In the fall of 2010 DePuy Orthopaedics issued a recall of over 93,000 of its metal on metal hip replacement implants. The FDA began receiving complaints about these implant failures for more than 2 years prior to the recall. The recall involves two DePuy products, the ASR XL Acetabular System (a total hip replacement) and the ASR Hip Resurfacing System (a partial replacement system). Only the ASR XL Acetabular system was approved for use in the United States.

The problems related to these metal on metal implants include loosening of the joint and the collection of metal debris deposits in the tissue surrounding the joint. The metal deposits are caused by the metal ball scraping against the metal cup. These metal deposits can cause inflammation, pain in the hip joint and in the groin. In some cases the metal deposits can cause a condition known as metallosis and even pseudotumors.

While the ASR metal on metal systems have been recalled, the Pinnacle model has not yet been. Although a recall of the Pinnacle model has not been issued, this metal on metal model is the subject of lawsuits against the manufacturer. Keep posted for further updates on these developments. For a more detailed review of the complications associated with the ASR metal on metal system visit the FDA website link posted here.

Hundreds of thousands of women across the United States have had surgical procedures to correct pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence. These are often referred to as trans vaginal mesh and bladder sling devices.

In 2008 the FDA issued its first warning about the serious side effects of trans vaginal placement of these mesh products. Recently they also ordered 33 different manufacturers of these trans vaginal mesh products to conduct after market surveillance studies on the safety and side effects of their products. Some of the problems associated with these trans vaginal mesh products include organ perforation, mesh erosion, infection and fistula development. Approximately four years ago the first cases against Johnson & Johnson were filed in Atlantic County, New Jersey. The first cases are scheduled to begin trial in July 2012. Judge Carol Higbee who presides over these cases has ordered the depositions of the plaintiffs and defendants and the discovery of millions of pages of internal corporate documents. Judge Higbee is no stranger to mass tort complex litigation involving harmful medical products. In fact she oversaw the Vioxx litigation in New Jersey against pharmaceutical giant, Merck. The Vioxx litigation ultimately led to settlements of tens of thousands of claims.

On January 17, 2012, asbestos attorney Russ Beaudoen and senior investigator Bill Bates of our law firm spoke before a meeting of the Michigan Iron Workers Local 25 retirees at their local headquarters in Novi. Beaudoen and Bates discussed current developments in asbestos litigation, the risks of past exposures and types of asbestos exposure experienced by Iron Workers.

The retirees expressed interest and related that they had been significantly exposed in their specific work places such as most steel plants, chemical plants, auto factories, power plants and utility companies, such as Detroit Edison facilities.

The president of the retirees, Jim Hamric, has also invited the Serling Law Firm to attend a meeting for the Bay City Chapter.

Some of the at-risk trades for mesothelioma and lung cancer are:  pipe coverers, pipefitters, plumbers, bricklayers, sheet metal workers, carpenters, boiler makers, boiler operators, iron workers, steel workers, electricians, millwrights, plasterers, refinery workers and laborers, to name a few.

Sad to say, there is still a great number of mesothelioma and lung cancer cases diagnosed each year throughout the state of Michigan and nationwide.  Mesothelioma, cancer of the lining of the lung or abdomen, is only caused by asbestos exposure and there are approximately 3,000 cases diagnosed in the United States every year.  The number of asbestos-related lung cancer instances is even higher.  The risk of developing lung cancer is significantly greater if one is exposed to asbestos and also smokes cigarettes.

Once again, the law firm of Michael B. Serling, PC was proud to participate in the children’s charities during the holiday season. The employees of the firm donated to both Jimmy’s Kids and Operation Good Cheer, making sure that no child was forgotten during the Christmas/Chanukah season. I want to thank all of the employees of my firm for opening their hearts at holiday time.

Client satisfaction is one of our top priorities. It warms our hearts every time we receive a note, letter or call thanking us for a job well done.


Here are two examples of thank-you notes received from satisfied clients.

“Dear Mr. Serling

There will never be words to thank you and your firm enough for all that you have done for me and my family.

It has been twelve years since Don died of mesothelioma. We still miss him so much. Whenever a milestone such as a birth, wedding or graduation happens I wonder what it would have been like if he were with us………

God bless you for all that you do to help families.
S.B.C.”

“To Michael Serling:

I wanted you to know how grateful I am for the wonderful job you did for me.

I know that this is what you do all the time but I don’t know if everyone really appreciates the service.

You have treated me with respect and have made it possible for me to stay in the home that Ron and I lived in for over 20 years.

There was a point for me that I really didn’t think that I would be able to live an independent life style, but thanks to you I am……

Thanks,
R. R.”

The Serling Law Firm understands the rights of mesothelioma and lung cancer victims
caused by asbestos exposure. The firm continues our commitment to bringing justice to
those victims and protecting their rights. It is imperative that you choose a law firm that
specializes in handling mesothelioma and lung cancer cases. Our firm has represented
thousands of victims of asbestos disease throughout the country since 1975.


With the same energy and determination with which we have represented victims of
asbestos disease, we are also in the legal arena fighting for victims of faulty DePuy hip
replacement devices. The FDA issued a massive recall of these devices which affects
approximately 93,000 people around the nation. Victims may need a revision of their
surgery and removal of their implant. The recall affects the ASR SL Acetabular System,
used for total hip replacements.


Transvaginal mesh implants and bladder sling devices constitute another area that we
are vigorously pursuing on behalf of victims. Although a recall has not yet been issued,
the FDA has issued safety communications regarding serious complications associated
with transvaginal mesh and bladder sling devices. The mesh and bladder sling devices
can cause erosion of tissue, bleeding, infection, organ perforation and severe pain.


Our firm prides itself on successfully representing victims in complex litigation such as
asbestos, DePuy hip replacement and mesh and bladder sling device cases. We have
further represented victims in Vioxx litigation which began back in 2004 and resulted in
nationwide settlements on behalf of victims.