Zimmer Biomet Reverse Shoulder Lawsuits

Published By:
Jessie Paluch
Jessie Paluch

Attorney Jessie Paluch, founder of TruLaw, has over 25 years of experience as a personal injury and mass tort attorney, and previously worked as an international tax attorney at Deloitte. Jessie collaborates with attorneys nationwide — enabling her to share reliable, up-to-date legal information with our readers.

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy and clarity by the team of writers and legal experts at TruLaw and is as accurate as possible. This content should not be taken as legal advice from an attorney. If you would like to learn more about our owner and experienced injury lawyer, Jessie Paluch, you can do so here.

TruLaw does everything possible to make sure the information in this article is up to date and accurate. If you need specific legal advice about your case, contact us by using the chat on the bottom of this page. This article should not be taken as advice from an attorney.

Overview of the Zimmer Biomet Reverse Shoulder Lawsuits

Device Recall – Biomet comprehensive reverse shoulder replacement systems have been recalled.

Shoulder Recall Lawsuits are moving forward.

Zimmer Biomet Faulty Reverse Shoulder Implant Device; What Is A Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery; Zimmer Biomet Comprehensive Reverse Shoulder System; FDA RECALL – Zimmer Biomet Reverse Shoulder Injuries Lead To Recall Due To A High Fracture Rate; High Fracture Rate Of Zimmer Biomet Shoulder System Could Lead To Death; Zimmer Biomet Shoulder Replacement Timeline; Zimmer Biomet Reverse Shoulder Lawsuits

Zimmer Biomet Reverse Shoulder Injuries Lead to Recall

On December 20, 2016, Zimmer Biomet sent an Urgent Medical Device Recall Notice and a Certificate of Acknowledgement form to all affected customers.

This Notice was directed mostly toward healthcare providers in an effort to account for each of the 3,662 devices distributed between October 2008 and September 2015.

But, it is important that consumers take note of this dangerous recall.

Any individual who received a total shoulder replacement between October 2008 and December 2016, should contact their healthcare provider immediately to determine if the Recalled Zimmer Biomet Comprehensive Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement Device was utilized.

Table of Contents

Lawsuit Updates

  • November 2024 Updates:

    At this time, the litigation remains ongoing as plaintiffs continue to pursue claims linked to injuries or complications from use of the Zimmer Biomet Reverse Shoulder device. No significant updates regarding the lawsuits have been reported.

  • October 2024 Updates:

    There have been no news around the Zimmer Biomet reverse shoulder lawsuits published in the past month.

  • September 2024 Updates:

    September 1, 2024

    There are no recent updates available regarding the Zimmer Biomet reverse shoulder lawsuits. The litigation remains ongoing as plaintiffs pursue claims related to complications and injuries associated with the device. Stakeholders continue to monitor the situation closely, but no new developments or resolutions have surfaced.

  • August 2024 Updates:

    August 1, 2024

    There have been no new updates or information released in the past few months up until now.

  • January 2024 Updates:

    January 4th:

    Continuing legal actions and investigations persist in scrutinizing accusations against Zimmer Biomet concerning possible flaws in specific shoulder implant devices, leading to significant injuries in patients. Over the past 30 days, there have been no noteworthy advancements in these matters.

    If you or someone dear to you has experienced a severe injury due to a Zimmer-Biomet Reverse Shoulder Replacement, contact TruLaw for assistance today.

  • November 2023 Updates:

    November 1st, 2023:

    Legal proceedings concerning the Zimmer Biomet Reverse Shoulder Replacement are ongoing.

    If you or a family member have suffered adverse effects after a shoulder arthroplasty procedure and believe you may have been harmed, you may qualify for compensation.

    Reach out to TruLaw today to explore your potential legal options.

  • October 2023 Updates:

    October 2nd, 2023:

    Ongoing legal proceedings and investigations continue to examine allegations against Zimmer Biomet regarding the potential defects in certain shoulder implant devices that have resulted in serious patient injuries. As of the last 30 days, no notable developments have emerged in these cases.

    If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury as the result of a Zimmer-Biomet Reverse Shoulder Replacement, contact TruLaw today.

  • September 2023 Updates:

    September 1st, 2023:

    Legal proceedings and investigations into allegations against Zimmer Biomet that certain shoulder implant devices were defective and caused serious injuries to patients are ongoing.

    No significant updates have been reported in the past 30 days. However, TruLaw is monitoring these cases and will provide any further information as it comes to light.

  • August 2023 Updates:

    There are no recent updates regarding the Zimmer Biomet reverse shoulder replacement lawsuits.

    Patients who underwent shoulder replacement surgery using these devices who experienced complications, such as device loosening, fracturing, and early failure, resulting in additional surgeries and severe pain, could be eligible for significant compensation.

    If you have any questions or concerns related to the case or your potential involvement, contact TruLaw.

    We can can provide information and guidance to individuals who may be affected by the ongoing litigation.

  • July 2023 Updates:

    Litigation regarding the Zimmer Biomet Shoulder Replacement is still pending.

