Over the years, thousands of women have come forward with serious complications related to pelvic mesh implants. The FDA has received tens of thousands of reports of injuries linked to mesh devices used to treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair. Since 1999, when these devices first became available, there have been three major nationwide recalls on transvaginal mesh products. Due to mounting concerns, the FDA ordered the removal of many of these products from the market and instructed manufacturers to cease their sale and distribution. With nearly 1 in 4 women experiencing pelvic floor disorders during their lifetime, the impact has been far-reaching and devastating.
We have been representing women injured by pelvic mesh for over a decade, and throughout the time that the vast majority of cases were pending in multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. Following the closure of the MDLs to new case filings, we have continued our representation of injured women in litigation across the country. We are committed to continuing the representation of women injured by these defective products, and are one of very few law firms in the country who continue to pursue claims on behalf of those injured by the defective mesh products. Over a billion dollars in settlements and $200+ million in verdicts in pelvic mesh lawsuits for women injured by pelvic mesh products have been awarded since 2011. While most verdicts are appealed and settle for much lower amounts, these awards show the successes women have in pelvic mesh injury litigation.
If you have suffered complications related to pelvic mesh implants, you are not alone. Bossier & Associates can help you seek justice and the compensation you deserve for the harm caused by these products.
What Is a Pelvic Mesh Implant?
Pelvic mesh, also called transvaginal mesh, is a medical device made from synthetic materials like polypropylene. These net-like implants are used in surgical procedures to treat pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI). POP involves the weakening of the pelvic floor muscles, which causes organs such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum to shift out of position. SUI, on the other hand, leads to leakage of urine during physical activities or sudden movements.
The primary goal of a pelvic mesh implant is to reinforce weakened vaginal walls and provide support to affected pelvic organs. Once implanted, the idea is that tissue would grow into the mesh to create a stronger support system, but for many women, this has not gone as planned, leading to painful and debilitating complications.
What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treatment?
Pelvic mesh devices are often used in POP surgeries to reposition and stabilize organs in the pelvic area, such as the bladder, uterus, and rectum. Pelvic mesh is surgically implanted through the vaginal wall, a procedure that involves setting the mesh in place to support pelvic organs. For those with SUI, mesh sling systems are utilized, with a strip of the mesh placed beneath the urethra to prevent urine leakage. The devices are designed to bolster weakened pelvic tissues, providing the stability needed to improve quality of life.
Over time, the body’s tissue is supposed to integrate with the mesh, reinforcing its position to prevent organ prolapse and urinary incontinence. Unfortunately, for many patients, this integration process has led to severe complications. While this treatment was intended to be a permanent solution for these conditions, countless women have suffered unexpected consequences due to the design and use of these devices, prompting many to seek legal recourse.
Complications Leading to Pelvic Mesh Litigation
The widespread use of pelvic mesh implants, intended to treat conditions like POP and SUI, has unfortunately led to a significant number of debilitating complications for many women. These injuries, ranging from chronic pain and recurring urinary issues to more severe problems like mesh erosion, organ damage, and nerve damage, have prompted extensive litigation against the manufacturers of these devices.
Allegations of defective design, negligent marketing, and a failure to adequately warn patients and medical professionals about the potential risks have formed the crux of these lawsuits, seeking justice for the profound and life-altering consequences experienced by affected individuals.
Common Injuries from Pelvic Mesh Implants
Women who receive pelvic mesh implants have reported a long list of injuries and side effects, including but not limited to the following:
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Recurring urinary problems, including incontinence or difficulty urinating
- Pain during intercourse
- Organ prolapse recurrence, including the bladder or uterus
- Severe infections and abscesses
- Burning or stabbing pain along the pudendal or obturator nerves
- Pelvic bleeding
- Bowel, bladder, and blood vessel perforations
- Pelvic muscle or floor damage
- Mesh erosion or extrusion through vaginal walls or bladder
- Mesh contracture, shrinkage, or hardening
- Chronic inflammation or internal scarring
- Fistula development (abnormal tissue connections between organs)
The debilitating nature of these injuries has prompted thousands of lawsuits against manufacturers whose products were found defective, negligently designed, or improperly marketed without adequate warnings.
