Consumers Sue Johnson & Johnson Over Leaking Breast Implants
A product liability lawsuit filed in California alleges that pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson is selling defective breast implants that are leaking and causing problems for some women including muscle pain and nausea. According to a Bloomberg news report, the lawsuit states that J & J’s Mentor Worldwide unit failed to conduct proper studies of its silicone-based implants’ health risks that were mandated by government regulators. Leaks from the devices are causing a variety of health issues for Rexine Mize, the woman who filed the lawsuit and many others.
Women Allege Side Effects
At this time, Mentor, Allegan Plc. and Sientra Inc. are the only companies authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to sell silicone implants in the U.S. after the agency lifted a 14-year ban on the devices in 2006. A number of lawsuits were filed against the products in the 1980s and 1990s over defective implants. Jaime Moss, a Los Angeles-based lawyer, filed the complaint on behalf of Mize. This is the second complaint filed in California over the implants.
In September, a Seattle woman sued Mentor and J & J in federal court in San Francisco alleging that her silicone implants made her sick causing skin rashes and extreme fatigue. She also said the products left her bloodstream laced with heavy metals used to manufacture the device. Regulators banned silicone breast implants in 1992 after women sued manufacturers claiming they caused cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. The suit filed recently says Mentor officials dialed to warn Mize about the serious complications. She says she is suffering from pain, nausea, skin rashes and extreme fatigue linked to the leaking implants.
Risks Associated with Silicone Implants
Silicone gel breast implants were first introduced in 1962. During the 1980s, the popularity of silicone gel breast implants surged, but so did stories about their risks and side effects. Many women claimed there was a link between ruptured silicone implants and a greater risk of immunological disorders such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. Some women said their symptoms went away after their implants were removed. The FDA looked into the issue and in 1992 limited the use of silicone gel breast implants to women having reconstruction after surgery for breast cancer.
Failure to Warn
Product manufacturers have a duty to warn consumers about the risks associated with their products so consumers can make informed decisions. This is especially true for implants because when an implant fails, individuals need additional surgery to remove it or to remove and replace it. This means additional expenses and recovery time not to mention pain and suffering. If you or a loved one has suffered serious side effects due to defective products, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your losses. Contact an experienced product defect attorney to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.