Average Settlement For Faulty Knee Replacement

So, you or someone you know had a knee replacement, and now things aren’t right. Maybe the pain never went away. Maybe you needed another surgery. Or maybe the whole implant failed. 

If that sounds familiar, you’re probably wondering what kind of settlement you could expect from a faulty knee replacement lawsuit.

You’re not alone. These cases are more common than you’d think. And the good news is that people are getting compensated when manufacturers mess up.

In this post, we’ll break down the average settlement for faulty knee replacement.

What Is Considered A Faulty Knee Replacement?

A faulty knee replacement is an implant that doesn’t work the way it should. This can mean it loosens too soon, causes pain, limits your movement, or fails entirely. 

You might notice things like:

• Swelling
• Ongoing pain
• Popping or clicking sounds
• Instability 

Sometimes, people end up needing another surgery way sooner than expected. In the worst cases, infections or permanent damage can happen.

Also Read: How Much is the Average Settlement for a Knee Injury

There have also been some big-name devices recalled in the past like those from Zimmer, DePuy, and Stryker. 

These recalls often happen when too many patients report serious problems. If your implant was one of those, you might have a stronger case right out of the gate.

Average Settlement For Faulty Knee Replacement

The average settlement for faulty knee replacement is between $50,000 and $300,000.

Settlement amounts vary a lot, depending on your specific situation. But here’s a general idea of what people typically walk away with:

• Low end cases: $50,000 to $100,000 (minor issues, no surgery needed)
  
• Mid range cases: $100,000 to $300,000 (had revision surgery, moderate complications)
  
• High end cases: $300,000+ (severe pain, multiple surgeries, permanent damage)

Some people join large group lawsuits, called mass torts, where the settlement is split among many claimants. Others go solo with individual lawsuits, especially if their case involves serious injury or major life disruption. 

Factors That Affect Faulty Knee Settlement Amounts

A lot of things can influence how much your case is worth. Let’s go through the big ones:

#1 Revision Surgeries Required

If you had to go back under the knife to fix or replace the implant, your case is usually much stronger. Surgery is physically draining and it’s also expensive. And courts know that. 

The more surgeries you’ve had, the more your damages add up.

Plus, every surgery means more recovery time, more time off work, and more risk of complications. 

So if you’ve had one (or even multiple) revision surgeries, that usually bumps your settlement higher.

#2 Severity Of Medical Complications

The severity of the issue also affects faulty knee replacement settlement amounts.

Mild swelling and stiffness are one thing, but infections, nerve damage, or permanent mobility loss? That’s very serious.

The more serious your medical issues are, the more a settlement might be worth. 

Chronic pain, disability, or anything that’s affecting your daily life long-term can drive up the value of your claim, especially if you now need a cane, walker, or can’t do things you used to enjoy like gardening, walking the dog, or even going up stairs without pain.

Also Read: How Much is the Average Settlement for Burn Injuries

#3 Lost Wages Or Impact On Work

If your faulty knee kept you from working (or forced you to retire early) those lost wages can become a big part of your settlement for faulty knee replacement. 

And it’s not just about what you’ve already lost. If your injury affects your ability to earn money in the future, that can be factored in too.

For example, let’s say you had to quit your job early, switch to a lower-paying position, or take extended leave. 

That lost income could significantly raise your settlement amount.  

#4 Device Recall Or Manufacturer Negligence

If your knee implant was part of a known recall, or if the manufacturer was found to have cut corners, ignored safety warnings, or sold a defective product knowingly – that’s a big deal.

In these situations, companies are often more willing to settle rather than risk a public trial. 

It helps your case when there’s proof that the device was part of a bigger problem that affected others too.

#5 Strength Of Documentation

You could have a very real injury, but if you don’t have solid records to back it up, it’s harder to win a big settlement. That’s why documentation is everything.

We mean evidence like surgery notes, diagnosis reports, imaging results, physical therapy records, even your personal pain journal if you’ve been keeping one. 

The more clear and detailed your medical history is, the easier it is to show exactly how much damage the faulty implant caused.

Photos, medical bills, work absence records, and even before/after lifestyle comparisons can help tell the full story. The clearer your proof, the stronger your case.

Also Read: Can You Negotiate Lawyer Fees After Settlement?

How To Know If You Have A Case

If your knee replacement never felt right, caused pain, or forced you into another surgery, you might have a case and that’s worth exploring. 

Same goes if you were implanted with a device that’s since been recalled.

Your best move is to talk to a personal injury lawyer who’s familiar with faulty medical device claims. Most will offer a free consultation to see if your case is worth pursuing. 

Bring any documentation you have and just tell your story honestly. You don’t need to have everything figured out, and they’ll help with the rest.

And don’t worry, you’re not filing a lawsuit tomorrow. This is just a chance to get some answers and weigh your options.

Bottom Line

Most faulty knee replacement settlements range from $50,000 to $300,000, depending on how bad the damage is and if revision surgery was needed. 

If your injury caused long-term pain, time off work, or permanent limitations, the amount can go higher. The exact payout depends on the implant brand, your medical history, and how clearly the defect can be proven.

Talking to a lawyer is the best first step toward getting answers and possibly compensation.