File a Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuit
Transvaginal Mesh Attorneys
Transvaginal mesh implants are a surgical procedure done to support the pelvic organs and improve urinary control. However, this procedure rarely goes as smoothly as hoped.
Transvaginal mesh implants have been linked with serious complications, from persistent bleeding to autoimmune problems and chronic pain. These complications are commonplace, with more than 108,000 women filing lawsuits since the procedure was approved by the FDA in 2002.
If you or a loved one was injured by a pelvic mesh implant, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the experienced transvaginal mesh lawyers at Niemeyer, Grebel and Kruse today for a free consultation – 314-241-1919
What is a transvaginal mesh implant (surgical mesh)?
A transvaginal mesh implant is a surgical device made of a surgical mesh, inserted through a woman’s vagina into her pelvic area to support the pelvic organs and improve urinary control.
Surgical mesh is a medical device typically made from synthetic materials such as polypropylene, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) or biological material to provide additional support to weakened or damaged tissues. It is predominantly used in surgical procedures such as hernia repair, pelvic organ prolapse surgery, and stress urinary incontinence treatment, among others.
The mesh is intricately woven to create a flexible, yet strong, net-like structure. It can be manipulated to fit different shapes and sizes based on the surgical requirements. This flexibility and strength combination is integral in providing the required support to tissues, while also allowing for new tissue growth and integration with the body’s existing tissue structures.
There are different types of surgical mesh available, including non-absorbable and absorbable meshes. Transvaginal mesh implants are typically non-absorbable meshes, which remain in the body indefinitely, providing a permanent scaffold for tissue growth.
Transvaginal mesh implants are typically used to treat pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence.
What is pelvic organ prolapse?
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs when one or more pelvic organs — the uterus, vagina, bladder or bowel — fall from their normal position on the pelvic floor and press against the walls of the vagina. This can cause a number of symptoms such as:
- A feeling of pressure in the pelvis or lower abdomen
- Backache
- Vaginal bleeding or discharge
- Urinary incontinence
- Difficulty having a bowel movement
- Pain during sex
Pelvic organ prolapse is a common condition, similar to a hernia, affecting nearly half of all women by the time they reach menopause. It can be caused by a variety of things, including childbirth, aging, obesity, and repeated heavy lifting.
It can often be symptomless for many years, so many women often don’t seek treatment until they begin to feel one of the symptoms above.
What is stress urinary incontinence?
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is the most common type of urinary incontinence. It is a leakage of urine that occurs when stress or pressure is put on the bladder, such as when coughing, sneezing, laughing or running.
SUI can be caused by a number of things, including childbirth, obesity and age. It is more common in women than in men.
There are three types of SUI:
- Reflex urinary incontinence: This is the most common type of SUI and is caused by a sudden, uncontrollable contraction of the bladder muscles. This type of SUI is often associated with neurological problems, such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease.
- Urge urinary incontinence: This type of SUI is caused by a strong, sudden urge to urinate that can’t be controlled. It is often associated with overactive bladder syndrome or bladder infections.
- Functional urinary incontinence: This type of SUI is caused by conditions that make it hard for a person to get to the bathroom in time, such as arthritis or mobility issues.
The problem with transvaginal mesh implants
Despite its many benefits, the use of transvaginal mesh isn’t without risks. Some patients may experience complications such as infection, mesh erosion or migration, pain, or reoccurrence of the original condition. Thus, the decision to use surgical mesh should be made by considering the patient’s specific situation, the surgeon’s expertise, and the potential benefits and risks.
It wasn’t long after transvaginal mesh devices were approved in 2002 that women began to report painful side effects from the procedure. Among a laundry list of issues, women have reported:
- Persistent bleeding
- Mesh extrusion or protrusion
- Serious and chronic pain
- Pain during intercourse
- Urinary problems
- Infection
- Organ perforation
- Mesh erosion
- Vaginal scarring
- Recurring prolapse
The difficulties someone might face when living with medical complications after a transvaginal mesh surgery can be immense. Not only are you struggling with the physical pain of the surgery itself, but you may also be dealing with chronic pain, infection and other problems.
You may find it difficult to travel or do everyday activities. You may also find it difficult to work or take care of your family. The emotional stress of living with these complications can be overwhelming.
As we mentioned above, it can be emotionally draining to deal with transvaginal mesh complications after having surgery. A treatment that was meant to improve your health and quality of life has done the opposite.
Time away from work, mounting medical bills, restricted quality of life and frustrating insurance companies can combine to make a stressful situation overwhelming.
This is where it can be so helpful to work with a skilled personal injury attorney. When you work with NGK Law, you gain instant access to team with two of the 2022 list of Best Lawyers as well as a Top 50 and Top 100 lawyer in the area of plaintiff’s personal injury by Super Lawyers Magazine. Our team wins.
When we begin working together, we will:
- Speak with you to thoroughly understand your case
- Review all of the evidence of the case, from medical records to surgical notes and FDA documentation relating to your implant
- Handle all conversations and negotiations with lawyers and insurance companies
- Keep an open and honest line of communication with you throughout the process
Contact the transvaginal mesh product liability lawyers at Niemeyer, Grebel and Kruse today for a free consultation – 314-241-1919.
How do I know if I have a valid claim in a vaginal mesh lawsuit?
There are a few ways to determine if you have a valid claim in a vaginal mesh implant lawsuit. One way is to speak to an attorney who specializes in these types of cases. They will be able to help you determine if you have a case and, if so, what the next steps are.
Another way to find out if you have a case is by contacting the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The FDA maintains a registry of all medical devices, including surgical mesh devices, and any adverse events that may have been reported as a result of their use. You can view this registry on the FDA’s website.
If you have experienced any of the symptoms listed above after having a transvaginal mesh implant, you may have a valid claim and should speak with an attorney. An attorney with a track record in transvaginal mesh cases will know the evidence to look for in your case, and they will also have a deep understanding of the damages that you can request in your case.
Your attorney can provide valuable information to help you plan your next step.
Settlements against transvaginal mesh companies
Vaginal mesh lawsuits are becoming increasingly common as more and more women come forward with complications from the surgery. In many cases, these lawsuits are successful in obtaining settlements from the mesh manufacturers.
So far, manufacturers have paid out billions in settlements and jury verdicts in individual and class action lawsuits.
There are a variety of damages that someone can recover in a transvaginal mesh lawsuit. These include economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages
Economic damages are those that can be calculated in terms of money. This includes damages for medical expenses and lost wages.
Medical expenses can include the cost of the surgery itself, as well as any subsequent surgeries or treatments that are required because of the mesh implant.
Lost wages can be calculated based on how much time you have had to take off from work to recover from the surgery or to deal with the complications caused by the mesh implant.
Non-economic damages
Non-economic damages are those that cannot be easily quantified in terms of money. This includes damages for things like mental anguish, physical pain and loss of enjoyment of life.
These damages can be very important in a transvaginal mesh lawsuit, as they can help to compensate the victim for the injuries they have suffered.
Work with a legal team that gets the job done
If you or someone you love has been injured by a transvaginal mesh product, it’s important to work with a personal injury attorney that inspires confidence.
When interviewing attorneys, ask about their case history. Have they handled many cases like yours, and if so, what is their track record? Do they typically win the cases they take, and what kind of judgements do they get for their clients.
At Niemeyer, Grebel and Kruse, we specialize in transvaginal mesh lawsuits. Founding partner Mark Niemeyer has been appointed to the leadership of national pharmaceutical and medical device litigations by federal courts around the country.
Contact us today at 314-241-1919, and we can review your case together.
Free Case Evaluation