    If you or a loved one have experienced any adverse effects following a shoulder arthroplasty procedure and suspect you have been injured, you could be eligible for compensation.

    Contact TruLaw today to discuss your case with a seasoned attorney.

  • June 2023 Updates:

    The Zimmer Biomet Shoulder Replacement lawsuit is currently ongoing, with no reports of a settlement at this time.

    Updates regarding the progress of the cases will be provided as any new developments occur.

  • May 2023 Updates:

    Cases for the Zimmer Biomet Shoulder Replacement lawsuit are still on-going.

    There are still no reports of a settlement, but more cases are being filed.

  • April 2023 Updates:

    There are no reports of a settlement yet for the Zimmer Biomet Shoulder Replacement lawsuit.

    There are still more cases being filed as the investigation continues.

    If you or someone you know has been affected as a patient with a shoulder arthroplasty and you suspect you’ve been injured, you may be entitled to compensation.

  • March 2023 Updates:

    The case is still ongoing and there has been no report of a settlement yet.

    If you or someone you know has dealt with medical complications due to an issue with a Zimmer Biomet shoulder replacement, seek out the lawyers at TruLaw for a free consultation.

    Find out if you are entitled to compensation today.

What is a Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery?

Zimmer Biomet Faulty Reverse Shoulder Implant Device; What Is A Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery

In shoulder replacement surgery, doctors replace the ends of the damaged upper arm bone (humerus) and usually the shoulder bone (scapula) or cap them with artificial surfaces lined with plastic or metal and plastic.

Reverse shoulder replacement surgery is a newer procedure used on people who have painful arthritis in their shoulder and also have damage to the muscles around the shoulder.

shoulder replacement

In a reverse shoulder replacement surgery, the surgeon removes the damaged bone and smooths the ends, he or she attaches the rounded joint piece to the shoulder bone and uses the cup-shaped piece to replace the top of the upper arm bone.

Zimmer Biomet Comprehensive Reverse Shoulder System

Zimmer Biomet Faulty Reverse Shoulder Implant Device; What Is A Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery; Zimmer Biomet Comprehensive Reverse Shoulder System

An estimated 90 percent of all shoulder replacements should last 10 years or more, so the FDA pays attention when implanted devices fail within just a few years of implantation, such as in the case of the Zimmer Biomet Comprehensive Reverse Shoulder System.

The Zimmer Biomet Shoulder Replacement was designed to restore arm movement to patients undergoing reverse shoulder replacement.

FDA approval process

Zimmer Biomet received clearance for the Biomet Shoulder Replacement in 2008 through the controversial 510(K) program, an expedited clearance process that allows medical devices to go to market without the normal safety testing when the device maker can show that the new device is substantially similar to an already approved device.

FDA RECALL – Zimmer Biomet Reverse Shoulder Injuries lead to Recall due to a High Fracture Rate

On February 16, 2017, the FDA issued a Class 1 recall of the Zimmer Biomet Comprehensive Reverse Shoulder System.

The Class 1 recall is the most serious type of recall, reserved for devices that may cause serious injuries or death.

Zimmer Biomet Faulty Reverse Shoulder Implant Device; What Is A Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery; Zimmer Biomet Comprehensive Reverse Shoulder System; FDA RECALL – Zimmer Biomet Reverse Shoulder Injuries Lead To Recall Due To A High Fracture Rate

According to the FDA, the Zimmer Biomet Comprehensive Reverse Shoulder replacement devices fractures at higher rates than is stated on the label.

Fractures may result in revision surgeries which could cause serious adverse health consequences such as permanent loss of shoulder function, infection, or death.

High Fracture Rate of Zimmer Biomet Shoulder System Could Lead to Death

According to a May 2016 study of the Danish Shoulder Arthroplasty Registry between 2006 and 2012, fracture patients had a 6 times higher incidence of death within 30 days than the general population.

Zimmer Biomet Faulty Reverse Shoulder Implant Device; What Is A Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery; Zimmer Biomet Comprehensive Reverse Shoulder System; FDA RECALL – Zimmer Biomet Reverse Shoulder Injuries Lead To Recall Due To A High Fracture Rate; High Fracture Rate Of Zimmer Biomet Shoulder System Could Lead To Death

According to this study, pulmonary, cardiac, and abdominal causes of death were common.

Zimmer Biomet Shoulder Replacement Timeline

Zimmer Biomet Faulty Reverse Shoulder Implant Device; What Is A Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery; Zimmer Biomet Comprehensive Reverse Shoulder System; FDA RECALL – Zimmer Biomet Reverse Shoulder Injuries Lead To Recall Due To A High Fracture Rate; High Fracture Rate Of Zimmer Biomet Shoulder System Could Lead To Death; Zimmer Biomet Shoulder Replacement Timeline

2008:

  • Zimmer Biomet received clearance for the Biomet Shoulder Replacement through the controversial 510(K) program.

2010:

  • FDA Class II Recall of Zimmer Biomet Comprehensive Shoulder Humeral Tray with Locking Ring after receiving complaints regarding the fracturing of the device.

