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An Update on Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuits
Jul 14, 2016 by Adler Markoff & Associates
Transvaginal mesh injuries are extremely serious and a can result in years of pain and anguish for the woman victim. Over the last several months we have seen juries across the country award plaintiffs large sums, which is indicative of what a serious problem these implants are causing. Transvaginal mesh (TVM) implants are typically used to repair or reinforce weakened areas in the vagina, however, as of 2011 these devices have been linked to serious complications for women. Oftentimes referred to as surgical mesh or a vaginal sling, transvaginal mesh is a permanent implant that is necessary for numerous reasons. In light of recent findings that certain pelvic mesh implants may be associated with a host of serious injuries, we have seen women across the country file lawsuits.

Most recently, a Philadelphia jury awarded a woman $13.5 million after she claimed she was permanently injured from a vaginal mesh device that eroded inside of her. The jury unanimously agreed that the woman should be awarded damages for her injuries – giving her $3.5 million in compensatory damages and $10 million in punitive damages.

TVM Cases Across the Country
The Philadelphia case mentioned above is not the only one of its kind. Juries everywhere have been awarding women large sums for damages caused by transvaginal mesh implants, including a Delaware jury that awarded $100 million to a woman who had complications following a transvaginal mesh implant last May. In Texas, a jury awarded a female plaintiff $1.2 million against Johnson & Johnson in a similar pelvic mesh case to the other ones mentioned.

Unfortunately, we see no signs of these cases stopping anytime soon. For some women, complications from transvaginal mesh implants do not show up right away, making the cases all the more serious and difficult. While transvaginal mesh implants are routinely used in hospitals throughout the world, there are many serious complications associated with them, including the following:

Chronic vaginal discharge
Lower back pain
Erosion of vaginal tissue
The feeling of something protruding through the vaginal wall
Infection
Urinary issues
Organ perforation
Keep in mind that these are not the only negative side effects associated with transvaginal mesh implants. If you have experienced some other complication and would like to learn more about your rights, please contact AMA Law today. Our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys have been following these cases closely and are prepared to take your case to court. The manufacturer of these products – Johnson & Johnson and their subsidiaries – must be held responsible for the problems associated with this product, especially given the fact they were well aware of the potential issues. While transvaginal mesh implants have only been used worldwide for about 15 years, numerous studies have uncovered the problem associated with them. Given this fact, the implant’s manufacturer is now adding new safety labels to its pelvic meshes and slings, mainly notating that they are permanent devices that should not be removed, for there may be complications. To learn more about transvaginal mesh lawsuits or to discuss your case with a lawyer from AMA Law, contact us today.