Those who are suffering from pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence may be fitted with a transvaginal mesh implant in order to keep their organs in place following a hysterectomy, childbirth or menopause. When the pelvic muscles weaken, the bladder, rectum or uterus may drop into the vagina; an implant may be necessary to stabilize the organs. While transvaginal mesh implants have been beneficial for thousands of women, many others have allegedly suffered from complications and adverse side effects, resulting in transvaginal mesh lawsuits across the U.S.
Contact an Arkansas transvaginal mesh lawyer today if you or someone you love experienced complications or required additional procedures to remove and repair the damage caused by an allegedly defective transvaginal mesh implant, and you believe you could have an Arkansas transvaginal mesh lawsuit.
What are Transvaginal Mesh Injuries?
Studies have shown that transvaginal mesh implants may fail prematurely and much sooner than manufacturers anticipate, often resulting in injuries that require correction and medical attention. In particular, one clinical trial analyzed over 12,000 women and found that one out of every 10 participants complained of mesh erosion within one year. Mesh erosion, or the consequence when the implant wears away, can cause further injury if it is not quickly found and properly treated. An Arkansas transvaginal mesh lawyer can help you to pursue a claim if you were negatively affected by a transvaginal mesh device.
In addition to mesh erosion, patients have reported other complications including an inability to sit, vaginal pain, vaginal scar tissue and a recurrence of pelvic organ prolapse or stress urinary incontinence. Others have reported pain during urination or intercourse, damage to the organs and migration of the mesh, or the movement from its original placement inside the pelvis. Patients have also reportedly experienced an increased number of infections and internal bleeding due to allegedly defective implants. The healthcare community asserts that the following factors may increase a woman’s risk for developing transvaginal mesh complications:
- The size of the implant
- Surgical technique
- Low estrogen levels
- Advanced age
Those who have suffered from complications most likely require additional procedures such as surgeries or physical therapy to cope with the pain caused by the device. Depending on the severity of the damage, a patient may be required to undergo two or more procedures to not only remove the implant but to correct the initial problem such as pelvic organ prolapse or stress urinary continence. If you or a loved one have been injured and have required several treatments to correct the complications you sustained, an Arkansas transvaginal mesh lawyer can inform you of your legal rights.
Lawsuits Underway in the U.S.
Most recently, Johnson & Johnson was accused of destroying documentation related to specific transvaginal mesh products that had been linked to serious complications. According to a December 2, 2013 filing, plaintiffs accuse the manufacturer of hiding evidence in an effort to benefit from the “gaps” in the patients’ stories. In addition to the allegations brought forth in front of Johnson & Johnson and Ethicon, thousands of other claims are pending in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of West Virginia against C.R. Bard, Inc., Boston Scientific and American Medical Systems.
As of 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received over 4,000 reports from patients whom have allegedly suffered from complications including infections in the mesh area, mesh site bleeding, urinary tract issues, pain and local organ damage. Plaintiffs continue to file lawsuits after sustaining these injuries in an effort to receive compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages and medical expenses, and many more are expected to come forward as injured individuals seek legal counsel from an Arkansas transvaginal mesh lawyer.
Contact an Arkansas Transvaginal Mesh Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love were injured due to transvaginal mesh and you would like to learn more about your legal rights, contact an Arkansas transvaginal mesh lawyer. At Attorney Group for Arkansas, we can offer you a no-obligation consultation at no cost to you so that you may determine whether you have a valid claim. If we feel that you are entitled to recover damages for your injury, we will connect you with an affiliated Arkansas transvaginal mesh lawyer who will assist you throughout the legal process. The time to pursue a claim is often limited, so if you believe you have a case, contact us today.
