New York 10/5/2013 2:25:29 AM
News / Health & Wellness

Thousands of Women Allegedly Harmed by Mesh Implants Are Taking Action

ClassAction.org is alerting women to reports that more than 30,000 women have reportedly filed lawsuits over their allegedly defective mesh implants, which are used to treat pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence. The suits allege that women have suffered infection, bleeding, pain during sexual intercourse, organ perforation, and urinary problems as a result of the implants. If you have been implanted with a transvaginal mesh and suffered from any of these side effects, you may still be able to file a claim for compensation. Visit http://www.classaction.org/transvaginal-mesh.html for more information and a free, online case review.

In 2011, the Food and Drug Administration released a press release and safety communication alerting the public to mounting reports of adverse effects related to vaginal mesh implants. Between 2008 and 2010, the FDA received nearly 3,000 adverse event reports associated with mesh implants – five times more than they received between 2005 and 2007. According to the press release, transvaginal mesh complications associated with the repair of POP are “not rare.” The most common complication with the implants was reported to be erosion, which may cause organ perforation, urinary problems, pain during sexual intercourse, infection, and bleeding. In addition, it was reported that mesh contraction, previously unidentified as a side effect of transvaginal POP repair, was found to contribute to pain during sexual intercourse and pelvic pain. The FDA warned prospective patients that mesh implants are permanent and to solve any erosion-related issues could take multiple surgeries.

Medical device companies Endo, Bard, and Johnson & Johnson have each faced suits over their allegedly defective implants. Earlier this year, Endo paid more than $50 million in damages to settle an unspecified number of suits. In 2012 and 2013, Bard was responsible for $3.6 million and $2 million in damages, respectively, for two women who claimed that the company’s Avaulta implant had caused them injury. In February, Johnson & Johnson’s mesh implant, Gynecare Prolift, cost them $11.1 million in damages after a woman claimed the implant caused her injuries.

Currently, five mesh implant makers are reportedly in talks about possibly settling the thousands of lawsuits over their products, and lawyers for the plaintiffs believe the number of filed suits could grow by at least 20,000. If you believe you have been injured by a mesh implant, you may still have time to file a claim for compensation. For more information, please visit ClassAction.org.

About ClassAction.org
 
Class Action.org is dedicated to protecting consumers and investors in class actions and complex litigation throughout the United States. Class Action.org keeps consumers informed about product alerts, recalls, and emerging litigation and helps them take action against the manufacturers of defective products, drugs, and medical devices. Information about consumer fraud issues and environmental hazards is also available on the site. Visit ClassAction.org today for a no cost, no obligation case evaluation and information about your consumer rights.