Five or six major transvaginal mesh manufacturers are allegedly in mass settlement talks, according to court documents and attorneys across the country. Boston Scientific Corp., Endo Health Solutions (American Medical Systems), C.R. Bard, Cook Medical and Coloplast were said to be involved in negotiations, according to an article published by Bloomberg. However, Johnson & Johnson, whose Ethicon unit manufacturers mesh products, is not involved in the talks.
While the amount of the settlement was not readily available, Endo has already paid out over $50 million in settlements so far in 2013. According to the article, the manufactures are seeking to resolve more than 30,000 transvaginal mesh lawsuits across the country.
According to those involved in the transvaginal mesh proceedings, there are several thousand plaintiffs for whom a mass settlement would bring a quick and satisfactory resolution, much sooner than individual lawsuits would reach a verdict. Additionally, another benefit of a mass settlement is not purely financial: The ability to focus on an injured patient’s health and recovery instead of investing energy and time into a trial.
What is Transvaginal Mesh?
Those who suffer from pelvic organ prolapse (POP) during pregnancy or childbirth or those living with stress urinary incontinence may be fitted with transvaginal mesh to treat the conditions. A physician makes a vaginal or surgical incision to insert the mesh and implants or attaches it directly to the wall in the vagina. While the medical conditions are common and the procedures are routine, the material is what has caused concerns among patients and the medical community.
The material has been linked to serious side effects such as:
- Painful urination
- Discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse
- Bladder, blood vessel and bowel perforation
- Vaginal tightening and shortening
- Bleeding and infection
- Erosion of the mesh through the vaginal wall
Additionally, many women have reported a reappearance of their stress urinary incontinence or vaginal prolapse.
Why File a Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuit?
Plaintiffs filing a transvaginal mesh lawsuit allege complications such as urinary problems, pain, incontinence, infection and protrusion or erosion of the device. If women develop complications due to vaginal mesh, removal of the material may be required. This process could involve subsequent repair of the prolapse that required the initial procedure in the first place, and patients may require more than one revision surgery to help fix the issues.
Additionally, plaintiffs suffering from stress incontinence allege that the sling made from synthetic mesh caused other complications such as narrow mesh exposure and obstruction of the bladder outlet. Those filing a transvaginal mesh lawsuit allege that the sling needed to be removed and the vaginal tissues required re-sewing.
Those familiar with the complications alleged in a transvaginal mesh lawsuit acknowledge that treatments can be expensive, painful, time-consuming and have serious consequences of their own. Some women may suffer from more serious complications such as damage to the organs located near the mesh insertion site.
Settlements could help to hold the manufacturers responsible for medical bills related to revision surgeries or to the insertion of the mesh. Likewise, compensation may be available for other psychological side effects resulting from the vaginal disfigurement and sexual dysfunction these products have allegedly caused in plaintiffs.
Injured? Attorney Group Can Help
To learn more about filing a transvaginal mesh lawsuit, ask questions regarding transvaginal mesh lawsuits, or if you believe you have a valid claim, contact Attorney Group. We will review your case at no cost and determine if you are eligible to seek compensation for your injuries. If so, we will connect you with an experienced transvaginal mesh lawsuit attorney who will handle your claim and assist you throughout the legal process.
