Myrtle Beach Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuit
Transvaginal Mesh Litigation: What to Know
Myrtle Beach Transvaginal Mesh lawsuit cases are being filed everyday. Transvaginal mesh is a popular product used in the medical industry in order to treat urinary and reproductive organs. The device has caused a huge number of complications, however.
What is Transvaginal Mesh?
Transvaginal mesh is a net-like structure that been utilized to treat urinary incontinence pelvic organ prolapse (POP). First approved by the FDA for such use in 2002, it has been used in increasing frequency in the past decade. The mesh is most often implanted into the vagina in order to facilitate easier and quicker recovery.
Problems quickly arose as a result of the product’s usage, however. In January of 2016, due to a significant increase in the number of complications associated with the product, the FDA re-categorized transvaginal mesh as a class III “high-risk” device. Additionally, the FDA released a statement that it was unclear whether the use of transvaginal mesh was any more effective in the treatment of POP than non-mesh treatments.
What Complications Can Arise from Use of Transvaginal Mesh?
Individuals who have experienced complications from transvaginal mesh used in POP surgeries experienced:
- Erosion of transvaginal mesh into the vagina
- Infection
- Extreme abdominal and pelvic pain
- Vaginal scarring
- Recurrence of prolapse
- Organ perforation
- Urinary dysfunction
- Painful sexual intercourse
These complications often require additional surgeries to attempt to treat these complications. In some cases, the complications cannot be treated at all.
Litigation and Settlements
Lawsuits brought on because of complications from transvaginal mesh comprise of the largest multi-district litigations (MDL) in history. Overseen by Judge Joseph R. Goodwin in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia, the litigation involves over 70,000 lawsuits.
Settlements in these cases have been enormous—last year, a jury returned a $100 million verdict (later reduced to $10 million) against manufacturer Boston Scientific to a woman who experienced complications and required additional surgeries to repair those issues. Just this week, a New Jersey Court upheld an $11.1 million verdict against Johnson & Johnson due to complications from transvaginal mesh usage.
What Should I do if I’ve Experienced Complications from Transvaginal Mesh?
If you or a loved one has received a transvaginal mesh implant and are experiencing complications, the Mass Tort Team at the Lovely Law Firm is here to help. To schedule a case evaluation at no charge to answer any questions you may have, call 843-839-4111.
Sources
Link to story $100 million verdict: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-boston-scientific-mesh-verdict-idUSKBN0OD27L20150528
Link for $11.1 million verdict: https://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/articles/transvaginal-mesh-tvt-sling/Ethicon-11m-vaginal-mesh-settlement-upheld-21379.html
FDA Reclassification: http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm479732.htm
