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Defective Hernia Mesh Injury Lawsuits

Patients are at risk for recurring hernias when treated with this medical device

Medical devices are supposed to provide healing and stability for patients. But for too many people who have undergone hernia surgery, that proves to not be the case. Defective hernia mesh products have been linked to numerous complications, including hernia recurrence and revision surgery.

If you’ve had hernia surgery and then needed additional surgery due to complications with the surgical mesh, you may have legal recourse. We can help.

Understanding the hernia mesh defect

A hernia is a medical condition that occurs when an internal organ squeezes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. Hernia mesh is a medical device that is implanted during hernia surgery to strengthen the weak spot and prevent another hernia from occurring in the same location.

Unfortunately, certain hernia mesh products have failed to do their job, leading to complications such as:

  • Hernia recurrence
  • Mesh migration or detachment
  • Bowel perforation or obstruction
  • Infection
  • Chronic pain
  • Painful urination
  • Bloating, vomiting and other digestive issues

Several companies have manufactured these defective hernia mesh products, including:

  • Atrium
  • Bard
  • Covidien
  • Ethicon

When complications arise, additional surgery may be needed to repair, remove, or replace the defective mesh. A device that was intended to provide long-term healing and protection instead becomes the cause of more pain and more medical expenses. These companies have failed to put patients first, and they need to be held accountable.

Examples of defective hernia mesh products

In 2013, Atrium issued Class II recalls for over one hundred thousand units of its C-QUR (pronounced "secure") products, including C-QUR V-Patch Mesh, C-QUR Edge Mesh, and C-QUR TacShield Mesh. The stated issue was that the Omega-3 fish oil gel coating on the mesh could peel off and stick to the inside of the package in high-humidity conditions. Unfortunately, this coating also caused complications inside patients’ bodies, including severe and painful allergic reactions. Numerous patients required revision surgery to remove and replace the defective mesh products.

In 2016, Ethicon recalled its PHYSIOMESH Flexible Composite Mesh due to a significantly higher rate of hernia recurrence compared to patients treated with other mesh products. Patients who were treated using this device have frequently needed revision surgery, which is more complex than the initial hernia repair because of the need to replace the defective mesh and avoid the scar tissue from the previous surgery.

These are just two of the many defective hernia mesh products that have been implanted into hundreds of thousands of patients over the past several decades. Patients forced to undergo revision surgery due to these companies’ negligence have legal recourse through the civil justice system.

Am I eligible for a hernia mesh lawsuit?

If you had hernia surgery that involved use of mesh and then needed a second surgery to repair, replace or remove it, or if you’ve been told you will need a second surgery, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. Your settlement amount, if any, may depend on the product you were implanted with and the nature and extent of your complications, including the cost of surgery.

The only way to be sure is to have an experienced attorney review your medical records and investigate what happened to you. Dean Waite & Associates is currently reviewing cases for patients throughout Alabama who were implanted with hernia mesh and needed revision surgery. Give us a call or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.