Judge Says N.Y. Company with Ties to DePuy Can't be Liable for Implant Injury

BUFFALO, N.Y. - A federal judge in New York has denied a hip implant plaintiff's bid to assert claims against an independent sales representative that became associated with DePuy Orthopaedics nearly three years after her allegedly defective device was implanted. Vella v. DePuy Orthopaedics, et al., No. 10-614 (W.D. N.Y.).

In refusing to remand Eileen Vella's case, Judge William M. Skretny of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York said Jan. 6 that Vella failed to show how the New York-based sales firm could be held liable for an injury that occurred prior to the company's …