• March 13, 2019
• CMZ Law
• no comments

What are my legal rights if I experienced complications from a transvaginal mesh device?

Transvaginal mesh is an implant used to treat pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence.  Pelvic prolapse is a relatively common condition that can result after childbirth, menopause, or a hysterectomy.  It occurs when the tissue holding the pelvic organs becomes weakened or stressed. The pelvic organs can then bulge, creating pain and urinary incontinence.  

Pelvic mesh was developed to solve the problem of organ prolapse.  The mesh creates essentially a hammock to keep the organs in place.  Developed in the middle 1990’s, transvaginal mesh has been implanted into millions of women.  For some women, defective pelvic mesh has created serious complications.

Pelvic Mesh Dangers

One of the most serious problems associated with transvaginal mesh is termed mesh extrusion.  This condition occurs when the edges of the synthetic mesh cut the lining of the vagina or other organs.  This can lead to infection, organ perforation, bleeding, pain, and urinary problems.  

The FDA has recognized the dangers associated with pelvic mesh.  It issued a warning in 2008 as to the potential for organ perforation then heightened its warning in 2011.  In 2016, the FDA reclassified transvaginal mesh as a high risk medical device.  

Pelvic Mesh Litigation

Currently, tens of thousands of lawsuits have been filed against the makers of transvaginal mesh by injured plaintiffs across the nation.  While hundreds of cases have been settled, many more remain unresolved.  A Dallas, Texas case resulted in a $72 million settlement to one injured plaintiff and a Florida case ended with a $26.7 million award to four injured plaintiffs.

Recently, a New Jersey woman was awarded $15 million in her transvaginal mesh lawsuit.  The injured plaintiff had suffered from constant pain since receiving a mesh implant manufactured by Ethicon. The jury, following two and a half weeks of testimony, awarded the injured plaintiff with $4 million in compensatory damages and $10 million in punitive damages, along with $1 to the plaintiff’s husband for loss of conjugal affection.  

Anyone who has received a transvaginal mesh implant and experienced complications should contact a defective medical device attorney right away.  Transvaginal mesh litigation is ongoing, with more plaintiffs filing cases every month.  Consult with an unsafe medical device lawyer today for an evaluation of your legal rights.