Hernia Mesh Lawsuits

Hernia mesh is a medical device that reinforces the weakened area of the abdomen caused by a hernia. The mesh can go over or under the hernia, or it can act as a plug. Unfortunately, hernia mesh has been linked to serious, life-threatening medical complications. Thousands of lawsuits have been filed against multiple manufacturers as a result. The most disturbing aspect of injuries associated with hernia mesh is the mounting evidence that manufacturers knew about the risks even before the products went to market.

What is a Hernia?

When the intestines, an organ, or fatty tissue pushes through a hole or a weakened spot in surrounding muscle, it is called a hernia. They can occur in various locations of the body, but are most common in the abdominal wall. Hernias are often painful, and can sometimes be externally visible as a bulge or protrusion. Hernias often become apparent after excessive strain, such as required when lifting or carrying a heavy object.

Injuries Linked to Hernia Mesh

The list of injuries associated with hernia mesh continues to grow, but the most commonly cited injuries include:

• Bowel perforation
• Bowel obstruction
• Pain or tenderness at site of implantation
• Severe abdominal pain
• Abdominal distention
• Adhesions / scar tissue
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• High fever

These injuries can be caused by:

• Hernia repair surgery failure
• Movement, migration, or protrusion of the mesh
• Breakage of the device after implantation
• Improper placement
• Friction
• Infections

In many cases, revision surgery is required to remove or reposition the mesh. If you have been injured due to a hernia mesh device, contact a Boston defective medical product attorney today.

Most Commonly Cited Types of Hernia Mesh

Several manufacturers of hernia mesh are currently facing lawsuits, but the types most linked to injury include:

Ethicon Physiomesh: Recalled in May 2016, Ethicon has issued an announcement, requiring all unused hernia mesh to be immediately returned. The company does not have plans to reintroduce the product to market because it has been unable to determine the cause of the associated complications. “Based on the currently available data, Ethicon believes the higher rates to be a multifactorial issue (including possible product characteristics, operative and patient factors), but has not been able to fully characterize these factors. Consequently, Ethicon have not been able at this time to issue further instructions to surgeons that might lead to a reduction in the recurrence rate and have decided to recall Ethicon Physiomesh Composite Mesh from the global market.”

Kugel Hernia Mesh Patches: Also a recalled product, Kugel mesh has been linked to serious internal injury. According to claims, the device’s plastic ring can break after surgery, causing the patient severe harm and pain. Multiple Kugel hernia products have been recalled. Kugel’s manufacturer, C.R. Bard, has agreed to settle about 2,600 cases for approximately $70,000 per plaintiff. Despite the settlement, nearly 1,000 lawsuits remain unresolved. At least one patient has died as a result of an infection linked to a Kugel mesh patch. If you have a Kugel mesh patch, talk to your doctor about the risk of injury or death.

Atrium C-Qur Mesh: In 2012, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning to Atrium for its failure to investigate complaints about C-Qur complications, including device failures and infections. The C-Qur device is made of polypropylene mesh that is covered in an omega 3 fatty acid and triglyceride-based gel, and it may cause friction with nearby tissue.

AlloDerm Regenerative Tissue Matrix: Manufactured with tissue from human cadavers, this hernia repair patch has been linked to multiple complications. Apparently, if the product is not properly pre-stretched, it can expand after implantation. According to lawsuits against the manufacturer, AlloDerm failed to warn physicians about associated risks and how they could be avoided.

Altman & Altman, LLP – Defective Medical Product Lawyers Serving All of MA

If you or a loved one has been injured due to hernia mesh or any type of defective medical product, the skilled injury team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. We have been protecting the rights of accident and injury victims for more than 50 years. By failing to warn physicians and patients of associated risks, manufacturers of hernia mesh may have caused serious harm to thousands of patients. At Altman & Altman, LLP, we believe they should be held accountable for their actions. If you’ve been injured you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Our knowledgeable attorneys will make sure you understand your rights and options before moving forward. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.