Hernia mesh devices implanted during surgical repair have caused serious complications for thousands of patients, leading to one of the largest mass tort litigations in medical device history. Patients suffering from mesh migration, chronic pain, infection, and mesh erosion are pursuing legal claims against manufacturers who allegedly knew their products posed unreasonable risks.
Understanding Hernia Mesh Complications
Surgical mesh is used to reinforce weakened tissue during hernia repair, with the goal of reducing recurrence rates. However, many mesh products have caused severe complications that often require additional surgery and cause permanent injury:
Mesh migration occurs when the implanted mesh shifts from its original position, potentially damaging surrounding organs, bowel, or blood vessels. Migrated mesh may require emergency surgery to remove and can cause life-threatening complications.
Mesh erosion happens when the mesh wears through tissue, potentially penetrating organs or protruding through the skin. In inguinal hernia repairs, mesh may erode into the bladder, bowel, or reproductive organs.
Chronic pain affects many hernia mesh recipients, caused by nerve entrapment, inflammation, or mesh contraction. Some patients experience debilitating pain that persists for years and does not respond to treatment.
Mesh infection can develop months or years after implantation, requiring mesh removal surgery and extended antibiotic treatment. Infections may spread to surrounding tissue and cause serious systemic illness.
Adhesion formation causes mesh to bond abnormally to surrounding organs, creating complications that make subsequent surgery extremely difficult and risky.
Manufacturers Named in Hernia Mesh Litigation
Multiple manufacturers face lawsuits over their hernia mesh products. The largest litigations target:
C.R. Bard (now part of BD) faces thousands of lawsuits over its Ventralex, Perfix Plug, and other mesh products. Bard mesh litigation has resulted in significant verdicts and settlements.
Ethicon (Johnson & Johnson subsidiary) faces claims over its Physiomesh and other hernia repair products. Physiomesh was voluntarily withdrawn from the market after studies showed higher-than-expected complication rates.
Atrium Medical faces lawsuits alleging its C-QUR mesh, which uses fish oil coating, causes severe inflammatory reactions and complications.
Legal Basis for Hernia Mesh Claims
Hernia mesh lawsuits typically allege that manufacturers:
Failed to adequately test their products before bringing them to market, relying on the FDA's 510(k) clearance process that requires only demonstrating substantial equivalence to existing products rather than proving safety through clinical trials.
Failed to warn surgeons and patients about known complication risks, particularly the frequency and severity of mesh migration, erosion, and chronic pain.
Designed defective products using materials, coatings, or configurations that create unreasonable risk of complications.
Continued selling products after receiving adverse event reports that should have triggered warnings or recalls.
Compensation Available in Mesh Cases
Patients injured by defective hernia mesh may recover compensation for:
Revision surgery costs including mesh removal, repair of damaged tissue, and any additional procedures required to address complications.
Ongoing medical care for chronic pain management, infection treatment, and monitoring for future complications.
Lost income from time missed at work during treatment and recovery, and diminished earning capacity if injuries prevent return to previous employment.
Pain and suffering damages for physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, and diminished quality of life caused by mesh complications.
Filing a Hernia Mesh Claim
Patients who have experienced hernia mesh complications should take several steps to protect potential legal claims:
Identify your mesh product through surgical records, hospital documentation, and surgeon notes. Knowing the specific manufacturer and product is essential for determining which litigation your claim may join.
Document your complications through medical records showing diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing effects. Records from revision surgery, if performed, provide valuable evidence about mesh condition and complications.
Consult with an attorney experienced in medical device litigation who can evaluate your case against current lawsuit criteria and explain your legal options.
Act promptly because statutes of limitations apply to medical device claims. Waiting too long can permanently bar your right to compensation.