Zimmer Biomet Reverse Shoulder Lawsuits
- Last Updated: May 6th, 2025
Attorney Jessica Paluch-Hoerman, founder of TruLaw, has over 28 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.
Legally Reviewed
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.
Fact-Checked
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 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
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February 2025 Updates:
At this time, no significant updates or other news have been released around the Zimmer Biomet reverse shoulder lawsuit. While many cases may be in different phases of litigation, no major resolution or landmark ruling has been made public.
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January 2025 Updates:
The multi-district litigation (MDL 2859) against Zimmer Biomet recorded a total of 3 pending lawsuit at the start of January. The MDL is overseen by Judge Paul A. Crotty in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
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December 2024 Updates:
Within the past month, no news or updates around the Zimmer Biomet reverse shoulder replacement lawsuits have been reported.
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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.
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October 2024 Updates:
There have been no news around the Zimmer Biomet reverse shoulder lawsuits published in the past month.
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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.
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August 2024 Updates:
August 1, 2024
There have been no new updates or information released in the past few months up until now.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
According to this study, pulmonary, cardiac, and abdominal causes of death were common.
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.
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
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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.
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.
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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.
Managing Attorney & Owner
With over 25 years of legal experience, Jessica Paluch-Hoerman 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 the most reliable, accurate, and up-to-date legal information with our readers!
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.
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