Hernias occur commonly among men, women, and children, and they typically do not have life-threatening consequences. However, many eventually require surgical treatment to prevent them from affecting other areas of the body and causing pain, swelling, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Despite the fact that over one million hernia repair surgeries are performed each year, many patients in recent years have reported that the mesh used to correct the hernia led to even greater health concerns.
In 2011, hernia mesh manufacturer C.R. Bard, Inc. settled a class-action lawsuit for $184 million after victims who had received their Composix® Kugel® Mesh product experienced severe medical complications. In 2017, more lawsuits began to flood in against Bard and other makers of hernia mesh, including Atrium and Ethicon. As of December 2020, these lawsuits are ongoing.
If you suffered complications after hernia repair surgery related to the hernia mesh used to correct the issue in Sayville, NY, the lawyers at Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. can help you move forward with your claim. Call us right away at (631) 600-0000, and our legal team will discuss your options with you.
Types of Hernias and How Doctors Treat Them
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), hernias occur when part of an organ or tissue squeezes through a hole in the muscle or connective tissue around it. Hernias are usually caused by pressure on a weakened area, and they can often be felt through the skin. The most common type, inguinal, affects the upper groin and most often affects men. Hernias can also occur in the upper thigh and throughout the abdomen, including at the belly button.
Doctors treat hernias based on their location and severity. They cannot go away on their own, but patients can sometimes avoid treatment if they are not growing, putting pressure on other organs, or causing pain. If the hernia begins to worsen, doctors may recommend repair surgery. Doctors can sometimes treat the hernia surgically without mesh, but some circumstances require its use to resolve the issue efficiently.
How Hernia Mesh Is Supposed to Work
Hernia mesh is a surgical device that acts as a substitute for the weakened tissue to prevent the hernia from reemerging. Many types of mesh on the market include those made from animal skin, plastic mesh, knitted or non-knitted options, and absorbable or permanent mesh. Absorbable mesh decomposes over time after encouraging new tissue growth and is usually used for smaller hernias.
In many cases, doctors use a permanent polypropylene (plastic) mesh to repair the hernia site. Ideally, it acts as an effective long-term barrier that does not cause the patient discomfort once healed. If your hernia mesh did not function as intended and caused complications, a hernia mesh lawsuit lawyer can help you determine if you have a case.
Complications Associated with Hernia Mesh
The FDA regularly receives reports of pain, infection, and hernia recurrence associated with hernia mesh, as well as serious conditions such as adhesions, or scar tissue that sticks together, and bowel obstruction, or a blockage of the intestines. One article cited by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) detailed a case in which a patient’s hernia mesh detached, migrated, eroded, or pushed through the tissue of part of her large intestine. While less common than other complications, this case does not represent a one-time occurrence.
No matter the type of complication you suffered, you may qualify for compensation for your medical injuries. The lawyers at Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. can guide you through the process of holding the hernia mesh manufacturer accountable for your injuries. Contact our legal team today at (631) 600-0000 with more information about your case.
A Hernia Mesh Lawsuit Lawyer Can Help You with Your Case
Hernia mesh lawsuits are known as product liability cases. Victims file these types of claims to pursue compensation from a company that released a dangerous product onto the market. To have a product liability case, you must prove that:
● You suffered an injury or the loss of a loved one.
● The manufacturer made and distributed a defective product without providing consumers with adequate warnings.
● The product was used as intended.
● The product caused your injury.
A lawyer can collect evidence in your case to prove that, at no fault of you or your doctor, you suffered a medical injury as the result of a company’s defective product.
Financial Recovery in Hernia Mesh Lawsuits
Complications from hernia mesh may result in intense physical pain and distress, but they can also lead to financial struggles. If you have experienced monetary losses because of the medical injury caused by your hernia mesh, you may qualify for compensation in your case, which could include recovery for:
● The lost wages you missed because of the time you had to take off work
● Loss of future wages if you cannot return to your previous position because of the hernia mesh complications
● Medical expenses, including surgeries, tests, follow-up visits, emergency care, equipment, and medication
● Pain and suffering damages, such as mental anguish or loss of quality of life
A hernia mesh lawsuit lawyer can assess your losses and determine a fair amount to pursue on your behalf.
You Have a Limited Amount of Time to File Your Claim
Each state carries a statute of limitations, or time limit, on product liability claims, including hernia mesh cases. The amount of time you may have to file your claim may also depend on your case’s specific circumstances, as exceptions do sometimes apply to general statutes of limitation. A lawyer can calculate how much time you have left to file and, if you qualify, assist you through the process, so you do not miss your chance to seek compensation.
Contact Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. Right Away to Get Started
Suffering from a hernia can make it difficult for you to work, take care of yourself and your family, or even complete basic tasks. If you had surgery to correct the issue only to suffer from complications related to hernia mesh, our lawyers are ready to fight for your case. Contact Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. as soon as possible at (631) 600-0000 to get started on a free case review with our legal team.
