By Joe Fantini June 11, 2019

Hernia mesh is used in most hernia repair surgeries in the United States. Unfortunately, many patients have reported adverse health issues after getting a hernia mesh implant. Complications arise when the mesh migrates, erodes, or adheres to tissue in the body.

Injured patients have filed lawsuits against hernia mesh manufacturers, demanding compensation for their injuries and suffering. The lawsuit claim, among other things, that hernia mesh devices are defective and unreasonably dangerous. Medical device companies are accused of failing to warn patients about known health risks associated with hernia mesh implants.

Have There Been Any Hernia Mesh Lawsuit Settlements?

Not yet. However, mesh manufacturers are defending thousands of hernia mesh lawsuits in state and federal courts across the country. Many of these product liability lawsuits have been consolidated into multi-district litigation, or MDLs. This allows a single federal judge to oversee multiple cases that are based on similar facts, evidence, and arguments.

If results from pelvic mesh cases are any indicator, plaintiffs in hernia mesh lawsuits are in a good position to recover the money they deserve. Like their predecessor, hernia mesh products were never tested before they were sold in the United States. Manufacturers took advantage of the FDA’s 510(k) clearance program, which allows medical devices to be sold as long as there’s already a similar device on the market. Since testing isn’t required, hernia repair patients have become the test subjects. We’re only learning about the dangers of hernia mesh as patients become injured.

What Are Common Hernia Mesh Injuries?

Defects in hernia mesh products cause the devices to move, fold, shrink, erode, harden, or adhere after surgery. This has caused countless injuries, including:

You may be entitled to compensation for these and other injuries.

How Do I Know If My Hernia Mesh is Defective?

It’s important to seek medical attention immediately if you notice any unusual or painful side effects after your hernia repair surgery. Your mesh may be defective and causing your adverse health issues. Signs of hernia mesh failure include:

Do not underestimate the degree of damage a defective hernia mesh implant can cause. Prompt medical care can help to prevent further injury and complications.

Why is Hernia Mesh Defective?

Hernia mesh is a thin, flexible plastic implant. It’s inserted at the site of a hernia to give the abdomen extra strength and support at you recover. One side of the mesh should be slippery so that it doesn’t adhere to your internal organs and tissue. The other side should be rough so that it adheres to your abdominal wall.

Unfortunately, many hernia mesh devices are defective and don’t work as intended. Some have dangerous polypropylene coatings that are known to oxidize and degrade in the body. This allows the mesh to break down or move after surgery. Others have plastic coatings that simply don’t work or are absorbed into the body. This can lead to severe health complications, including infection and inflammation.

Have Hernia Mesh Products Been Recalled?

Yes. Some hernia mesh devices have been recalled by manufacturers or the FDA.

You may have a legitimate claim for damages even if your hernia mesh implant hasn’t been recalled. Manufacturers are liable for injuries caused by defects in their product. A recall won’t necessarily impact that.

Do I Have a Hernia Mesh Lawsuit?

You may have the right to file a hernia mesh lawsuit if you have:

You’ll need to speak with an experienced injury attorney to learn about your legal rights and options.