On the Use of Vaginal Mesh
Vaginal mesh, also known as transvaginal mesh, is a medical device designed to treat conditions such as pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI).
What is the Purpose of Transvaginal Mesh?
Vaginal mesh is a type of net that is surgically implanted in the pelvic area.
During female pelvic reconstructive surgery, surgeons implant the mesh to reinforce weakened pelvic tissue and provide support to pelvic organs such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum.
The goal of surgical mesh devices is to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients experiencing pelvic organ prolapse or urinary incontinence.
The Applications of Transvaginal Mesh
In cases of POP where pelvic organs descend into the vaginal canal due to weakened pelvic floor muscles, pelvic mesh can be used to support the prolapsed organs and restore their proper position.
It can alleviate symptoms such as pelvic pressure, discomfort, and urinary difficulties.
Individuals with SUI experience urine leakage during activities such as coughing, laughing, or exercising.
Vaginal mesh slings are often implanted to provide support to the urethra.
This helps prevent involuntary urine leakage and improves bladder control.
2019 Ban by the Food and Drug Administration
Although vaginal mesh has been a widespread solution for treating POP and SUI, the implant has been at the center of numerous injury reports.
In light of growing concerns surrounding the product’s safety, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) imposed a ban on the sale and distribution of surgical mesh devices in 2019.
Concurrent with the ban were thousands of lawsuits filed by women against the manufacturers of vaginal mesh implants.
Many of the women who filed their lawsuits suffered from organ perforation as a result of vaginal and pelvic mesh implants.
If you suffered from organ perforation or other vaginal mesh complications, you may be eligible for a claim.
Contact us at TorHoerman Law, or use the chatbot on this page to find out if you’re eligible to file a transvaginal mesh lawsuit.
Vaginal Mesh Organ Perforation
When vaginal mesh is used in surgical procedures to treat conditions like pelvic organ prolapse (POP) or stress urinary incontinence (SUI), there’s a risk of complications, including organ perforation.
Organ perforation happens when the vaginal mesh erodes and punctures nearby organs, such as the bladder, bowel, or blood vessels.
It can lead to serious long-term health issues and may require immediate medical attention.
Surgery is often necessary to repair the pelvic structures and remove remnants of defective vaginal mesh.
How Vaginal Mesh Organ Perforation Occurs
The synthetic materials used in vaginal mesh can sometimes erode or degrade over time, causing the mesh to weaken and potentially puncture nearby organs.
Other factors can also contribute to organ perforation.
An incorrect placement or movement of the mesh within the body can increase the risk of organ perforation.
Symptoms of Organ Perforation
Symptoms of organ perforation from vaginal mesh can manifest differently depending on which organ is affected.
Common symptoms may include:
- Severe abdominal or pelvic pain
- Unusual bleeding
- Difficulty urinating or passing stools
- Signs of infection such as fever or chills.
These symptoms can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and require immediate medical attention.
Medical Implications of Organ Perforation From Transvaginal Mesh Implants
When the mesh erodes or punctures nearby organs, it can trigger a cascade of complications that negatively impact a person’s health and well-being.
Organ perforation poses immediate risks that often require urgent medical intervention.
When the vaginal mesh punctures organs such as the bladder, bowel, or blood vessels, it can lead to severe internal bleeding, infection, and tissue damage.
These complications can rapidly escalate and become life-threatening if not addressed promptly.
Organ perforation from vaginal mesh can lead to secondary complications such as urinary tract infections, bowel obstruction, or chronic inflammation.
These complications may require ongoing medical treatment, including medication management, physical therapy, or additional surgeries to address complications or repair damaged tissues.
Surgical Treatments To Address Organ Perforation
Emergency surgery is often necessary to repair the damaged organ and remove the vaginal mesh to prevent further injury and complications.
Surgical procedures to address organ perforation can be complex and carry their own set of risks.
Risks can include:
- Infection
- Anesthesia-related complications
- Potential damage to surrounding pelvic tissues
Even with successful surgical intervention, the long-term consequences of organ perforation from vaginal mesh can be significant.
Many individuals experience chronic pain and discomfort as a result of tissue damage and scarring caused by the mesh.
The loss of organ function or altered anatomy resulting from perforation can have lasting effects on a person’s quality of life and ability to perform daily activities.
Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuits
Over the past decade, transvaginal mesh lawsuits have become a significant legal battleground, with over 100,000 cases consolidated into several multidistrict litigations (MDLs) since the first lawsuits emerged in 2012.
These lawsuits target the manufacturers of vaginal and pelvic mesh implants, holding them accountable for the injuries and complications thousands of women have experienced.
The Defendants in the Vaginal Mesh Lawsuits
Several companies have already faced legal action for the manufacturing, sale, marketing, and distribution of vaginal mesh products.
These companies include:
- C.R. Bard, Inc.
- American Medical Systems, Inc.
- Boston Scientific Corp.
- Ethicon, Inc. (a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson)
- Coloplast Corp.
- Cook Medical, Inc.
- Neomedic
The Allegations Against the Defendants
Plaintiffs in transvaginal mesh lawsuits filed their lawsuits on two grounds.
For the first ground, the plaintiffs allege that the devices were defectively designed and caused complications such as pain, infection, mesh erosion, and organ perforation.
