In recent years, thousands of patients across the U.S. have filed lawsuits against Exactech, a major orthopedic device manufacturer, for selling defective knee, hip, and ankle implants. These implants, critical for mobility and quality of life, are now the center of litigation after Exactech issued multiple recalls due to premature wear and device failures.
If you or a loved one received an Exactech knee or hip implant and later experienced pain, implant loosening, or the need for revision surgery, you may be entitled to compensation. This article provides a detailed overview of the Exactech lawsuits, eligibility criteria, estimated payouts, and how to file your claim in 2025.
What Happened with Exactech Implants?
Exactech has recalled hundreds of thousands of its knee, hip, and ankle implants due to defective packaging that exposed the devices to oxygen. This led to oxidation, causing the polyethylene components to degrade faster than expected.
As a result, patients experienced premature wear of the implant, devices loosened, cracked, or failed entirely, and painful and expensive revision surgeries became necessary.
The affected devices include Optetrak Knee Systems, Truliant Knee Systems, Vantage Ankle Systems, Connexion GXL Hip Liners, and Acumatch and Novation Hip Systems. These devices were implanted between 2004 and 2022, affecting tens of thousands of patients.
Why Are Patients Suing Exactech?
The lawsuits claim that Exactech knew or should have known about the defective packaging and degradation risks, failed to test the long-term safety of implants in real-world conditions, and did not inform patients or surgeons in time, resulting in preventable injuries.
Most of the claims fall under product liability and failure to warn legal grounds. Victims are seeking compensation for physical pain, financial losses, and emotional distress related to implant failure.
Who Qualifies to File an Exactech Lawsuit?
You may be eligible to file a lawsuit against Exactech in 2025 if you meet these key criteria:
Implant Type and Brand
You received one of the recalled Exactech knee, hip, or ankle implants listed above. Your surgery occurred between 2004 and 2022.
Complications After Surgery
Implant loosened, cracked, or failed. You experienced chronic joint pain, instability, stiffness, or limited mobility. You underwent or were recommended for revision surgery.
Proof of Product and Injury
You have implant records from your surgeon or hospital. Medical imaging or diagnosis confirms complications. Surgical notes or pathology reports confirm device degradation or failure.
Even if you haven’t yet had revision surgery, you may still qualify based on pain, mobility loss, or surgical recommendations.
Estimated Compensation for Exactech Implant Victims
Exactech settlements are based on the severity of your injuries, type of implant, and whether you required a revision surgery. While no mass settlement has been finalized, legal analysts have developed payout projections based on other defective medical device lawsuits.
| Injury Type | Estimated Compensation Range |
|---|---|
| Minor pain, no revision surgery | $25,000 – $75,000 |
| Moderate complications + surgery | $75,000 – $150,000 |
| Severe complications + revision | $150,000 – $300,000 |
| Permanent disability or loss | $300,000 – $500,000+ |
| Wrongful death (rare cases) | $250,000 – $500,000+ |
Additional compensation may include lost wages, future medical expenses, loss of consortium, and pain and suffering.
How to File an Exactech Implant Lawsuit in 2025
Filing a lawsuit is a structured process best handled by a lawyer experienced in medical device litigation. Most law firms offer free consultations and contingency-based representation.
Legal Consultation
Speak with a qualified attorney to evaluate the implant brand and model you received, assess complications, pain, and treatment history, and determine if your case qualifies under current litigation.
Document Collection
Your attorney will gather surgical records (implant manufacturer, date, model), medical records showing complications or revision surgeries, imaging reports (X-rays, MRIs), and doctor’s notes recommending or performing revision.
Filing Your Case
Most lawsuits are currently being filed in federal multidistrict litigation (MDL No. 3044) in the Eastern District of New York. Some claims are filed in state courts if surgery occurred at a local hospital.
Settlement or Trial
Your lawyer will file and manage the claim, represent you in settlement negotiations or court, and work to maximize your compensation.
2025 Updates: What’s Happening Now?
The Exactech MDL continues to consolidate thousands of lawsuits. Bellwether trials are expected to begin in late 2025 or early 2026, which will help shape settlement strategies. Exactech has acknowledged responsibility for the defective packaging but has not yet agreed to a global settlement.
Law firms are still accepting new claims, and courts are urging timely filings to avoid delays in compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t know what brand of implant I received?
That’s common. Your medical provider or surgeon can provide implant records upon request. Attorneys can also request these on your behalf.
Can I file even if I haven’t had revision surgery?
Yes. Many patients live with pain and disability for years before opting for surgery. If your surgeon has recommended it or you’re experiencing chronic symptoms, you may still qualify.
How long do I have to file?
It depends on your state’s statute of limitations, but generally ranges from 2–3 years after the date of implant failure or the date you discovered the problem was caused by the implant. Some deadlines may be extended due to recalls, so don’t delay.
Do I have to testify in court?
Not likely. Most mass tort cases settle without requiring plaintiffs to appear in court. Your attorney will handle all proceedings unless your case is selected for a bellwether trial.
Claim Checklist for Exactech Lawsuit
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Received an Exactech knee/hip/ankle implant | |
| Device was recalled or degraded | |
| Suffered pain, complications, or instability | |
| Required or recommended revision surgery | |
| Medical records and diagnosis available | |
| Consulted a mass tort attorney |
Final Thoughts: Act Now to Protect Your Rights
Exactech’s implant failures have caused pain, immobility, and repeated surgeries for thousands of unsuspecting patients. If you’re one of them, now is the time to hold the company accountable and claim the compensation you deserve.
With no global settlement in place yet, 2025 is a crucial window to join the litigation while cases are actively moving forward. Don’t wait—speak to a qualified lawyer and secure your claim before deadlines pass.