech MDL, cases are handled by a judge in a singular district court.

Multidistrict is a special federal legal procedure designed to speed of the process of mass tort lawsuits, where a large number of people have similar claims against the same defendant(s).

MDL aims to cut costs for both plaintiffs and defendants, ensure consistent decisions, and address all legal processes in one court.

The Exactech Lawsuit is ongoing, and lawyers are still accepting cases from injured patients in all 50 states.

What Do You Need To Know About Multidistrict Litigation?

Multidistrict litigation (MDL) is a federal legal mechanism specially designed to address cases with multiple plaintiffs who have suffered similar injuries or damages due to a common product or issue, such as the Exactech knee replacement, ankle replacement, or hip replacement.

An MDL streamlines the litigation process by consolidating similar cases into one court, ensuring efficiency and a more organized approach.

MDLs are particularly helpful in the following scenarios:

• Mass Tort Cases: When numerous individuals suffer harm from a defective product, like in the Exactech lawsuit, filing individual lawsuits could overwhelm the court system. An MDL centralizes these cases, streamlining the process for everyone involved.
• Resource Efficiency: Consolidating cases in an MDL allows for the efficient use of resources, as pretrial proceedings like discovery can be coordinated and streamlined, saving time and effort.
• Judicial Expertise: By bringing multiple cases to one court, MDLs are often presided over by judges with expertise in complex litigation, ensuring that cases are handled competently.

What Are the Steps Involved in an MDL?

The multidistrict litigation process involves several key steps, each aimed at ensuring fair and efficient resolution for all parties involved.

Steps for multidistrict litigation are outlined below.

An Influx of Related Lawsuits Are Filed

MDLs usually begin with a surge of related lawsuits being filed across different jurisdictions.

In the context of the Exactech MDL, victims experiencing complications or injuries due to the Exactech knee replacement may file individual lawsuits in various states.

The JPML’s Decision To Launch an MDL

The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) comprises federal judges responsible for determining whether an MDL is appropriate.

The JPML examines the common issues, the geographic distribution of cases, and other relevant factors before deciding whether to consolidate the cases into an MDL.

Releasing a Transfer Order

Once the JPML decides to create an MDL, they issue a transfer order that consolidates all related cases into a single district court.

This transfer order streamlines the legal process, prevents duplicative discovery, and facilitates centralized proceedings.

Establishing Steering Committees

In the early stages of an MDL, a steering committee is formed.

This committee consists of lawyers from various plaintiffs’ firms representing the victims.

Their role is to collaborate and manage pretrial proceedings efficiently.

The First Bellwether Trial

In an MDL, bellwether trials are selected to test how juries react to specific issues, arguments, and evidence.

These trials serve as indicators for both parties, potentially encouraging settlement negotiations and providing insight into the value of the cases.

Recovering a Settlement

Plaintiffs involved in an MDL may be eligible to recover settlements for their damages, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.

Settlement negotiations can occur at different stages throughout the MDL litigation process.

How Do MDL and Class Action Lawsuit Differ?

While both MDLs and class action lawsuits involve multiple plaintiffs with similar claims, they have distinct differences:

• Individual Attention: In an MDL, each plaintiff retains individualized attention to their unique circumstances, as each case remains separate. In contrast, plaintiffs are treated as a group in a class action lawsuit, and the outcome applies to all members.
• Control Over Case: In an MDL, plaintiffs have more control over their cases. In a class action, lead plaintiffs and attorneys generally make decisions for the entire class.
• Outcome and Settlements: In an MDL, the results and settlements are specific to each individual case. The outcome or settlement typically applies uniformly to all class members in a class action lawsuit.

What is the Exactech Recall?

The Exactech knee replacement lawsuit centers around claims regarding the defective nature of certain Exactech knee replacement systems, ankle replacements, and hip liners.

Certain Exactech joint replacement devices may suffer from premature wear due to defective packaging.

The company initiated a recall for knee, joint, and hip replacement devices, namely:

• Acumatch GXL Acetabular Liners
• Acumatch Conventional UHMWPE
• ARTHROFOCUS® Polyethylene Tibial Inserts (TKR)
• Exactech All Polyethylene Cemented Acetabular Cup
• MCS Conventional UHMWPE
• MCS GXL Acetabular Liners
• Novation GXL Acetabular Liners
• OPTETRAK® All-polyethylene Tibial Components (TKR and PKR)
• OPTETRAK® Custom Polyethylene Tibial Inserts (TKR)
• OPTETRAK® Logic RBK Tibial Components (TKR)
• OPTETRAK® Tibial Inserts (TKR)
• OPTETRAK® LOGIC® Polyethylene Tibial Inserts (TKR)
• OPTETRAK® HI-FLEX® Polyethylene Tibial Inserts (TKR)
• OPTETRAK® RBK® Polyethylene Tibial Inserts (TKR)
• TRULIANT® Tibial Inserts (TKR)
• Vantage® Fixed-Bearing Polyethylene Liner Component (TAR)
• Vantage® Mobile-Bearing Polyethylene Liner Component (TAR)

The recalled Exactech knee and ankle replacements have packaging issues, resulting in the deterioration of the product and expiring before its supposed expiration date.

Patients with an Exactech knee implant who suffer from knee swelling, painful walking, or inability to bear weight are immediately recommended to undergo corrective revision surgery.

What Are the Side Effects of a Failed Knee Replacement Surgery?

A knee implant failure can lead to a range of side effects and complications, which may include:

• Persistent Pain and Discomfort: The affected knee may continue to cause pain, reducing the patient’s quality of life and mobility.
• Joint Instability: Failed ankle implants or knee replacements can lead to joint instability, making daily walking challenging.
• Swelling and Inflammation: Inflammatory responses may occur around affected tibial inserts or ankle replacement devices, causing swelling and discomfort.
• Limited Range of Motion: Patients may experience limited flexibility and mobility in the affected knee.
• Bone Fractures or Dislocation: Severe complications may cause bone fractures or implant dislocation, requiring additional surgeries and treatments.

Depending on the severity of the situation, a corrective revision surgery might be critical to treat the problem.

What Damages Could You Claim in an Exactech Lawsuit?

If you’ve suffered injuries from an Exactech knee replacement system or ankle replacement device, you might be eligible to recover damages related to your injuries and recovery.

Potential damages in an Exactech Lawsuit may include:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation for all medical costs related to the complications or injuries resulting from the Exactech knee replacement, including revision surgery, hospitalization, medication, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
• Lost Wages: Financial compensation for income lost due to the inability to work during recovery and rehabilitation.
• Pain and Suffering: A monetary award for the physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life endured due to the failed knee replacement surgery.
• Punitive Damages: In some instances involving extreme negligence or misconduct by the defendant, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter future similar behavior.

TorHoerman Law: Your Exactech Lawyers

Exactech Recall Lawsuits are being filed by people across the country who have received recalled Exactech knee, hip, or ankle replacements and were subsequently injured.

Joint replacement surgery can greatly improve a person’s life, but when defective medical devices are used they can result in severe consequences.

If you or a loved one received recalled Exactech implants and were subsequently injured, you may be eligible to file an Exactech Lawsuit.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for an Exactech Lawsuit instantly.

Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means that we DO NOT charge for legal representation unless a settlement is won.

No win, no fee.

Reach out to our Exactech Lawyers for more information and to find out how we can help you seek justice.