A trial date is quickly approaching for a federal mesh lawsuit filed against manufacturer C.R. Bard. There are currently six federal case consolidations in Uthe Southern District of West Virginia. The next one will go to trial on Dec. 3.
Federal Mesh Lawsuit Details
C.R. Bard manufacturers Avaulta, a transvaginal mesh implant that is supposed to help treat pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence. In 2011, about 75,000 women received the mesh implant. A year later, the manufacturer recalled the product after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requested the company conduct more clinical trials on the product.
Women are now filing federal mesh lawsuits against C.R. Bard for complications from mesh implants. In July 2012 a 53-year-old woman was awarded $5.5 million in damages for a lawsuit she filed against the company. She had the mesh device implanted to treat SUI, but experienced multiple complications and had to undergo eight revision surgeries to remedy her injuries caused by Avaulta.
Other Federal Mesh Lawsuits Still Pending
Four other currently pending cases also have trial dates set. Yet another case against Johnson & Johnson is scheduled to begin Feb. 14, 2014. The trial for a case against Boston Scientific Corp. will start March 10, 2014. On April 14, the trial for lawsuits against American Medical Systems will begin, and June 23, 2014 is the trial date set for the Ethicon case.
Federal Mesh Lawsuit Included In Bellwether Trials
All cases are bellwether trials—those that deal with a widely contested issue. Trial dates for cases against Coloplast and Cook Medical – more transvaginal mesh makers – have yet to be scheduled.
Major mesh manufacturers face tens of thousands of lawsuits from women with painful complications. Bard, AMS (Endo), Cook Medical, Boston Scientific and Coloplast are manufacturers trying to settle federal consolidation cases brought against them.
Some of the most serious side effects from transvaginal mesh implants include pain, device erosion, infection, organ perforation, bleeding and urinary problems. In July 2011, the Food and Drug Administration warned consumers as well as doctors about serious surgical mesh implant risks. The federal health agency said complications due to transvaginal mesh were not rare. In addition, many women have suffered injuries and other health issues from mesh implants.
What You Can Do
If either you or a loved one suffered mesh complications or injuries, you may be eligible for financial compensation from the manufacturer. Fill out your free transvaginal mesh claim review today and a lawyer will contact you to discuss your case.
Lori Polemenakos is Director of Consumer Content and SEO strategist for LeadingResponse, a legal marketing company. An award-winning journalist, writer and editor based in Dallas, Texas, she's produced articles for major brands such as Match.com, Yahoo!, MSN, AOL, Xfinity, Mail.com, and edited several published books. Since 2016, she's published hundreds of articles about Social Security disability, workers' compensation, veterans' benefits, personal injury, mass tort, auto accident claims, bankruptcy, employment law and other related legal issues.