Currently, there are numerous lawsuits pending against hernia mesh manufacturers. While each case is unique and the settlement and verdicts that may follow are influenced by specific facts, figures from past hernia mesh and similar medical device cases demonstrate the high liability manufacturers may face if their product is found to be defective and cause damage to patients implanted with them.
Settlement Figures
Many of the past settlement figures for surgical meshes that may measure expectations in current hernia mesh litigation involved pelvic or transvaginal meshes, in addition to hernia meshes.
$35 million verdict against Ethicon, Johnson & Johnson
In 2018, a verdict of $35 million was entered by an Indiana court against Ethicon, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, for medical complications caused by its Prolift pelvic mesh. The plaintiff in this case alleged that Ethicon had withheld information and continuously underreported the failure rate of the product and its propensity to cause post-surgical complications.
$200 million settlement between plaintiffs and C.R. Bard
In August 2015, C.R. Bard settled 3,000 products liability cases alleging medical complications caused by hernia meshes. The total settlement amount was $200 million and each plaintiff received approximately $67,000 in damages.
$20 million verdict against Ethicon. Johnson & Johnson for defective transvaginal meshes
In 2017, a $20 million verdict was entered against Ethicon, after a jury found that their product, the TVT-Secur transvaginal tape, was defective and responsible for causing post-surgical complications in plaintiffs. This product was similar to the company’s hernia mesh device, Physiomesh Flexible Composite Mesh, which it voluntarily withdrew from the market.
Boston Scientific paid $576 million in settlements to 9,000 plaintiffs in one year
In April 2015, Boston Scientific settled 3,000 products liability cases based on complications caused by their transvaginal meshes. The company paid about $40,000 per case, totaling $119 million. Then, in October 2015, the company agreed to pay a total of $457 million to 6,000 plaintiffs for complications caused by their transvaginal mesh products.
Pending Hernia Mesh Litigation
There are currently thousands of pending products liability claims related to hernia mesh complications against various manufacturers including Ethicon, Atrium, and Bard.
How Much is My Claim Worth?
If you or a loved one underwent surgical hernia and were injured due to complications from a hernia mesh device, the amount of compensation you are entitled to recover will depend on the actual extent of your damages. Your attorney will work closely with you to review all of your medical records, medical bills, time of from work and lost wages, and any other damages you suffered as a result of a flawed hernia mesh.
Our team of attorney are knowledgeable and experienced in handling hernia mesh products liability cases. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation of your case.