FAQ: Do I Qualify for a Hernia Mesh Lawsuit?

Understanding Hernia

A hernia may form when an organ or a fatty tissue pokes or squeezes through a weak area or opening in the nearby connective tissue or muscle, usually at the abdominal wall. Hernias can range from visible bulges to hidden internal ones.

The different types of hernias include:

• Inguinal Hernia: Occurs in the groin area and is most common in men
• Femoral Hernia: Similar to inguinal hernias, but occurs just below the groin in the upper thigh
• Umbilical Hernia: Appears near the belly button and can happen in infants or adults
• Incisional Hernia: Develops in the scar from a previous abdominal surgery
• Hiatal Hernia: Occurs when part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest
• Perineal Hernia: Affects the pelvic area and is relatively rare

Hernias often result from strain or pressure on the affected area, such as:

• Lifting heavy objects
• Obesity
• Injury
• Childbirth
• Constipation
• Constant coughing or sneezing

While most hernias are not life-threatening, they can get worse over time, causing severe discomfort and affecting daily activities.

Keeping the hernia flat with a support belt or truss can help in some cases.

Hernia surgery is necessary to repair the hernia and alleviate symptoms.

During a hernia repair surgery, the surgeon puts the damaged muscles and tissues back in place and uses a hernia mesh implant to support the weakened area.

Hernia mesh products have been used since 1958 to prevent recurrence and provide better support for the repaired tissue.

These surgical mesh devices are usually made from synthetic materials or animal tissue.

Hernia Mesh Lawsuits

While a hernia mesh surgery is a standard procedure, many patients have reported severe complications and side effects from their hernia mesh implants.

This alarming trend has led to a surge in lawsuits against hernia mesh manufacturers.

Common claims in these lawsuits includes:

• Defective design
• Manufacturing defects
• Inadequate warnings

Defective Design

In most hernia mesh claims, the design of the hernia mesh is inherently flawed.

This allegation means that the device’s design is not suitable for its intended use, and using it can lead to complications and side effects.

Complications like mesh migration, organ perforation, and infections can occur due to the shape, size, or material used in creating the hernia mesh implant.

Manufacturing Defects

Errors made during the manufacturing process can result in defective hernia mesh products being released to the market.

These defects may include issues like contamination, wrong materials used, or incorrect sizing.

These manufacturing defects can lead to severe complications and additional surgeries for the patients who receive these faulty products.

Inadequate Warnings

Another common allegation in hernia mesh lawsuits concerns the failure to adequately warn patients and healthcare providers about the risks associated with hernia mesh implants.

Patients have the right to know all potential side effects and complications associated with any medical device before undergoing surgery.

When manufacturers fail to disclose this information, they can be held liable for any harm caused to patients.

Hernia Mesh Complications

The complications arising from hernia mesh implants can significantly impact patients’ lives.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), some common issues include:

• Chronic Pain: Patients may experience long-term pain and discomfort around the implant site, affecting daily activities.
• Infection: The hernia mesh can cause infections requiring antibiotics or additional surgeries.
• Hernia Recurrence: In some cases, the hernia mesh can fail to prevent the recurrence of the hernia, leading to the need for additional surgeries.
• Adhesion: Scar-like tissue can form around the mesh, causing it to stick to nearby organs and tissues, leading to blockages or discomfort.
• Obstruction: The hernia mesh can cause blockages in the intestines, leading to severe pain, nausea, and constipation.
• Bleeding: Some patients may experience internal bleeding due to the hernia mesh implant, requiring immediate medical attention.
• Fistula: In rare cases, the hernia mesh can create abnormal connections between organs or tissues, leading to infections and other complications.
• Seroma: Fluid may collect around the hernia mesh site, causing swelling and discomfort.
• Organ Perforation: The mesh can puncture nearby organs, causing severe internal damage.
• Mesh Migration: The mesh can move from its original position, leading to additional complications and the need for further surgery.
• Mesh Contraction: The mesh can shrink, causing pain and discomfort in the affected area.

These complications not only affect the physical health of patients, but also take an emotional and financial toll on them and their families.

The need for additional surgeries, prolonged recovery times, and the stress of dealing with chronic health issues can be overwhelming.

Qualifying Factors for a Hernia Mesh Lawsuit

If you have suffered from complications due to a hernia mesh implant, several factors will determine your eligibility to pursue a hernia mesh claim.

These include the type of injury, the specific hernia mesh product used, the onset of complications, and the timing of the surgery.

Type of Injury

The type of injury sustained from the hernia mesh implant is a critical factor in qualifying for a lawsuit.

Common injuries linked to hernia mesh complications include:

• Chronic Pain
• Infection
• Adhesion
• Hernia Recurrence
• Bleeding
• Obstruction
• Fistula or abnormal connections between organs or tissues
• Seroma or fluid buildup
• Organ Perforation
• Mesh Contraction
• Mesh Migration

Having documented medical records that link these complications directly to the hernia mesh implant is crucial for building a strong case.

These records should show the injury sustained and its impact on your health and quality of life.

Specific Hernia Mesh Product

Certain hernia mesh products have been more frequently named in lawsuits due to their higher rates of complications.

