ASR Hip Patients Reportedly Struggling to Recover Compensation from DePuy

Some patients who looked to DePuy for damages stemming from their recalled ASR hip implants are struggling to recover the compensation needed to fully recover from their injuries, according to reports. The New York Times says that “things have not gone smoothly” for everyone using the DePuy ASR hip replacement process, with some patients claiming that they had to make several calls to DePuy to ensure their bills were being paid on time. Many patients who needed revision surgery after being implanted with a recalled DePuy ASR hip implant have reportedly racked up tens of thousands of dollars in medical expenses and related costs, and if they are not receiving timely reimbursement for these bills, it is possible that an inadequate or late payment could impact their credit score or, in the worst cases, force them to file for bankruptcy.

Woman Makes Claim with DePuy, Still Faces $41K in Medical Bills

Some patients claim they had to make several calls to DePuy to ensure their bills were being paid on time.

According to a New York Times article, one DePuy ASR hip implant recipient required a replacement procedure and made a claim with Broadspire, the third-party processor DePuy hired to handle these reimbursements. The patient reportedly received a hospital bill totaling more than $41,000 and a call from the facility to inform her that if this was not paid, it would be turned over to a collection agency. She called the firm handling the ASR reimbursement claims for several weeks and eventually found out that DePuy had paid $18,000 toward her surgical bill, and that the $41,578 represented her remaining balance for the procedure.

Hip Implant Lawsuit vs. DePuy Reimbursement

To receive compensation from DePuy, the patient must demonstrate that they were implanted with one of the recalled ASR hips, the implant failed and they required revision surgery as a result. Broadspire will then decide, on a case-by-case basis, which patients need reimbursements and how much they should receive, if they feel the claimant did not suffer as much as they alleged. Available through this reimbursement program is compensation for medical treatment, travel expenses and lost wages associated with treatment.

The DePuy ASR hip replacement program does not provide compensation for physical pain and suffering, mental anguish or future medical expenses, damages which are available for recovery through a defective product lawsuit. Compensation for future medical care can be particularly important to those suffering from metallosis, the full side effects of which may not manifest for several years. Even if you have already made a claim with DePuy, you may still be able to take legal action to seek full compensation for your losses.