La. Federal Judge Stays S&N Knee Replacement Action Pending Panel’s Review of Malpractice Claims

LAKE CHARLES, La. — A Louisiana federal judge has stayed an action against Smith & Nephew Inc. involving its allegedly defective knee replacement components pending a medical review panel’s decision on the plaintiffs’ malpractice claims against the implanting surgeon, explaining that it will avoid piecemeal litigation.

In a Aug. 19 order, Judge Patricia Minaldi of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana further held that a stay will avoid prejudice to the plaintiffs by enabling them to avoid litigating their claims against each defendant separately.

Sylvia Hungerford underwent a total knee arthroplasty on both knees in November …