The insertion of transvaginal mesh is often an effective surgery for women suffering from incontinence or prolapsed organs such as the bladder and uterus. However, many women have experienced severe complications from the mesh. Sometimes the organs are perforated or the mesh erodes inside the woman’s body, causing severe pain, bleeding or urinary problems. In many cases, multiple surgeries cannot fix the problem, causing women to sue the manufacturers of the mesh for the injuries and pain they suffer. A woman was recently awarded $100 million after the jury found that Boston Scientific, a manufacturer of transvaginal mesh failed to adequately warn consumers of the risks associated with use of transvaginal mesh.
The 51-year-old Delaware woman is set to receive $25 million as compensation, with an additional $75 million set aside for punitive damages. This was the largest award against any mesh manufacturer. The plaintiff underwent the implant in 2009 after, suffering from pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence. The mesh became embedded in her body, causing severe pain and chronic urinary tract infections. She filed suit in 2011; and, after seven hours of deliberation, the jury ruled in her favor.
There was significant evidence showing that Boston Scientific acted negligently in its failure to warn physicians and patients of the risks and possible complications associated with implantation of the mesh product. In fact, the company knew about the potential risks of using the transvaginal mesh, but failed to inform doctors and patients.
In addition, this was not the first lawsuit against the company. Approximately 25,000 other women have filed lawsuits against Boston Scientific due to the defective mesh. The company plans to set aside $119 million to settle 3,000 of those claims. This was the sixth verdict against the company. Boston Scientific is one of seven companies facing a total of 100,000 lawsuits, due to defective transvaginal mesh.
Boston Scientific maintains that its products are not defective and denies any wrongdoing. The company plans to appeal the decision.
When a person undergoes surgery to correct a problem, it is usually because the benefits outweigh the risks. Sometimes, a patient’s condition can worsen or new complications can develop following a surgical procedure. If you or a loved one have had complications following implantation of transvaginal mesh or a bladder sling, immediately contact the transvaginal mesh lawyers of Nadrich & Cohen, LLP. There are strict time limitations for making a claim.
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