Transvaginal mesh is a surgical mesh used to treat pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women. Despite its medical purpose, numerous lawsuits have been filed over complications linked to this device. Here, we review several significant judgments in these cases.
The First Major Verdict: C.R. Bard
One of the earliest notable verdicts on transvaginal mesh lawsuits arrived in 2012 when a California resident, who suffered complications following a mesh implant, was awarded $5.5 million against C.R. Bard. The case set a precedent for the wave of lawsuits that would follow.
Johnson & Johnson’s $11.11 Million Verdict
In 2013, a New Jersey state court ordered Johnson & Johnson’s Ethicon unit to pay over $11.11 million in damages to Linda Gross, a woman who suffered severe complications following a transvaginal mesh surgery.
American Medical Systems Settles 20,000 Lawsuits
American Medical Systems (AMS), one of the largest manufacturers of transvaginal mesh, agreed in 2014 to settle approximately 20,000 lawsuits to the tune of $1.6 billion. This settlement remains one of the largest to date in transvaginal mesh litigation.
$100 Million Verdict Against Boston Scientific
In the largest verdict of its kind, Boston Scientific was ordered in 2015 to pay Deborah Barba $100 million after she experienced complications from their mesh products. The incident represented a colossal win for victims of faulty mesh products.
J&J Hit by a $57 Million Verdict
Johnson & Johnson faced yet another major legal blow in 2017 when a Philadelphia jury awarded $57 million to a woman who claimed she was injured by a defectively designed Ethicon’s TVT-Secur device.
Most Recent: Boston Scientific Hit by $184 Million Judgement
In one of the most recent verdicts from 2019, a Delaware jury awarded four women damages totaling $184 million against Boston Scientific for pain and suffering caused by the mesh implants.
Conclusion
These are just a few examples of notable verdicts in transvaginal mesh lawsuits. They underscore the seriousness of the allegations against mesh manufacturers and the immense suffering of the patients involved. As long as such health risks persist and legal scrutiny intensifies, these suits will continue to play a crucial role in helping victims seek rightful justice and compensation.
