Faulty hip implant class actions combine

Two class action law firms, Shine Lawyers and Maurice Blackburn, have joined forces to conduct a class action in the Federal Court in Sydney for over 1000 victims of defective hip implants.

The implants are made by DePuy and imported by Johnson & Johnson.

Shine Lawyers and Maurice Blackburn commenced separate class actions in the Federal Court of Australia in 2011 on behalf of all Australian victims. On 20 April 2012 the Federal Court in Sydney approved applications to consolidate the class actions.

Ben Slade, Managing Principal at Maurice Blackburn NSW said: “A consolidated legal proceeding is in the best interests of all group members. It will allow a united approach to the serious claims being brought by so many Australians.

“The Australian damages claim is estimated to be worth more than $200m. By joining the cases, there will be cost savings and by streamlining the procedures the court and the defendants will only need to respond to one set of claims.”

Rebecca Jancauskas, Shine's National Special Projects Partner said: “Now that these claims are consolidated, DePuy and Johnson & Johnson should sit down with Maurice Blackburn and Shine lawyers and work through the detail of a compensation regime that will help all Australian victims. There is no reason for further delay.

“Johnson & Johnson spent up to $2.9 billion in 2011 on product liability expenses and costs associated with the worldwide DePuy ASR Hip recall."

For background on the class action see:

http://hipreplacement.shine.com.au/?gclid=COeVkeTkv68CFYdKpgodhXeHxw   and

http://www.mauriceblackburn.com.au/areas-of-practice/class-actions/current-class-actions/depuy-asr-hip-implants-class-action.aspx

20 April 2012.