Hernia mesh, frequently used in hernia repair surgeries, may cause serious complications for many people. As a result, hundreds of people across the country filed hernia mesh lawsuits against several different hernia mesh brands. If you believe you suffered an injury from a hernia mesh patch or plug from a hernia repair surgery, you may be eligible to receive legal compensation. Experienced hernia mesh lawsuit advisors can listen to your circumstances, assess your eligibility and help you determine the next steps towards litigation. Read on to learn more before you file a hernia mesh class action lawsuit.
What is a hernia mesh lawsuit? What are the claims?
After hernia repair surgery, hernia mesh supports damaged tissue and helps to yield a faster recovery. However, some patients that underwent hernia repair surgery experienced severe complications, allegedly caused by the implanted mesh.
It is alleged that particular brands of hernia mesh (see below) damage the patient's organs, such as the intestines and abdomen. If this occurs, several uncomfortable symptoms arise (see below) and additional surgery may become necessary. Patients who have suffered these circumstances can now file lawsuits against the manufacturers. They claim that the companies designed defective products and did not provide a warning about their potential complications.
What is hernia mesh? How does it work?
Hernia mesh is a surgical implant that supports and strengthens damaged tissue. It is commonly attached with staples or stitches during hernia repair surgery. Doctors believe it decreases the recurrence of the hernia.
Popular hernia mesh brands
There are several commonly used hernia mesh brands for hernia repair surgery. The most popular manufacturers are C.R. Bard, Atrium and Ethicon/Johnson & Johnson. Specific products that were recalled include:
- C.R. Bard 3D Max
- C.R. Bard Ventralex ST
- C.R. Bard Composix Kugel Mesh
- Atrium C-Qur
- Ethicon/Johnson & Johnson Physiomesh
Recent hernia mesh recalls
All of the brands of hernia mesh mentioned above recalled at various times over the past 10 years.
- C.R. Bard 3D Max: This product went to market through a 510(k) program, and as a result, did not need to undergo pre-market studies. The company recalled this product two months after approval in 2008 due to labeling issues. Patients with this brand frequently complain about chronic pain, migration issues, and additional surgery requirements.
- C.R. Bard Ventralex ST: Also approved through a 510(k) program, this product did not undergo pre-market studies. The first version went to market in 2002, and the most recent update in 2013. However, in 2011, an urgent Class 2 FDA recall was issued.
- C.R. Bard Composix Kugel Mesh: This brand recalled this product at least three times: 2005, 2006 & 2007. It caused painful complications for many patients. This particular brand led to many lawsuits over the past several years and millions of dollars in financial compensation.
- Atrium C-Qur: Like many of the other surgical mesh brands here, this product went to market through a 510(k) program in 2006. In 2013, a Class 2 FDA recall of more than 95,000 meshes was issued. The coating could stick to the package lining if exposed to high levels of humidity. This increased the risk of patient infection.
- Ethicon/Johnson & Johnson Physiomesh: This brand was recalled in 2016 because additional surgeries were reported at a higher rate than other similar products.
Hernia mesh failure symptoms
Hernia mesh surgery patients reported a variety of symptoms. Some of these symptoms became long-term problems, which led to product liability class action lawsuits. Some of the more common types of problems include the following:
- Chronic pain
- Surgical area infection
- Abscesses
- Erosion of mesh
- Recurrence of hernia
- Perforation or puncture of organs
- Allergic reactions
- Additional or further corrective surgery
Am I eligible to file a hernia mesh class action lawsuit?
You may be eligible to file a hernia mesh lawsuit if any or all of the following apply to you.
- You underwent a laparoscopic hernia repair surgery that used hernia surgical mesh.
- The surgery took place on or after January 1, 2008.
- You had or have scheduled hernia revision surgery.
Possible hernia mesh lawsuit compensation
By filing a hernia mesh suit, you may recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages (past and future), as well as pain and suffering. Specific payouts will vary based on each individual's unique circumstances.
How do I file a hernia mesh lawsuit?
Before filing a hernia mesh lawsuit, speak to your doctor. In some cases of hernia mesh recall, it may not occur due to a medical flaw. If there is a medical concern, it’s important that you speak with your doctor as soon as possible. Your health should be your top priority.
After a discussion with your doctor, contact an experienced hernia mesh patient advocate. We can provide legal support and guidance through the litigation process.
The right litigation support can help
It’s important to educate yourself about hernia mesh lawsuits as the first step towards gaining the compensation you deserve. You reviewed all the information you should know before you file a hernia mesh lawsuit. The right legal advisor can help you determine your eligibility for financial compensation and plan your next steps.
