Lawrence Gornick of Levin Simes Kaiser & Gornick LLP Appointed to Plaintiff's Steering Committee for DePuy Orthopedics ASR Hip Implants

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, January 30, 2011 (Press-News.org) Lawrence Gornick of Levin Simes Kaiser & Gornick LLP was appointed by U.S. District Judge David A. Katz to the Plaintiff's Steering Committee for the federal court lawsuits related to DePuy Orthopedics ASR Hip Implant Products.

DePuy, a division of Johnson & Johnson, announced a voluntary recall of the ASR XL Acetabular System and ASR Hip Resurfacing System in August 2009. Known as "metal-on-metal" implants, the products pose a higher risk of generating metal debris that causes painful inflammation and other symptoms requiring a revision surgery to remove and replace the implant. All federal court lawsuits involving these products will be transferred to Judge Katz in the Northern District of Ohio who will preside over all pretrial aspects of the cases and likely the first trials.

"I am honored by the selection and will work diligently with the other committee members to develop and implement an investigation and trial strategy for the benefit of all who have been injured by DePuy's ASR hip implant products," said Gornick. "Approximately 13 percent of those receiving the implants were required to have a painful revision surgery within five years. With more than 93,000 implants having been sold, this percentage is bound to increase."

Per Judge Katz's order, the Plaintiff's Steering Committee will conduct all pretrial discovery, appear as counsel at all pretrial hearings, submit and oppose all motions, and explore settlements, among other legal actions.

Levin Simes Kaiser & Gornick LLP represents individuals injured by defective products and fraudulent practices. On the Net: http://www.levinsimeskaisergornick.com.