Could You Need a Texas Transvaginal Mesh Lawyer?
Transvaginal mesh is a net-like implant used to treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in women. However, research suggests that the implantation technique and product design may cause serious complications, such as organ perforation and mesh erosion. The implant is made of a plastic called polypropylene, and the term “transvaginal” refers to the surgical technique used to implant the device in women.
The implants were designed to permanently fix SUI and POP – conditions that can typically plague women after childbirth, menopause or a hysterectomy. POP occurs when the pelvic muscles weaken and the woman’s uterus, rectum and bladder drop into the vagina. While doctors may surgically place the mesh abdominally or transvaginally, the vaginal method is easier, quicker and less invasive.
Additionally, while transvaginal mesh implants were intended to help women suffering from POP and SUI, not all of them have been proven to be reliable and safe. The manufacturer-recommended implantation technique and design of some of these products have allegedly contributed to serious complications such as organ perforation, erosion of the vaginal tissues and infections.
Reports of complications came too late for hundreds of thousands of women who had already been fitted with the implants. Nearly 40,000 lawsuits are pending in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of West Virginia, filed by women allegedly injured by transvaginal mesh implants. If you or a loved one feel as though you have a valid claim, contact Attorney Group for Texas today to be connected with an experienced Texas transvaginal mesh lawyer.
Complications
Although transvaginal mesh surgery is less invasive and simpler than more traditional treatments for SUI and POP, it also comes with a reportedly higher risk of complications. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported in 2011 that it had received 4,000 adverse event reports from women suffering from transvaginal mesh complications in the previous six years. If you have experienced side effects, seek legal counsel from a Texas transvaginal mesh lawyer as soon as possible.
Additionally, the agency had also reported in 2008 that adverse events and complications from the implants were rare, but the FDA made the decision to update the statement in 2011 and warned physicians and patients that life-threatening complications are relatively common.
Two of the most serious complications, mesh erosion and organ perforation, have been reported in numerous women across the U.S. A Texas transvaginal mesh lawyer can review your case if you sustained an injury and help you to determine if you are eligible to pursue a claim. Mesh erosion occurs when the implant passes or erodes through the wall of the vagina and may cause severe pain, bleeding, nerve damage and infection. Exposure occurs when the jagged edges of the implant move through tissue and are visible to the eye. Similarly, after the mesh passes through the vaginal wall, it may potentially cause organ damage. If the sharp edges of the implant perforate or cut into nearby organs including the bladder, it is known as organ perforation and may often require corrective surgery. Other complications include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Nerve damage
- Pain
- Emotional problems
- Vaginal scarring
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Vaginal shrinkage
- Recurrence of SUI or POP
- Neuro-muscular problems
The FDA did not initially require manufacturers of transvaginal mesh products to conduct clinical trials on the products before they were approved for use. Additionally, many of the products currently available today were approved because they were similar in design to ProtoGen Sling – a product that was later recalled in 1999 after the FDA found that the device did not function as intended and had a higher than expected erosion rate.
Verdicts, Lawsuits and Settlements
Tens of thousands of women and their loved ones are filing lawsuits against several major mesh manufacturers after allegedly sustaining injuries while fitted with the products. In the Southern District of West Virginia, six multidistrict litigations (MDLs) are currently pending and include Boston Scientific, American Medical Systems, C.R. Bard, Coloplast, Cook Medical and Ethicon, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. If you feel as though you have a valid claim, contact a Texas transvaginal mesh lawyer today to learn more about your legal rights.
In 2012, a plaintiff received a $5.5 million settlement from C.R. Bard, and a second plaintiff received $11.11 million in 2013 from Ethicon. Additionally, Endo Health Solutions, parent company of American Medical Systems, was ordered to pay $54 million in June 2013 for an undisclosed number of claims.
A Texas Transvaginal Mesh Lawyer Can Help Injured Victims Recover Damages
The Attorney Group for Texas is currently offering case evaluations at no cost to you. If you feel that you have a valid claim against a transvaginal mesh manufacturer, it is often important to seek legal counsel from a Texas transvaginal mesh lawyer rather than take on large companies alone. The Attorney Group for Texas can help you to determine if you have a valid claim. We will help answer your questions and connect you with an affiliated Texas transvaginal mesh lawyer.