These occurrences indicate an egregious act of negligence by manufacturers as they failed to ensure the safety of their pelvic mesh implants.
For the second ground, manufacturers are also deemed liable for failing to warn medical professionals and consumers about the risks associated with their products adequately and downplaying the potential complications.
Their failure to warn the public is a sign that these companies may have concealed or downplayed the risks their vaginal mesh products posed.
Settlements in the Vaginal Mesh Lawsuits
With the lawsuits ensuing for more than a decade, vaginal and pelvic mesh manufacturers have already paid settlements to several victims.
These settlements amount to hundreds of millions of dollars and compensate victims for their injuries.
The most notable settlements for vaginal mesh complications include the following:
- Coloplast: Danish medical product manufacturer Coloplast settled several mesh implant lawsuits for nearly $16 million in early 2014.
- C.R. Bard: In October 2014, C.R. Bard settled over 500 vaginal mesh lawsuits for $21 million, and in August 2015, settled another 3,000 cases for $200 million.
- American Medical Systems (Endo International): In April 2014, Endo International agreed to pay an $830 million settlement, with an additional $775 million set aside in August 2017.
- Boston Scientific: In May 2015, a Delaware jury ordered Boston Scientific to pay over $100 million to a woman injured by a transvaginal mesh implant.
- Ethicon (Johnson & Johnson): Johnson & Johnson agreed to pay $120 million in January 2016 to resolve over 2,000 vaginal mesh implant cases. The pharmaceutical giant paid another round of settlements in 2018, with the most notable one amounting to $35 million. Two years later, a jury awarded a woman from Delaware over $80 million for sustaining injuries from the company’s vaginal mesh.
Besides causing injuries due to their negligence, several companies were also held liable for failing to warn consumers of their products’ risks.
Some companies also paid settlements for their failure to warn the public of the risks associated with their vaginal mesh products.
Some of the settlements paid by these companies for failure to warn of risks include:
- In September 2020, C.R. Bard’s parent company, Becton Dickinson, reached a $60 million settlement with 48 states and Washington D.C. for concealing the risks of vaginal mesh implants.
- 41 states and Washington D.C. reached a $117 million settlement in October 2019 with Johnson & Johnson over the violation of consumer protection laws.
- 47 states and Washington D.C. reached a $188.7 million settlement with Boston Scientific in March 2021 over deceptive marketing of vaginal mesh implants to consumers.
- In February 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a $302 million judgment in a lawsuit filed by the state of California against Ethicon (Johnson & Johnson) for concealing the risks of pelvic mesh products.
These settlements highlight the legal repercussions manufacturers face for the harm their transvaginal mesh implants and marketing practices have caused.
Many Plaintiffs Have Yet To Receive Their Settlements
As of mid-2022, the majority of lawsuits against the manufacturers of vaginal and pelvic mesh have resulted in settlements.
These settlements have totaled over $500 million and compensate victims for various vaginal mesh complications, including organ perforation from mesh erosion.
Many other victims haven’t received their settlements and many others have yet to file their vaginal mesh lawsuits.
If you’ve sustained injuries like organ perforation from defective vaginal mesh products, you may be eligible to join the ongoing litigation against vaginal mesh manufacturers.
Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation or use the chatbot on this page to find out if you’re eligible for a Vaginal Mesh case.
How a Transvaginal Mesh Lawyer Can Help You
A transvaginal mesh lawyer can provide invaluable support and guidance as you seek justice and compensation for your injuries.
Here’s how our skilled attorneys at TorHoerman Law can assist you.
Specialized Knowledge and Experience in Civil Torts and Multidistrict Litigation
A transvaginal mesh lawyer possesses in-depth knowledge of product liability laws, personal injury claims, and the nuances of transvaginal mesh litigation.
Their experience allows them to navigate the legal system efficiently and advocate effectively on your behalf.
Case Evaluation and Assessment
Determining your eligibility is the first step to a successful vaginal mesh lawsuit.
To determine whether or not you qualify, our attorneys conduct a thorough review of your case, including gathering medical records, assessing the extent of your injuries, and identifying liable parties.
This evaluation helps us determine the strength of your claim and the potential for a successful outcome.
Negotiation and Settlement
On your behalf, our transvaginal mesh lawyers will negotiate your settlement with insurance companies and opposing counsel to secure a fair and just settlement for your injuries.
Lawyers will work tirelessly to secure justice while protecting your rights and interests throughout the negotiation process.
Litigation and Trial Representation
During civil cases like the multidistrict litigation involving vaginal mesh companies, cases rarely reach trial.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your lawyer will not hesitate to pursue litigation on your behalf.
Lawyers will represent you in court, presenting compelling arguments and evidence to support your case and advocating for the justice you deserve.
TorHoerman Law: Your Transvaginal Mesh Lawyers
At TorHoerman Law, we understand the devastating impact of transvaginal mesh injuries.
We commit to helping victims like you seek the compensation and accountability you deserve.
You are not alone.
If you’ve suffered from organ perforation or vaginal mesh complications, you may be eligible to file your transvaginal mesh lawsuit.
Contact us at TorHoerman Law for a free case evaluation.
You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the transvaginal mesh lawsuits.
