Many of our clients’ lives will never be the same. They had a hip, knee, shoulder, or elbow prosthesis surgically implanted, hoping to get better, and instead suffered toxicity from cobalt and chromium debris requiring the premature removal of the implant. For some clients, the device spontaneously fractured because of the metallic corrosion. That’s why I am honored to be part of a team that works passionately on their behalf — to get them the compensation they deserve and to make the medical product companies think twice before gambling again with the well-being of decent people.
Brendan A. McDonough works in Weitz & Luxenberg’s Drug and Medical Device Litigation practice group litigation unit. He first worked here as a biomedical engineer and paralegal after graduating from Cornell University’s College of Engineering.
He was involved in the complex technical preparation for trial, assisting attorneys with the recalled DePuy ASR metal-on-metal hip implant litigation, analyzing tens of thousands of technical documents, and preparing the attorneys for the depositions of the engineers and experts. Motivated by this work, he went to law school and then worked here as a summer and part-time law clerk.
In 2017, Mr. McDonough was welcomed back as a lawyer engineer. Like his colleagues, Mr. McDonough cares about helping our clients achieve a just resolution.
“Our clients are suffering on a daily basis,” Mr. McDonough says. “Many of them have had to stop working, they have bills piling up, and their lives are essentially put on hold.
“At Weitz & Luxenberg, thinking about our clients and the harm they’ve suffered is what keeps us motivated. It is why I went to law school.
Sometimes the legal process takes years, but our clients keep us focused. We want to secure for them the best outcome possible.”
Defective Hip Implant Lawsuits
Mr. McDonough is representing Weitz & Luxenberg clients injured by metal-on-metal and modular hip implants, including the Stryker Rejuvenate/ABG II Modular Hip Implant, Stryker LFIT V40 CoCr femoral heads, and DePuy ASR/ASR XL.
The manufacturers, Stryker and DePuy Orthopaedics, have both recalled specific hip implant models because of significant complications. Sometimes, the materials used in the hip implant may corrode. Loosening and fracturing are other serious problems with some models. When orthopedic implants fail, patients may need to undergo revision surgeries.
Revision surgeries require patients to face the risks and challenges of surgery all over again. In addition, revision surgeries are more complex and costly than initial surgery.
Our Clients Always Come First
“When I first speak with clients, my goal is to listen to them, to understand what their problems are, and to have an honest conversation with them about what we can do to work together to meet their needs and resolve their issues,” Mr. McDonough said.
“I get a lot of satisfaction in knowing that our client will have some peace of mind, be able to pay medical bills, put money away for children or grandchildren, whatever the case may be. It’s extremely gratifying to feel that justice has been served,” Mr. McDonough says.
I Want to Give Our Clients a Voice
“The great thing about being an attorney is that I’m in a position to advocate for people who can’t advocate for themselves,” Mr. McDonough says. “I can use my background in biological and biomedical engineering to help people harmed by defective medical devices and drugs every day.”
“These giant medical device and pharmaceutical corporations should be ensuring that what they’re selling to the public is safe and effective, but instead they cut corners for profit. When they do, our clients’ health and livelihoods are what hang in the balance.
“These companies think the scientific issues are too complex; that lawyers, judges, and juries won’t understand; and that our clients won’t have anyone who can fight on their behalf.
“They think they can get away with it. But they’re wrong.
“At Weitz & Luxenberg, we make sure our clients get the representation they deserve,” Mr. McDonough says.
Earlier Legal Experience
Prior to joining Weitz & Luxenberg, Mr. McDonough served as a law clerk to the Honorable Ann Marie Donio, U.S.M.J. in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.
Mr. McDonough also held earlier positions at Weitz & Luxenberg. He worked as a legal assistant on defective drugs and medical devices from May 2011to August 2016
He handled legal and factual research assignments and analyzing technical reports and regulatory submissions. He also reviewed materials to prepare for depositions of corporate and expert witnesses.
Mr. McDonough is licensed to practice law in New Jersey, New York, and the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.
He earned his J.D. from Rutgers School of Law in Camden, New Jersey, and his B.S. in biological and biomedical engineering from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.
Outside of work, Mr. McDonough enjoys running with his dog, going to concerts, and reading. Other passions include hiking, traveling, music, and playing basketball and chess.
