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Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuits
Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuits
When a patient suffers some kind of serious tissue damage or weakening, doctors often use a synthetic surgical mesh product to help support the tissue after repair. In women, it is often used to address conditions like stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, a situation in which the tissues that support the pelvic organs are weakened, allowing the organs to shift and create a bulge in the vaginal wall.
Unfortunately, some transvaginal mesh products have not been as safe or durable as they were said to be. For women who received these faulty implants, sudden failure or corrosion can quickly lead to further injury.
The FDA Has Issued Recalls for Some Uses of Transvaginal Mesh
In April 2019, the Food and Drug Administration ordered all manufacturers of transvaginal mesh to stop selling and distributing mesh meant to be used in the transvaginal repair of POP and certain other surgical procedures. They have not, however, recalled products to be used for stress urinary incontinence.
Naturally, the manufacturers of these surgical mesh implants have not issued any voluntary recalls and continue to argue that their products are safe and effective. For patients dealing with unexpected failures and painful complications, however, these claims are hard to believe.
Signs and Symptoms of a Failing Vaginal Mesh Implant
The following signs may be indicative of a failing mesh implant:
- Vaginal/pelvic pain or discomfort
- Re-occurrence of prolapse
- Pain during intercourse
- Vaginal scarring
- Protruding mesh material, particularly if you can feel or see it
- Infection in the area of the implant
- Urinary issues (urinary tract infections, incontinence)
- Problems with surrounding organs (may indicate erosion)
- Trouble walking or sitting
If you begin to notice symptoms like these, talk to your doctor immediately—you may be at risk of further serious complications.
How Manufacturers Failed to Protect Patients
The core problem with faulty vaginal mesh implants is one of negligence. Vaginal mesh lawsuit allegations cite issues of poor research and risk analysis, insufficient testing, bad device design, and misleading the FDA and the public about their product’s quality and safety.
We can only speculate as to why they would cut these corners. For many, it feels like another case of companies putting profit before people.
How You Can Prevent and Correct Mesh Failure
Although the producers of surgical mesh implants have not done what they needed to do to protect patients, there are things you can do to prevent or fix vaginal mesh issues. For example, targeted physical therapy for the pelvic floor may help strengthen the tissues and prevent future weakening. Follow doctors’ orders with regard to physical activity and take care not to place undue stress or strain on the area.
If your transvaginal mesh has already begun to fail, there are ways to correct the issue medically. Typically, the offending mesh will be surgically removed and the surrounding tissue will be repaired without it. Keep in mind, however, that tissue grows into the mesh over time. The sooner you address the problem, the easier (and safer) the procedure will be. Injected medications and physical therapy can also be helpful in treatment for a failed mesh.
Correcting the issue medically is only part of the story. You also have the right to seek compensation through legal action. By filing a transvaginal or bladder mesh sling lawsuit, you may be able to recoup some or all of your losses.
Victims of Failed Implants Are Taking Legal Action
More than 100,000 patients with complications from transvaginal mesh have filed lawsuits over the last decade or so, and more victims continue to file every day. Allegations cover a broad range of negligence, from poor design to failure, to properly warning about risks in marketing information.
To streamline the litigation process, thousands of these lawsuits were combined into multi-district litigations, in which groups of related cases are handled by a single court. MDLs have included:
- 2008: Against Mentor for their ObTape product
- 2012: Against American Medical Systems, Boston Scientific, and Ethicon
- 2019: Against C.R. Bard, American Medical Systems, Boston Scientific, Ethicon, Coloplast, and Cook Medical
Vaginal Mesh Companies Are Paying Large Amounts to Victims and Their Families
As a result of the many lawsuits filed, mesh manufacturers have paid hundreds of thousands of dollars. Patients have won at least 20 lawsuits against companies since 2012, leading to judgments totaling roughly $300 million.
Patients who have received such pelvic mesh lawsuit verdicts include Mary and Thomas McGinnis ($68 million, C.R. Bard), Patricia Hammons ($12.5 million, Johnson & Johnson), Peggy Engleman ($20 million, Ethicon) and Elizabeth Hyrmoc ($15 million).
In addition to these damages, companies have also paid millions in settlements.
If You Received a Pelvic Mesh that Failed Unexpectedly, We Can Help
At Saunders & Walker P.A., we fight to hold negligent manufacturers accountable for the harm their products have inflicted. When you hire one of our expert product liability attorneys, you’ll get the legal guidance and representation you need to get the outcome you deserve for your transvaginal mesh lawsuit.
Our firm will work with you to gather medical records and other information to build the strongest possible case. We’ll also take care of all the filing and behind-the-scenes work so that you can focus on your life and health.
Wondering whether you have a case for a transvaginal or bladder mesh lawsuit? Schedule your free initial consultation today by calling us at (727) 579-4500.
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