Stryker Corporation-Hip Replacement Lawsuit and Recall

Stryker Corporation a major world player in the manufacture of medical equipment and orthopaedic devices  on July 6, 2012 recalled two of its artificial hip implant products specifically the Rejuvenate Modular Hip Stem and ABG II Modular Neck Hip Stem systems. The company halted all world sales and production of these implant devices. Victims suffered severe metal toxicity leading to painful side effects like tissue and bone death at the implant site, pain, swelling, and inflammation in the surrounding tissue, and early device failure. 

Stryker is now faced with numerous lawsuits. The recall noted an “Urgent Field Safety Notice” to implant surgeons and hospitals because of the potential health hazards associated with the implants. The metal parts in the devices have a tendency to corrode and fret allowing the metallic components to flake off of the hip and into patient’s tissues, bones and/or bloodstream causing serious injury. The devices are made of chromium and cobalt, and the stems are coated with titanium metal. When these parts rub against each other where the neck meets the stem, they can shed metallic debris into the body leading to complications.

Interestingly both Modular Hip-Stem systems were mechanically tested and never tested in humans prior to being marketed. They were however allowed to go through a premarket notification clearance process with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration known as 510(k) clearance stating these Modular Hip Stems were substantially equivalent to other Stryker commercially available hip stems currently on the market. In July 2012 Stryker released a safety alert and recalled the Rejuvenate Modular Primary Hip System and the Stryker ABG II modular neck hip system.

Like all companies in the United States, it is Stryker's duty to provide safety and effectiveness safeguards when producing and marketing new medical devices. The Stryker Lawsuit focuses on the performance of these hip implants, particularly their tendency to cause tissue damage, corrode, and fail prematurely. Stryker failed to conduct clinical trials in order to establish these safeguards. Stryker knew or should have known that the product was inherently more dangerous than other available hip implants because of its risk of fretting and corrosion and premature failure rate with an increased need for additional surgeries. 

If you have a Stryker Hip replacement you should consult the Law Offices of Gerald R. Stahl. The types of injuries suffered by the recipients very greatly and the effect on every person’s life will be different. Some patients suffer more because of environmental factors and activities in their life. It is the uncertain future medical problems of the recipient's that require skilled representation.  The key will be to compensate the victims for their damage in the past, present and future.

The bottom line is that an attorney will allow the best chance at true compensation in the hip Implant debacle. If you decide to navigate it without counsel you will be subjected to a high degree of risk. You need counsel to eliminate the risk they will wrongfully refuse your claim. Stryker thru it's adjuster will access all your records and personal information in an attempt diminish your claim.  They would have the ability to inquire into unrelated medical problems.

If you have a hip implant, is important to contact an experienced personal lawyer who can help protect your legal rights while ensuring you receive the medical care and pain and suffering recovery. Gerald R. Stahl is licensed in 4 states Michigan, Colorado, Arizona, and Illinois. He has 33 years of experience in the area of helping victims of negligent conduct recover for their injuries. He is a member of numerous organizations including The American Association for Justice and he is a Fellow in the National College of Advocacy. Gerald R. Stahl is conveniently located on East Beltline in Grand Rapids near Knapp’s Corner and the 63^rd District Court. Call 616-456-7372.

Off duty police dog attacks Grand Rapids, Michigan women

A 60 year old registered nurse was attacked by a German Shepherd on arrival at a party held by an off duty police officer. The attack took place in Claire County, Michigan. The dog was allowed to freely roam a party of strangers at the officers home. In an unprovoked attack the dog lunged at her and took a large 4 x 8cm chuck of her skin with the bite. The victim was required to under go skin grafting at the burn clinic. Certainly these injuries will be permanent. Western Michigan Personal Injury Lawyer   

In Michigan, if a dog bites a person without provocation while the person is on public property, or lawfully on public property, including the property of the owner of the dog, the owner of the dog shall be liable for any damages suffered by the person bitten. This is regardless of the former viciousness of the animal.  Recovery for Dog Bites in Michigan.                                                                                                                        

It has not been explained what the policy of the police department is with respect to an officer bringing  these attack dogs home. Nor has there been an explanation of why the dog would be allowed to roam free at a party full of strangers. It is obvious that under Michigan Law the keeper of an animal is responsible for injuries caused by negligently handling a dog. Grand Rapids Dog Bite Lawyer.

Every driver should have uninsured/underinsured auto Insurance with high policy and the limits?

