Expats in Spain warned of faulty hip replacements I was a guinea pig so I know the pitfalls, now I just want to do something to help others. It comes after DePuy, part of the pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson, admitted negligence in 2010 and was forced to recall the product. It was found to contain metal-on-metal parts which rubbed together, releasing metal particles of cobalt and chromium into the blood, tissue and bone surrounding the implant. "Anyone who has a hip replacement knows there are risks involved but this went above and beyond," explained Marbella-based Duquemin. There are serious health implications as it can produce tumours, eyesight and hearing loss, and it can even be as serious as losing your leg. Yet despite Johnson & Johnson stating it will cover all medical costs, some hospitals are not giving this support to their patients and are making it difficult to get a claim form without signing a disclaimer or are insisting all hospital expenses will not be met. "This is totally unacceptable," added Duquemin. All costs are to be paid and people should not be put off from making a compensation claim thinking that it will take years. There is a definite conflict of interest with hospitals that use Johnson & Johnson products protecting the suppliers. But people can come to us and we will guide them down the medical route and also as they go on to make a compensation claim. I know first hand it is a minefield and I don't want to see other people having to face this very distressing time alone.