Transvaginal Mesh Class Action Lawsuit

Update: Judge Affirms $13.7 Million Transvaginal Mesh Award

January 11, 2017 – The Philadelphia judge presiding over a transvaginal mesh lawsuit that resulted in a $13.7 million judgment affirmed the award on appeal. The lawsuit was filed by Plaintiff Sharon Carlino, who alleged Ethicon’s mid-urethral sling failed because it was negligently designed, and that its failure caused her to suffer permanent pain during sex (dyspareunia).

What is Transvaginal Mesh?

Transvaginal mesh is a hammock-like medical device that is designed to treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI) or pelvic organ prolapse (POP), conditions that affect millions of woman after pregnancy and menopause. Transvaginal mesh is implanted through incisions in the vagina and anchored to the sides of the pelvis to support weakened muscles in the center of the pelvis. This treats incontinence and prolapse by preventing abdominal organs from sagging downward.
Types of transvaginal mesh:

Johnson & Johnson / Ethicon: Gynecare Prolift, Prolift+M, TVT (Exact, Abbrevo, Retropubic System, Secur), Prosima, Gynemesh PS
C.R. Bard: Avaulta, Pelvitex, Pelvisoft, Pelvilace, Pelvicol, Uretex (TO, TOO2, TOO3)
Boston Scientific: Arise, Pinnacle, Advantage Fit, Lynx, Obtryx, Prefyx PPS, Solyx
American Medical Systems (AMS): Elevate, Perigee, Apogee, BioArc, MiniArc Precise Single-Incision Sling, Subfascial Hammock, Ultra Transvaginal Slind, SPARC Self-Fixating Sling
Covidien: Duo, Mentor ObTape
And more

What is the problem?

Studies show that transvaginal mesh is no more effective at treating organ prolapse than traditional non-mesh procedures, and it has been linked to additional side effects. The most common serious side effect is erosion of the mesh through the vaginal wall, which must be treated with surgery because it can cause chronic pain, infection, and problems with sexual intercourse.

Unfortunately, because transvaginal mesh is designed to be a permanent implant, it is often extremely difficult or impossible to remove — “like removing gum from your hair,” according to Lana Keeton, a woman who has had 17 medical procedures, including 6 surgeries to treat complications. Medical procedures may include IV therapy, medications, blood transfusions, drainage of hematomas or abscess, and additional surgeries.

Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuits

If you decide to file a transvaginal mesh lawsuit, you won’t be alone — more than 30,000 lawsuits are pending against several manufacturers, and millions of dollars in damages have been awarded to individual plaintiffs. Most of these lawsuits are centralized in Multi-District Litigation (MDL) in West Virginia, Georgia, and New Jersey.
Recent transvaginal mesh lawsuit settlements:

$5.5 million — Plaintiff Christine Scott and her husband were awarded a settlement for injuries caused by the C.R. Bard Avaulta vaginal mesh. Scott was an avid runner who needed eight surgeries to correct complications of erosion and incontinence.
$11.1 million — Plaintiff Linda Gross received a settlement for injuries caused by the Johnson & Johnson / Ethicon Gynecare Prolift. She has endured more than 9 surgeries and 18 medical procedures and still cannot sit for more than 20 minutes.

Transvaginal mesh lawsuits in federal Multi-District Litigations:

FDA Warning for Transvaginal Mesh

In October 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned that they had received over 1,000 adverse event reports associated with transvaginal mesh. In July 2011, the FDA published another Safety Communication to warn that serious complications were “not rare”, and they had received nearly 3,000 additional adverse event reports in two years.

Transvaginal Mesh Side Effects

Erosion of the mesh through the vaginal wall
Infection
Chronic pain
Urinary problems
Recurrence of prolapse or incontinence
Pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
Scarring
Shrinkage or contraction of the mesh
Vaginal disfigurement
Organ perforation (bowel, bladder, urethra, ureter)
Bleeding
Emotional trauma

Do I have a Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuit?

The Product Liability & Defective Medical Device Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in transvaginal mesh lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.

Free Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuit Evaluation: Again, if you or a loved one was injured by transvaginal mesh, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit, and we can help.