The Hidden Risks of Hernia Mesh Failure
A hernia is basically an internal hole. Intestines or viscera can bulge through it. If the hole is large, a surgeon closes it using hernia mesh.
Hernia mesh (HM) is a medical device often used to repair hernias and prevent them from recurring. Think of a small hole in a screen door patched with a small piece of screen to cover the hole.
Several companies make hernia mesh including Atrium, Bard, Coviden, and Lifecell. Hernia mesh is made from plastic, polyester, and even pig cells.
Hernia Mesh Sometimes Fails
While many people undergo successful surgeries using hernia mesh, the device comes with serious risks that could lead to significant health complications.
If you’ve had HM implanted or are considering surgery, it’s essential to understand the potential dangers associated with these devices, as detailed in legal complaints. Today, hernia mesh failure lawsuits continue in the Atrium, Bard, Covidien, and Lifecell Strattice Hernia Mesh Products Liability Litigation.
What Is Hernia Mesh?
Hernia mesh is a synthetic or biological material used to support weakened tissue around hernias.
Doctors use it in various types of hernia repair surgeries. It can help reduce the likelihood of hernias returning. Companies like Atrium, Bard, Covidien, and Lifecell (Strattice) manufacture several types of hernia mesh, including:
- Parietex Composite MesH
- 3D Max
- ProGrip MesH
- SurgiPro MesH
- Strattice
While hernia mesh has been effective for many patients, lawsuits against manufacturers highlight significant risks for others. The main adverse outcome we focus on is a subsequent surgery to remove the mesh.
What Are the Risks Hernia Mesh Presents?
Several lawsuits claim that certain hernia mesh devices are defective and cause serious complications. These hernia mesh failures include:
Pain and Discomfort: Many patients experience chronic pain following hernia mesh surgery. This pain may result from the mesh moving, causing irritation in surrounding tissues, or even eroding into organs.
Infections: The mesh material can increase the risk of infections. In some cases, bacteria can build up on the mesh, leading to severe complications that require further medical intervention, such as removal of the device. Meshoma refers to a rare mesh related infection.
Mesh Migration or Erosion: HM can move from its original position or even erode into nearby tissues or organs, causing life-threatening issues. If the mesh shifts, it can cause blockages, perforate organs, or lead to other serious health problems.
Adhesions and Obstructions: The mesh may attach to nearby organs, leading to bowel obstructions, which can cause severe pain, bloating, and vomiting. These hernia mesh failures often require additional surgery to correct.
Recurrent Hernias: In some cases, the hernia may return if the mesh fails to stay in place, leading to additional surgeries or complications.
These hernia mesh failure complications cause hernia mesh related symptoms that results in hernia mesh revision surgery or hernia mesh removal surgery, which can then be the basis for a hernia mesh lawsuit.
What Should You Do if You’ve Been Implanted with Hernia Mesh?
If you’ve had hernia mesh (HM) surgery and are experiencing complications, or if you’re considering hernia surgery, here are a few important steps to take:
Consult Your Doctor: If you experience symptoms like pain, discomfort, or signs of infection after your surgery, contact your healthcare provider immediately. They may recommend imaging tests or additional procedures to determine if your hernia mesh (HM) caused complications. They may recommend hernia mesh revision surgery or hernia mesh removal surgery.
Monitor Your Health: Even if you feel fine immediately after surgery, complications can arise months or even years later. Keep an eye out for any changes in your health and report new hernia mesh failure symptoms to your doctor.
Consider Testing: In some cases, medical tests such as CT scans or ultrasounds can reveal mesh migration, blockages, or other issues that may not be obvious from physical symptoms alone.
Seek Legal Advice: Have you’ve suffered complications due to hernia mesh – HM? You may be entitled to compensation. Many individuals filed lawsuits claiming that manufacturers knew about the risks associated with their products but failed to adequately warn patients. Hernia mesh failure lawsuits further allege the hernia mesh is defective. Consulting an attorney with experience in product liability, specifically medical device cases, can help you understand your options.
KBA Attorneys are the Leading Hernia Mesh Attorneys in the Country
KBA Attorneys are one of the leading authorities on hernia mesh failures. Our attorneys teach other lawyers the medicine, science, and legal nuances concerning hernia mesh. We filed and litigated thousands of lawsuits. KBA’s attorneys have deposed hernia mesh company officers and employees and dozens of treating physicians to litigate individual hernia mesh lawsuits. KBA retained preeminent medical experts to develop expert reports showing how the hernia mesh failures caused patients’ injuries. Our hernia mesh team led by Robert Price tried the only Strattice (biologic) hernia mesh failure case in the country, fighting for thousands of people others would not represent. Our firm has the knowledge, experience, and will to fight for hernia mesh victims.
The Legal Landscape Around HM
Many people filed lawsuits against HM manufacturers, accusing them of producing defective devices and failing to provide adequate warnings about the risks. In the Covidien Hernia Mesh Products Liability Litigation, the plaintiffs allege that hernia mesh devices Covidien manufactured caused him significant harm. One complaint for example includes claims of strict product liability for defective design, failure to warn, and manufacturing defects, as well as claims of negligence, breach of warranty, and emotional distress.
These cases highlight the fact that HM complications are more common than many people realize. Patients have suffered from severe pain, infections, and multiple surgeries to correct mesh-related issues.
Similar allegations exist in the Bard hernia mesh litigation, Atrium hernia mesh lawsuits, and the Strattice hernia mesh lawsuits, including the hernia mesh trials to date.
Stay Informed
Hernia mesh can provide relief for many hernia patients, but it also comes with significant risks for many patients. If you’ve had hernia mesh HM implanted and are experiencing complications, or if you’re considering surgery, understanding the potential dangers is crucial.
Keep in close contact with your healthcare provider, monitor your health. Definitely consider seeking legal advice if you suspect that your hernia mesh device has caused harm. There are strict timelines for hernia mesh failure lawsuits. You have to file a claim within a certain timeframe. There are also settlements with deadlines.
Manufacturers like Atrium, Bard, and Covidien are facing increasing scrutiny and legal action as patients across the country seek justice for the pain and suffering caused by defective hernia mesh products. Stay informed, know your rights, and act now to protect your health and well-being.
What Are Your Rights?
If you believe your hernia mesh – the HM – caused complications, you have the right to seek compensation. Potential claims can include:
Medical Expenses: This includes the costs of additional surgeries, hospital stays, and ongoing treatment related to complications from HM. Some insurers may have a right to recover a portion of a settlement in a hernia mesh lawsuit.
Pain and Suffering: Chronic pain and emotional distress often accompany medical complications from hernia mesh. You may be entitled to compensation for this suffering.
Lost Wages: If your hernia mesh complications prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for lost income due to medical treatments and recovery time.
Injured by Hernia Mesh Failure?
If you or a loved one have faced health consequences because of a Hernia Mesh failure, you may be entitled to compensation. We deal with defective medical devices at our law firm. We are prepared to help you with your case. Contact Us to learn more about how we can help you.