Hernia Mesh Lawsuits
Surgical mesh is a common medical device used in hernia repair surgeries, and it comes with significant risks. Though healthcare providers have a duty to inform patients of these risks before undergoing surgery, many patients have suffered complications they were not warned about. These complications often result from faulty design and manufacturing of hernia mesh products.
If you suffered a surgical complication after a hernia repair with mesh, you may be eligible for compensation through a hernia mesh lawsuit. Our leading personal injury law firm can help you understand your legal options and guide you through each step of the claims process. Contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
Hernia Mesh Lawsuit Claim Eligibility
When you turn to our skilled lawyers, we will evaluate your case and determine if you’re eligible to file a hernia mesh claim. You may have a strong claim if you underwent a hernia repair surgery with mesh and suffered a complication in the following weeks or months. Examples of hernia mesh complications that may be eligible for compensation include:
- Organ perforation – Migrating hernia mesh can tear or puncture nearby organs and tissue, such as the intestines, bladder, and blood vessels. This can cause internal bleeding and infection.
- Bowel obstruction – The hernia mesh healing process can cause scar tissue to form and spread to nearby organs, such as the intestines. In severe cases, this scar tissue can cause bowel obstruction when the mesh migrates and embeds itself in the tissue.
- Adherence to other organs – Hernia mesh can adhere to unintended areas, such as the bladder or abdominal wall. This can also cause ulcers, infections, and bowel obstructions.
- Hernia recurrence – Faulty hernia mesh may fail to secure weakened abdominal tissues, allowing hernias to return.
- Seroma – Extensive hernia repair surgeries can cause fluid to accumulate under the skin near the incision site. Known as a seroma, this fluid buildup can cause infections or calcify.
- Fistula – These occur when two normally unconnected body parts are joined together. Hernia mesh can cause fistulas, typically by connecting the intestines to the skin.
- Chronic pain – Some patients experience chronic, debilitating pain after hernia mesh surgery. This can be a result of nerve damage from the mesh or improper mesh placement.
What Hernia Mesh Manufacturers Are Involved in Hernia Mesh Lawsuits?
Hernia mesh lawsuits name a handful of manufacturers as defendants. Your medical records should show who manufactured the mesh used in your surgery. If any of the following companies manufactured the hernia mesh that caused your complications, you may have a viable claim for compensation:
- Atrium – Atrium Medical Corporation, a subsidiary of Getinge Group, is the manufacturer of C-QUR Mesh, a type of polypropylene mesh coated in omega-3 fatty acids. The company has faced legal action for improper sterilization, gradual degradation, adherence to internal organs, and allergic reactions associated with its products.
- Bard – Bard is one of the largest hernia mesh manufacturers. Its polypropylene hernia mesh products, including the Composix E/X and Bard Composix Kugel implants, have allegedly shrunk inside patients’ bodies. Plaintiffs claim this has caused pain, compromised muscle strength, and mesh migration elsewhere in the body.
- Covidien – A subsidiary of Medtronic, Covidien has faced lawsuits for problems with its Parietex, Symbotex, and Parietene hernia mesh devices. Covidien’s Parietene meshes are made from polypropylene and carry many of the same risks as other polypropylene hernia meshes, such as mesh shrinkage and pain. Its Parietex and Symbotex meshes are made from polyester, which can cause inflammation and be too flimsy to support weakened muscle.
- Ethicon – Ethicon, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, is the target of numerous lawsuits citing complications with its Physiomesh product. Physiomesh is another polypropylene hernia mesh that can erode inside the body. Though it has an anti-adhesive layer designed to prevent the mesh from adhering to other body parts, lawsuits allege that this feature makes patients susceptible to another hernia.
- Gore – Gore is a hernia mesh manufacturer that has faced legal action due to alleged defects in its DualMesh and DualMesh Plus products. These polypropylene hernia mesh implants can erode inside the body and have a greater infection risk than their competitors.
Milestones in Hernia Mesh Lawsuits
More than 26,000 patients suffering from hernia mesh complications currently have lawsuits pending against various manufacturers. These cases are spread across four multidistrict litigation (MDL) consolidations in federal court.
In 2021, the first hernia mesh bellwether trial ended in a win for mesh manufacturer Bard. A second bellwether trial resulted in a $255,000 verdict for the injured patient. In a third bellwether trial, the injured patient received a $500,000 verdict.
Bellwether trials provide insight into how other cases may unfold. However, final results cannot be guaranteed. Some hernia mesh lawsuits have resulted in much higher awards. For example, one Rhode Island lawsuit against Bard resulted in a $4.8 million verdict.
Hernia Mesh Lawsuit FAQs
You likely have many questions about your legal rights if you are suffering from hernia mesh complications. We’ve answered a few of the most frequently asked questions below:
1. What Is Hernia Mesh?
2. What Evidence Is Needed To Participate in a Hernia Mesh Lawsuit?
Key evidence includes medical records of your initial hernia repair surgery, any subsequent revision surgeries, and other treatment related to your hernia mesh complications. Employment records, financial records, and personal accounts of how the complication has affected your life can also support your hernia mesh lawsuit.
3. Can I Recover Compensation for My Injuries in a Hernia Mesh Lawsuit?
Potentially. If your case is successful, you may be eligible to recover substantial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other damages related to your hernia mesh complications.
4. How Far Back Can You Sue for Hernia Mesh?
The deadline to file a hernia mesh lawsuit depends on the governing statute of limitations in your state. The deadline in most states ranges between one and six years from the date of injury or discovery of the injury. Our legal team can help you determine the filing deadline in your case.
5. What Are Some Key Factors That Determine Hernia Mesh Settlement Amounts?
Your hernia mesh settlement will depend on case-specific factors like the severity of your complications, the number of surgeries required to fix the damage, and the impact of the complications on your quality of life. Our attorneys will thoroughly review your medical records and work with you to determine the full impact of your injuries.
The National Injury Law Firm™ Can Help if You Experienced Hernia Mesh Complications
If you suffered medical complications due to hernia mesh, we are here to defend your right to compensation. Our top-tier legal team at The National Injury Law Firm™ has the skills and resources needed to build a strong case on your behalf. Our attorneys will take care of the legal details and fight for the best possible result while you focus on your health. Contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
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