The fact is, that now more than ever, it is important for driver's to have good policy limits. That is, policy limits for bodily injury in case you cause an accident and injure someone. But what happens when you suffer devastating and life changing injuries in a car accident that is not your fault? Grand Rapids Auto Accident Lawyer Most people think, don't worry, I'll sue. Not so fast. What happens if the person who hit you only has $20,000.00 of insurance and no assets. Some people will get insurance off the internet and get the cheapest policy just so they can driver the off the lot. The only way you can protect yourself is with uninsured or under-insured motorist coverage.Uninsured and Under Insured Motorists in Michigan For instance, if you have uninsured motorist coverage of $250,000.00 and you are injured by someone with $20,000.00 policy limits, you can recover up to $230,000.00 from your policy. I see plenty of people who make the mistake of having low policy limits and later regret that decision.

Grand Rapids man on motorcycle involved in road rage causes serious injuries to innocent motorcylist

On June 19, 2013 in late afternoon traffic a 54 year old Rockford Michigan man got involved in road rage and reckless driving while traveling south on Northland Drive in Kent County. The 54 year old man lost control of his vehicle and crossed the center line medium directly into the path of a North bound oncoming motorcycle. The 40 year old women operating the Northbound motorcycle sustained numerous serious injuries and fractures including her pelvis, right femur, right arm, right hand and teeth. West Michigan Injury Lawyer She also sustained several contusions, lacerations and deep cuts. Grand Rapids Personal Injury Lawyer The case points out the great risk of injury that can occur to innocent driver's caught in or near a road rage incident.

Aaron Hernandez Investigation Will Take Time

After multiple botched investigations in high profile cases, such as, OJ Simpson and Jon Benet Ramsey, investigators will likely take their time investigating, Aaron Hernandez. Hernandez is certainly a person of interest in the death of semipro football player Odin Lloyd on June 18, 2013. Apparently, the two men were friends and Hernandez was one of the last people to see him alive. Odin was found shot to death approximately 1/2 mile from the Hernandez home. The police obtained a search warrant and have sent teams of investigators to the Hernandez. Search Warrant Requirements and Michigan Criminal Defense. 

The police have also sent Divers to a pond behind the Hernandez home, undoubtedly looking for a murder weapon. Although Hernandez has been rumored to have a hot temper, that certainly cannot be the basis for an arrest. The investigator's will be trying to piece together a circumstantial case using text messages, emails, and phone records. This process requires a lot of manpower and time. In the mean time, Hernandez is not saying much to the public. In my experience, more often than not a suspect will publicly deny their involvement. Grand Rapids Criminal Defense Lawyer

May I drive to and from day care under my Michigan Restricted Driver's License after a conviction for Drunk Driving or DUI?

In Michigan, after a Drunk Driving,  DUI, or OWI conviction a client will be faced with a restricted driver's license. The restricted license will permit the the person to whom it is issued to drive for several well defined purposes. See Restricted License conditions of driving.

One of the reasons a person can drive is for employment. That includes to and from a persons residence to their work location. And, it includes in the course of that persons employment or occupation. So, for instance a sales person can drive across the state, whatever hours necessary to call on a customer. This will include driving varied and late hours.

Recently a defendant argued that driving your children to and from day care or school is necessary to maintain your employment. That issue was addressed in the case of People v. Seeburger, 225 Mich. App 385, 1997. In that case, the defendant argued that the statute was intended to be permissive, and not restricted. Furthermore, as a single parent driving her children to and from day care is necessary to maintain  her employment.                                                                                                                                 

The Seeburger Court found that the Michigan Restricted License specifically delineates the those circumstances upon which an individual can operate their motor vehicle. Furthermore, that the Legislature intended to deter Drunk Driver's with specific circumstances upon which they can drive. Therefore, the court concluded it is not proper purpose to drive to and from day care or school. It would be up to the Legislature to change the Law.                                                                                                                                  

I believe this is a wrong interpretation of law with very negative consequences. I hope the Legislature changes this Law.

Gerald R. Stahl is an experienced Grand Rapids based criminal defense attorney. He has been representing people charged with Drunk Driving and DUI for over 31 years in all Western Michigan Courts. Gerald R. Stahl is conveniently located in Grand Rapids on East Beltline near Knapp's Corner and the 63rd District Court. See Michigan Drunk Driving Laws and Consequences.

Texting and driving results in harsh sentence.

In a landmark verdict a Massachusetts court convicted a teenage driver of vehicular homicide caused by his texting while driving. The Massachusetts Judge imposed the maximum sentence of 2 1/2 years in prison for the 18 year old driver. In his case, the facts indicated that he was texting while driving and crossed the center line killing a 55 year old father.  The outcome is not surprising to me. The Court is clearly trying to send a message. There is a great temptation to just give a quick response to a text while driving. But, as everyone knows one text leads to another and another. In Michigan it is illegal to text and drive provided that the car is in motion. Grand Rapids Driving Issues The Gerald R Stahl Law office represents people charged with DUI and other driving issues in Grand Rapids and the surrounding Counties. Grand Rapids DUI Defense.