2016:

  • Biomet settles with a Colorado man who filed a lawsuit for damages related to failure of his Comprehensive Reverse Shoulder Replacement.

December 20th, 2016:

  • Urgent Medical Device Recall Notice sent by Zimmer to all affected customers.

February 16th, 2017:

  • FDA Class I Recall of Zimmer Biomet Comprehensive Reverse Shoulder System.

Zimmer Biomet Reverse Shoulder Lawsuits

Product liability lawsuits are currently being filed against Zimmer-Biomet alleging that the Comprehensive Reverse Shoulder Systems failed.

As a result of the failure, additional surgery is needed to remove and replace the allegedly defective devices.

Zimmer Biomet Faulty Reverse Shoulder Implant Device; What Is A Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery; Zimmer Biomet Comprehensive Reverse Shoulder System; FDA RECALL – Zimmer Biomet Reverse Shoulder Injuries Lead To Recall Due To A High Fracture Rate; High Fracture Rate Of Zimmer Biomet Shoulder System Could Lead To Death; Zimmer Biomet Shoulder Replacement Timeline; Zimmer Biomet Reverse Shoulder Lawsuits

In addition to revision surgeries, shoulder implant lawsuits allege that patients have been put at an increased risk for:

  • Bone Loss
  • Device Fracture
  • Device Failure
  • Permanent loss of shoulder function
  • Infection
  • Death

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Has There Been a Zimmer Biomet Shoulder Settlement?

    In 2016, Biomet Inc. agreed to pay $350,000 to a Colorado man who claimed to experience the failure of two Comprehensive Reverse Shoulder Replacements due to the component that the company had recalled in 2010.

    appointment with shoulder surgeon

    According to court documents, the plaintiff underwent a left reverse shoulder replacement with Biomet’s Comprehensive Reverse Shoulder in September 2009, and the same device was implanted in his right shoulder in 2010.

    But within just a few years of implantation, both shoulders failed at the joint between the trunnion and the baseplate, causing the patient to experience pain, loss of function, and the necessity for revision surgery to remove and replace both devices.

  • Why File a Zimmer Biomet Reverse Shoulder Lawsuit?

    A shoulder replacement lawsuit may allow victims of failed shoulder replacement surgery to obtain compensation for their damages, which might include:

    • Medical bills
    • Lost wages
    • Loss of enjoyment of life
    • Pain and suffering
    • Permanent injury

    If you are a patient that had a Shoulder Arthroplasty and you suspect a fracture, contact your health provider immediately – close postoperative monitoring of pulmonary, cardiac, and abdominal conditions is important in fracture patients.

Published By:
Jessie Paluch
Jessie Paluch

Experienced Attorney & Legal SaaS CEO

With over 25 years of legal experience, Jessie is an Illinois lawyer, a CPA, and a mother of three.  She spent the first decade of her career working as an international tax attorney at Deloitte.

In 2009, Jessie co-founded her own law firm with her husband – which has scaled to over 30 employees since its conception.

In 2016, Jessie founded TruLaw, which allows her to collaborate with attorneys and legal experts across the United States on a daily basis. This hypervaluable network of experts is what enables her to share reliable legal information with her readers!

AFFF Lawsuit

AFFF Lawsuit claims are being filed against manufacturers of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), commonly used in firefighting.

Claims allege that companies such as 3M, DuPont, and Tyco Fire Products failed to adequately warn users about the potential dangers of AFFF exposure — including increased risks of various cancers and diseases.

Suboxone Lawsuit

Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit claims are being filed against Indivior, the manufacturer of Suboxone, a medication used to treat opioid addiction.

Claims allege that Indivior failed to adequately warn users about the potential dangers of severe tooth decay and dental injuries associated with Suboxone’s sublingual film version.

Social Media Lawsuits

Social Media Harm Lawsuits are being filed against social media companies for allegedly causing mental health issues in children and teens.

Claims allege that companies like Meta, Google, ByteDance, and Snap designed addictive platforms that led to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues without adequately warning users or parents.

Vaginal Mesh Lawsuits

Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuits are being filed against manufacturers of transvaginal mesh products used to treat pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Claims allege that companies like Ethicon, C.R. Bard, and Boston Scientific failed to adequately warn about potential dangers — including erosion, pain, and infection.

Bair Hugger Lawsuit

Bair Hugger Warming Blanket Lawsuits involve claims against 3M — alleging their surgical warming blankets caused severe infections and complications (particularly in hip and knee replacement surgeries).

Plaintiffs claim 3M failed to warn about potential risks — despite knowing about increased risk of deep joint infections since 2011.

Baby Formula NEC Lawsuit

Baby Formula NEC Lawsuit claims are being filed against manufacturers of cow’s milk-based baby formula products.

Claims allege that companies like Abbott Laboratories (Similac) and Mead Johnson & Company (Enfamil) failed to warn about the increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants.

Do You
Have A Case?

Here, at TruLaw, we’re committed to helping victims get the justice they deserve.

Alongside our partner law firms, we have successfully collected over $3 Billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of injured individuals.

Would you like our help?

Helpful Sites & Resources