A former handyman has won more than $400,000 in a lawsuit over a penile implant that gave him a 10-year erection.

Charles "Chick" Lennon, 68, received the steel and plastic implant in 1996, about two years before Viagra went on the market. The Dura-II is designed to allow impotent men to position the penis upward for sex, then lower it.

But Lennon could not position his penis downward. He said he could no longer hug people, ride a bike, swim or wear bathing trunks because of the pain and embarrassment. He has become a recluse and is uncomfortable being around his grandchildren, his lawyer said.

In 2004, a jury awarded him $750,000. A judge called that excessive and reduced it to $400,000. On Friday, the Rhode Island Supreme Court affirmed that award in a ruling that turned on a procedural matter.

"I don't know any man who for any amount of money would want to trade and take my client's life," said Jules D'Alessandro, Lennon's attorney. "He's not a whole person."

A lawyer representing both Dura-II manufacturer Dacomed Corp. and the company's insurer declined to comment. Dacomed maintained that nothing was wrong with the implant.

The implant consists of a series of plastic plates strung together with steel surgical wire, almost like a roll of wrapped coins. Springs press against the plates, creating enough surface tension to simulate an erection, D'Alessandro said.

Lennon cannot get the implant removed because of health problems, including open-heart surgery, his lawyer said. Impotence drugs could not help Lennon even if he were able to have the device taken out, because tissue had be to removed for it to be implanted.

Dacomed was later acquired by a California company whose sales dropped when Viagra was introduced on the market. The company filed for bankruptcy the following year.

Wow. So it's like a cybernetic penis implant? That's pretty cool, except for the whole 10 years of pain.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b356/KatakanaKarl/dura_II_penil_protez.jpg

but then doesn't that mean that thing also applied 10 years of "stimulation" to the penis since it was erect for 10 years?

these stories are amazing :rofl:

but then doesn't that mean that thing also applied 10 years of "stimulation" to the penis since it was erect for 10 years?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Priapism

Sometimes, an erection is NOT a good thing.

certainly more interesting, even to the bible thumper than most threads, including urs...... u christian jihadist.

Imagine how many times he beat the stick, it's incredible.

Now if that was me, I would have marketed my penis in the adult industry for hundreds of millions of dollards. Ron jeremy would have been jealous that his long penis can only hast a couple of hours while my smaller penis can last years!!!

Sex marathon!!!

omgwtfbbq?!!?!?

OUCH!

I would rather be flaccid forever than have that.

A former handyman from North Providence who won more than $400,000 in a lawsuit over a malfunctioning penile implant may not get the money after a judge dismissed his claim.

Superior Court Judge Edward C. Clifton on Monday granted a request by the implant manufacturer's insurer to dismiss Charles "Chick" Lennon's claim, which his lawyers say will amount to $1 million with interest included.

The implant has caused Lennon to have an erection for 10 years.

The medical device maker's insurance company, National Union Fire Insurance Company, argued that since the device's now-defunct manufacturer, Dacomed Corp., can't be held liable for the device, it can't, either.

Lennon's lawyers responded on Wednesday, saying that the Rhode Island Supreme Court affirmed the award and made it clear the insurer has to pay it.

Lennon received the steel and plastic implant in 1996, about two years before the impotence drug Viagra went on the market. The Dura-II is designed to allow impotent men to position the penis upward for sex, then lower it.

But Lennon, 68, said he can't position his penis downward because the device is faulty, causing him pain and embarrassment.

"I'm suffering with it right now," he told The Providence Journal during a recent interview. "It never stops. It's like a constant headache."

In 2004, a jury awarded him $750,000. Clifton called that excessive and reduced it to $400,000. In June, the Rhode Island Supreme Court affirmed that award.

Dacomed had maintained that nothing was wrong with the implant. It filed for bankruptcy after the lawsuit was filed.

I would venture to guess the appeal will swing back. Not sure what that judge's deal is. Both companies were responsible at the time.

Potential complications include ischaemia, clotting of the blood retained in the penis (thrombosis), and damage to the blood vessels of the penis which may result in an impaired erectile function or impotence. In serious cases the condition may result in gangrene, which may necessitate penis removal, and in the worst cases, castration.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Priapism

it's all fun and games till someone loses their penis. probably not this guys case though, sounds more like a kickstand that just won't go down. at least if he can collect he'll have cash for hookers and blow.

Dude. that would be horrible when you actually think about it. You couldnt go anywhere!