Hernia Mesh Lawsuits

What Are Hernia Mesh Lawsuits

Hernia mesh is a surgical mesh designed to provide support to the damaged tissue surrounding hernias. The mesh is place inside of the body, introducing risks of internal damage if the mesh fails. The hernia mesh lawsuits being litigated right now claim that hernia mesh complications have caused patients chronic pain, organ damage, and other issues associated with mesh movement, disintegration, detachment, and migration. 

Hernia Mesh Complications

Using hernia mesh devices that are known to be defective can result in severe side effects for patients. The FDA has received numerous reports in the past several years claiming that patients have experienced adverse events associated with their hernia mesh procedures. In response, the FDA has recalled several devices and encouraged some manufacturers to remove their hernia mesh products from the market. 

Symptoms associated with defective mesh devices include:

• Organ damage
• Constipation
• Urinary tract infection
• Wound drainage
• Abdominal pain
• Fever
• Blood in the stool
• Difficulty urinating
• Pain
• Hernia recurrence requiring revision intraperitoneal or inguinal hernia surgical repair
• Groin and testicular pain
• Cancer from infected mesh material
• Discomfort

Anyone suffering from these adverse effects has reason to contact an attorney immediately. It may also be appropriate to file a report with the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting network. 

Why do Hernia Mesh Side Effects Happen?

Hernia mesh products can shrink as they age. They can also detach from the locations where they were implanted. These issues can constrict organs or tissue and also result in migration of the mesh. When the mesh is loose within the body, various risks arise. For example, the mesh may perforate organs, tissue, and other internal systems. They can also obstruct bodily pathways, leading to life-threatening issues. 

As these complications persist, pain and immune responses often occur. At times, permanent disabilities can arise. Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to remove hernia mesh sometimes, meaning patients must undergo several revision surgeries to manage the complications. This is incredibly expensive, warranting compensation from the manufacturers who are responsible. 

Hernia Mesh Recalls

Several hernia mesh devices have been recalled in recent years. Some examples include:

• Atrium Medical C-QUR Mesh
• Bard Composix Kugel Hernia Patch
• Parietex Composite Parastomal Mesh
• Ethicon Proceed Surgical Mesh
• Ethicon Physiomesh Flexible Composite Mesh (market withdrawal, not recall)
• Gentrix Surgical Matrix

If you suffered complications due to one of these defective hernia mesh products, you should contact an attorney to represent you in a claim. Through a lawsuit, you may recover compensation for your economic and noneconomic damages. 

Hernia Mesh Settlements

Hernia mesh complications cause great harm and severe injury quite frequently. Therefore, the claims made against manufacturers often warrant large settlements. For example, a jury awarded a $255,000 verdict to a plaintiff who filed a lawsuit in 2022 against C.R. Bard, a hernia mesh manufacturer. Though some settlement amounts have been lower and others have been higher. 

How Long Do Hernia Mesh Settlements Take?

Hernia mesh litigation can take up to ten years to reach a verdict. Though, a talented lawyer may be capable of speeding up the process. The reasons these lawsuits take so long is because litigation is complex and requires significant preparation and evidence. Also, the vast number of hernia mesh lawsuits currently being litigated slows down the process. 

How to Qualify for a Hernia Mesh Settlement

To qualify for a hernia mesh lawsuit and settlement, you must have evidence that a defective hernia mesh device caused injury to you or a loved one. If you still need to file a lawsuit, an attorney can help you start the process. Though, it is important that you have valid evidence showing that you received a hernia mesh surgery and there were complications that led to injury.