Pelvic Mesh Products and Manufacturers
Several major medical device manufacturers have faced legal scrutiny due to the complications linked to their pelvic mesh devices. This includes but is not limited to the following companies and their specific products:
- Johnson & Johnson/Ethicon:
- Prosima
- Gynemesh PS
- Prolift
- Prolift+M
- TVT
- TVT Abbrevo
- TVT Exact
- TVT Obturator (TVT-0)
- TVT Secur
- C.R. Bard:
- Align Urethral Support System
- Align Transobturator Urethral Support System
- Avaulta Solo Synthetic Support System
- Uretex/Uretex TO
- Boston Scientific:
- Advantage Fit Sling System
- Lynx Suprapubic Mid-Urethral Sling System
- Obtryx/Obtryx II Transobturator Mid-Urethral Sling System
- Pinnacle Pelvic Floor Repair Kit
- Polyform Synthetic Mesh
- Prefyx Mid U Mesh Sling System
- Prefyx PPS System
- Solyx SIS System
- Uphold Vaginal Support System
- Coloplast:
- Restorelle (Y-Mesh/Flat Mesh/L Mesh)
- T-Sling-Universal Polypropylene Sling System
- Aris-Transobturator Sling System
- Supris-Suprapubic Sling System
- Altis Single Incision Sling
The legal actions against these companies highlight the serious concerns regarding the safety and efficacy of their specific mesh products, prompting intense scrutiny of their design, testing, and marketing practices. For women who have received implants from these manufacturers and experienced harmful effects and catastrophic complications understanding the specific product used is a crucial step in exploring potential legal recourse.
Eligibility for a Pelvic Mesh Lawsuit
You may be eligible to file a pelvic mesh lawsuit if you meet the following criteria:
- Received a pelvic mesh implant between 2002 and the present
- Experienced severe side effects, including infection, organ perforation, chronic pain, erosion, or failure of the device
- Underwent revision or removal surgeries, hospital stays, or medical treatment to address complications
- Have medical records linking your injuries to your pelvic mesh device
If you believe you meet these requirements, it is crucial to contact Bossier & Associates to understand your rights and the available options for pursuing compensation for your injuries and losses.
Signs You May Have a Pelvic Mesh Claim
To strengthen your pelvic mesh lawsuit claim, you may need to provide documentation such as:
- Medical records from your implant procedure
- Identification of the specific mesh product used
- Proof of complications, subsequent treatments, or surgeries
- Bills and statements detailing medical expenses
- Evidence of pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life
These types of documentation can strengthen your pelvic mesh lawsuit by providing concrete evidence of your implant, the resulting complications, and the impact those complications have had on your quality of life.
Timeline to File Your Personal Injury Claim
If you’ve suffered complications from a defective pelvic mesh implant, it's crucial to be aware that each state has its own statute of limitations governing how long you have to file a personal injury lawsuit. These timeframes are critical, as missing the deadline can bar you from seeking compensation.
General Timeframes Across States for Personal Injury Claims:
- 1-Year Limit: Tennessee and Kentucky require personal injury claims to be filed within one year of the injury or its discovery.
- 2-Year Limit: Most states, like California, Texas, and Georgia, typically have a two-year window for filing such claims.
- 3-Year Limit: Some states including Mississippi, New York, and North Carolina often allow up to three years.
- 4-Year Limit: Wyoming, Utah, and Nebraska generally provide a four-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.
- 5-Year Limit: In Missouri, individuals typically have a five-year window from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit.
- 6-Year Limit: Maine and North Dakota provide a six-year period from the date of the incident for pursuing personal injury claims, offering a slightly longer timeframe.
The Discovery Rule:
Many states apply the "discovery rule," which means the statute of limitations clock starts when the injury is discovered or reasonably should have been discovered, rather than when the injury actually occurred. This is particularly relevant for pelvic mesh cases, where complications may not become apparent until years after the implant.
Given the complexities and variations in state laws, it's essential to consult with an experienced pelvic mesh attorney from Bossier & Associates promptly to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate legal timeframe of your state.
Why Hire an Experienced Pelvic Mesh Lawyer?
Navigating a pelvic mesh lawsuit can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. An experienced pelvic mesh lawyer understands the complexities of these cases, from gathering evidence to negotiating settlements or going to trial. At Bossier & Associates, we can help hold negligent manufacturers accountable and secure the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
Get Help from a Pelvic Mesh Lawsuit Lawyer Today
At Bossier & Associates, PLLC, we are dedicated to advocating for women who have suffered injuries from pelvic mesh implants. If you or a loved one is struggling with complications from these products, contact us today. We will evaluate your claim, walk you through your legal options, and fight to get you the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve. Schedule a consultation with us now to take the first step toward rebuilding your life.
