1. Product Liability Lawyer NYC: Initial Case Assessment
Every product liability case begins with a detailed factual and medical review.
A skilled product liability lawyer in NYC evaluates surgical records, implant identification data, imaging studies, and post-operative complications to determine whether the failure may be attributable to a defect.
In this case, the client underwent a total hip replacement approximately four years before experiencing complications.
The implant failed prematurely, requiring revision surgery significantly earlier than medically anticipated.
Following the revision procedure, the client developed chronic back pain, leg length discrepancy, and functional limitations that interfered with employment.
The initial evaluation focused on reconstructing the timeline from implantation to failure and assessing whether the device’s lifespan fell outside expected medical norms.
2. Product Liability Lawyer NYC: Investigating the Defect
Once the claim appeared viable, the case entered the investigative phase. In medical device litigation, independent expert analysis is indispensable.
Qualified orthopedic surgeons and biomechanical engineering experts reviewed the explanted device and associated medical imaging.
Their analysis suggested abnormal component wear and mechanical instability inconsistent with typical implant performance over a four-year period.
Under New York law, a product defect may arise in three principal ways: a manufacturing defect, a design defect, or a failure to warn. In this matter, the evidence indicated a potential design-related issue affecting structural durability.
Under the design defect framework articulated in cases such as Voss v. Black & Decker, liability may attach if the product was not reasonably safe and the risks outweighed its utility when it left the manufacturer’s control.
Establishing Causation and Damages
Product liability defendants frequently challenge causation.
Here, the manufacturer argued that the client’s chronic back pain and psychological symptoms were unrelated to the implant failure.
To address this defense, medical experts demonstrated that the failed implant created a measurable leg length discrepancy.
This biomechanical imbalance placed abnormal stress on the lumbar spine, leading to chronic back pain.
Treating physicians further documented that persistent pain and physical limitation contributed to depressive symptoms and anxiety.
Under New York law, a plaintiff must establish that the defect was a substantial factor in causing the injuries claimed.
Through coordinated medical testimony and objective findings, the causal chain between implant failure, revision surgery, spinal strain, and resulting economic losses was clearly presented.
3. Product Liability Lawyer NYC: Litigation and Negotiation
The action was filed within the applicable three-year statute of limitations under CPLR 214(5).
The case proceeded through discovery governed by the New York Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR), including document production and expert disclosure.
Internal manufacturer materials were requested to examine product testing protocols, durability studies, and post-market performance data.
As evidence accumulated regarding the premature nature of the implant failure, settlement discussions intensified.
While preparation for trial remained ongoing, both parties recognized the risks inherent in complex medical device litigation, including competing expert testimony and uncertain jury determinations.
Settlement Resolution
After extended negotiations, the case resolved for $975,000.
The settlement reflected compensation for revision surgery, ongoing medical treatment, lost wages, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
Although no settlement guarantees full restoration of health, the resolution provided financial stability and resources for continued medical care.
An experienced product liability lawyer in NYC ensures that settlement valuation accounts for both present and future damages supported by medical evidence.
Legal Framework under New York Product Liability Law
New York permits injured consumers to pursue claims under theories of strict products liability, negligence, and breach of warranty.
Strict liability does not require proof that the manufacturer intended harm, but it does require proof that the product was defective and that the defect was a substantial factor in causing injury.
In design defect cases, courts evaluate whether a reasonably safer alternative design existed and whether the product was reasonably safe for its intended use.
These substantive principles, along with procedural requirements under the CPLR, govern how defective medical device claims are litigated in New York courts.
4. Product Liability Lawyer NYC: Final Considerations
Medical implant litigation involves complex intersections of medicine, engineering, and law.
Establishing liability requires careful documentation, qualified expert testimony, and strategic application of New York product liability principles.
If you or a loved one has experienced complications from a defective hip implant or other medical device, consulting a knowledgeable product liability lawyer in NYC can help you assess whether a viable claim exists and what legal options may be available.
The attorneys at SJKP are experienced in handling complex medical device claims and can provide a detailed case evaluation tailored to your circumstances.
Contact the firm for a confidential consultation.
25 Feb, 2026