Some of the hernia mesh products and manufacturers currently under scrutiny include:

• Bard hernia mesh
• Covidien hernia mesh
• Atrium hernia mesh
• Ethicon hernia mesh

Bard Hernia Mesh

C.R. Bard, Inc. has faced numerous claims for their polypropylene mesh products, with Bard hernia mesh lawsuits often consolidated in Bard hernia mesh MDL (multidistrict litigation).

MDL 2846 currently has over 22,000 cases pending against the manufacturer.

U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. presided over the MDL in the U.S. District Court Southern District of Ohio.

Covidien Hernia Mesh

Covidien, a subsidiary of Medtronic, has also faced numerous lawsuits for its Parietex and Symbotex products.

The company faces over 1,000 claims in the Covidien hernia mesh MDL 3029.

U.S. District Judge Patti B. Saris of the U.S. District Court District of Massachusetts

Atrium Hernia Mesh

Atrium Medical Corporation has faced lawsuits for its C-Qur mesh products. Currently, almost 3,000 cases are pending against the manufacturer in the Atrium hernia mesh MDL 2753.

U.S. District Judge Landya B. McCafferty presides over the MDL in the U.S. District Court District of New Hampshire.

Ethicon Hernia Mesh

Ethicon Inc., a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, is facing over 200 lawsuits for their Physiomesh mesh products.

The cases have been consolidated in MDL 2782.

U.S. District Judge Richard W. Story manages the MDL in the U.S. District Court Northern District of Georgia.

Timing of the Surgery and Complications

The timing of the hernia mesh surgery and the onset of complications also play a vital role in determining eligibility for a lawsuit.

Key factors include:

• Date of Surgery: The date when the hernia mesh was implanted can affect whether the case falls within the statute of limitations.
• Onset of Complications: How soon after the surgery complications begin to manifest can determine the strength of a case and its link to the hernia mesh implant.
• Statutes of Limitations: Legal time limits for filing a lawsuit vary by state and specific circumstances of the case. It’s crucial to act promptly to ensure your case is filed within the allowable time frame.

How Hernia Mesh Lawsuit Lawyers Can Help

Hernia mesh attorneys play a vital role in helping potential claimants navigate the complex legal landscape and build a strong case.

They have the knowledge and experience to guide you through the legal process, from filing a claim to negotiating a settlement.

Case Evaluation

An experienced hernia mesh lawyer begins by thoroughly evaluating potential claims.

This process involves reviewing your medical history, the type of hernia mesh used, the symptoms experienced, and other relevant factors.

A comprehensive evaluation helps determine the lawsuit’s viability and the best course of action.

Gathering Evidence

Building a strong hernia mesh case requires gathering comprehensive documentation and evidence.

A hernia mesh attorney may need to obtain the following documents:

• Medical Records: Detailed medical records linking the complications to the hernia mesh implant are critical in building a compelling case. These include surgical reports, imaging studies, and other relevant medical documentation.
• Product Information: Gathering information on the specific type of hernia mesh used, its design, and any known associated complications can strengthen the claim.
• Expert Opinions: Opinions from medical experts who can testify about the link between the hernia mesh and the complications sustained can significantly impact the outcome of a case. Medical experts can also provide evidence of the manufacturer’s negligence or failure to warn about potential risks.
• Other Documentation: Any additional documents that support the claim can also be helpful. These include photos, medical bills, personal testimonies, insurance paperwork, or correspondence with the manufacturer.

Legal Representation

Hernia mesh attorneys provide essential legal representation during the hernia mesh litigation.

Legal representation can include:

• Negotiating With Manufacturers and Insurers: Lawyers deal with the hernia mesh manufacturers and insurers to seek fair compensation for the claimants. Big corporations often have teams of lawyers representing their interests, so having a skilled attorney on your side can help level the playing field.
• Representing in Court: If a fair hernia mesh settlement is not reached, your attorney can represent you in court and present your case to a jury. During the hernia mesh trial process, they can call upon expert witnesses, cross-examine the defendant’s witnesses, and present evidence to support your claim.
• Seeking Compensation: The hernia mesh lawsuit settlement varies from case to case, with more severe complications typically resulting in higher compensation. Your lawyer will work to secure appropriate compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the hernia mesh complications.

Seeking Legal Help

If you or a loved one has suffered complications after a hernia mesh surgery, it’s crucial to seek legal help as soon as possible.

A skilled hernia mesh attorney can evaluate your case, advise on the best course of action, and fight for your rights in court.

Hernia mesh lawsuits fall under product liability law, which can be complex and challenging to navigate alone.

With the help of a knowledgeable and experienced attorney, you can increase your chances of securing fair compensation for your injuries.

With an experienced lawyer by your side, you can focus on healing and recovering from the complications of hernia mesh surgery while leaving the legal matters to the professionals.

Your lawyer will ensure your case is well within the statute of limitations of your state and fight for your legal rights.

Schedule a Case Review Today

Don’t wait for your health and finances to suffer. If you or a loved one has experienced hernia mesh complications and injuries, TorHoerman Law is here to help determine if you qualify for legal action.

Our skilled hernia mesh lawyers have extensive experience handling these types of cases and are dedicated to helping victims seek the justice and compensation they deserve.

You can trust that we will exhaust all resources to ensure that we will handle your case with the utmost care and diligence.

Contact us for a free consultation.

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