Hernias are a very common medical problem where a weak spot in the abdominal wall causes organs, such as the stomach, diaphragm, or bowel, to protrude. Over half a million hernia surgical repairs are performed annually, and in the majority of them, hernia mesh is used to correct them.Unfortunately, hernia mesh implants may be defective and can cause patients to suffer serious complications. If you suffered injuries due to the use of hernia mesh to repair your hernia, the experienced mass tort lawyers at Chris Hudson Law Group can help you obtain the compensation you deserve from the manufacturer of the hernia mesh implant.
What Is Hernia Mesh?
Hernia mesh is a surgical implant that provides extra support for damaged tissue around a hernia. During surgery, doctors place this mesh around the hernia to hold the damaged tissue together and strengthen it during the healing process. Mesh can be made from synthetic products or animal tissue, and there are many different shapes and sizes of mesh to repair different types of hernias. Synthetic meshes can be permanent implants or may be designed to partially dissolve in the body over time.
Surgeons can repair hernias without the use of these implants by stitching the damaged tissue surrounding the hernia together, but there is a likelihood of the hernia reoccurring with this type of surgery. The use of hernia mesh implants became widespread to avoid these problems. Unfortunately, there are many other serious health risks of certain types of hernia mesh—some life-threatening.
Leading Manufactures of Hernia Mesh and Their Products
There are many manufacturers of hernia mesh implants. Leading companies that have manufactured hernia mesh that has failed include:
- Ethicon, which is a subsidiary company of Johnson & Johnson
- Atrium
- Covidien, which is now known as Medtronic Covidien
- C.R. Bard
- Gore Medical
Some mesh implants have been pulled from the market due to patient complaints and recalls by the FDA. Others still in use that have caused patients to suffer injuries include:
- Atrium C-Qur Mesh
- Medtronic Covidien Parietex
- Ethicon Physiomesh
- C.R. Bard PerFix Plug, 3DMax, Composix Kugel Patch, and other mesh implants
Complications Caused by Hernia Mesh Implants
Synthetic hernia mesh implants often use materials that can shrink, harden, migrate, or fail. Patients have suffered serious medical problems when this happens. Some of the complications associated with surgical hernia mesh are:
- Pain
- Chronic infection, abscess, or sepsis, which can be life-threatening
- Adhesion where the implant sticks to internal tissue
- Hernia reoccurrence
- Obstruction of the bowels
- Perforations of organs
- Groin and testicle pain
- Permanent nerve damage
- Cancer if the implant becomes infected
Some of these complications can occur within weeks of hernia repair surgery, but in other cases, it can take months or years for these problems to develop.
Hernia Mesh Lawsuits Against Manufacturers
Many patients who suffered serious injuries due to the use of hernia mesh have filed products liability lawsuits against the manufacturers of these medical devices. For example, in 2011, C.R. Bard settled approximately 3,000 cases over allegations of defects in its Kugel Mesh, which had been recalled by the FDA three times, for $184 million. Ethicon, Medtronic Coviden, and Atrium have also faced thousands of similar lawsuits. Some of the allegations in these cases include:
- The implants have design defects.
- There were problems with the manufacture of the hernia mesh.
- Manufacturers failed to adequately warn patients of the potential serious risks of hernia mesh implants.
Compensation Awarded in Surgical Hernia Mesh Lawsuits
If you suffered injuries due to a hernia mesh implant, you may have a products liability claim against its manufacturer. You may be entitled to these types of compensation:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Past and future lost wages
- Past and future lost earning capacity if you became disabled as a result of your injuries
- Other out-of-pocket expenses
- Past and future pain and suffering
Contact Us to Schedule a Free Consultation Today
If you or a family member suffered injuries caused by a hernia mesh implant, our experienced mass tort attorneys can help you fight for the compensation that you are entitled to for your injuries. Take advantage of our offer of a free consultation in these cases to learn about your legal options and how we can assist you. Fill out our convenient online form or call our office directly at (706) 863-6600 to schedule your appointment today.