Bard Avaulta Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuits Proliferate

Lawyers and Settlements reports that numerous transvaginal mesh lawsuits are being filed, with many resulting in awards for the victims and their partners who suffer with them. According to the news article, another couple recently filed a product liability lawsuit. In that case, the woman and her husband allege that they have not been able to have sex since she was implanted with the Bard Avaulta transvaginal mesh because it is “too painful for her” and her husband could “feel the mesh.”

Bard, the maker of Avaulta transvaginal mesh implants, lost its first personal injury lawsuit when a California jury awarded $5 million to Christine Scott. She had suffered major complications due to Bard’s Avaulta Plus device including incontinence, severe pain, and inability to be intimate. Scott later required eight surgeries to remove the mesh. Her husband was awarded $500,000 for loss of consortium in that case.

Scott’s award is already being viewed as an indicator as to how future case decisions are likely regarding this defective product. Though this victim was not part of it, there are apparently over 1000 multidistrict litigation cases, with similar complaints, that have been filed against major manufacturers of pelvic repair and vaginal mesh products. Recently, in August 2012, a lawsuit was filed against Boston Scientific by Debra and Ronnie Wooten, alleging serious complications as a result of Debra’s transvaginal mesh.

Complaints of Severe Complications

Women represented by Bisnar Chase have suffered similarly, often experiencing unbearable and excruciating pain due to their mesh implants. Many have also complained about painful vaginal erosion caused by the mesh moving around. This can tear the tissue and even damage organs such as the bladder or the colon. In addition, these defective implants can cause life-threatening infections.

Women who suffer conditions such as pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence resort to mesh implant devices based on medical recommendation as a way to solve those health issues. However, many women report that they continue to suffer from urinary incontinence even after receiving the implants. In July 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an updated warning that transvaginal mesh complications are not rare and that there is no evidence that these mesh implants have any benefits over other methods to treat these health conditions.

Protecting Victims’ Rights

Medical device manufacturers have a responsibility to make products that are safe for consumers. If you or a loved one has suffered serious complications from using these dangerous and defective products, an experienced product liability lawyer can help you better understand your legal rights and options. Victims can seek compensation to cover damages such as medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of additional surgeries, pain and suffering, emotional distress and loss of consortium.