Bard was one of seven defendants in one of the largest mass torts in U.S. history. The company spent millions of dollars to settle claims from women who suffered complications because of its Avaulta vaginal mesh implant and other polypropylene mesh implantable products. This mesh, sometimes called transvaginal mesh, is commonly used to repair pelvic organ prolapse. However, research shows this mesh carries a significantly higher risk of complications when compared to more traditional repair methods.
If you suffered complications after a pelvic prolapse repair or other similar procedure that used transvaginal mesh, you may qualify to file a claim for compensation against the company that made or marketed the mesh. The mass tort attorneys from Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C., know what it takes to win this type of case. We can help you understand if you are eligible to file a suit against Bard or another defective medical device company. Call us today at 800-550-0000 to set up your free consultation and case review and talk to a Bard Avaulta vaginal mesh lawsuit lawyer about your claim today.
What Issues Have Women Had With Bard Avaulta Vaginal Mesh?
Like other polypropylene vaginal mesh products, many doctors opted to use Bard Avaulta mesh for pelvic organ prolapse repair, as well as procedures to treat specific types of urinary incontinence, such as stress incontinence. In theory, this mesh provided a much less invasive way to treat these conditions than traditional methods requiring open abdominal surgery. However, these mesh implants also seem to cause a number of complications that are avoidable with other prolapse repair methods.
Some of the reported side effects and complications related to transvaginal mesh implants include:
- Shrinkingof the mesh;
- Erosion of the mesh;
- Mesh embedding in nearby tissues;
- Infection around the mesh;
- Failure of the mesh;
- Unexplained pain;
- Pain during vaginal intercourse;
- Scarring in the vagina;
- Recurrence of pelvic organ prolapse; and
- Urinary incontinence and other issues.
When the mesh fails or causes significant complications, surgical removal may be necessary. This revision surgery is rarely uncomplicated. Some people require numerous surgeries to completely remove the mesh. In other cases, it is impossible to fully remove the mesh. This can make it very difficult to attempt other repair techniques to address the pelvic organ prolapse or other issue that required surgery in the first place.
If you suffered adverse effects after a Bard Avaulta vaginal mesh implant procedure, you may qualify for compensation for your medical costs, missed wages during your recovery, pain and suffering, and other compensatory damages. Our attorneys can examine the details of your case and determine if you have a valid claim against the manufacturer.
Have There Been Warnings About Bard Avaulta Vaginal Mesh?
While the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has not addressed Avaulta mesh specifically, the organization is well aware of the numerous reports of adverse events related to transvaginal mesh products. The FDA first expressed its concern about these products in 2008. The organization had received reports of serious complications related to polypropylene vaginal mesh from doctors and patients.
In 2011, the FDA followed its initial notification with an official Safety Communication and white paper. This warned doctors and women who might undergo this type of procedure of the significant increase in the risk of complications when using transvaginal mesh over other repair methods.
The FDA’s current position on transvaginal mesh is that more traditional methods are usually effective and do not come with the risks associated with mesh-related complications.
What Is the Current Status of the Bard Avaulta Vaginal Mesh Lawsuits?
With thousands of women filing lawsuits, the vaginal mesh mass tort is easily one of the largest cases of its kind in U.S. history. Many of these cases were a part of Multidistrict Litigation No. 2187, consolidated for discovery and pretrial proceedings in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia with Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presiding.
This case against the seven manufacturers got underway in 2012, and continued with discovery, pretrial proceedings, and the first bellwether case. After losing the first bellwether trial, C.R. Bard Inc. promptly settled a second federal suit.
Unsure how this many cases could ever possibly make it through the smaller courts in their original jurisdictions, the Judge Goodwin urged the pharmaceutical companies to offer out-of-court settlements to the claimants. Without these settlements, the courts would face years of delays, some people would never receive their payouts, and the companies would have to resort to bankruptcy.
This urging was effective for the most part, with several of the seven companies offering settlements during the following months. Bard settled more than 3,000 cases in a settlement totaling more than $200 million and covering several products, including the Avaulta mesh. This could indicate the company is aware it will need to payout to more claimants in the coming years.
If you underwent a pelvic organ prolapse repair with Bard Avaulta vaginal mesh or another similar transvaginal mesh product and suffered complications, you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation against Bard or another manufacturer. We can help you understand if you have a viable claim and explain how to recover the money you deserve.
Talk About Your Case With a Bard Avaulta Vaginal Mesh Lawsuit Lawyer
The mass tort attorneys from Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C., can help you understand how the vaginal mesh MDL and Bard’s settlement may affect your ability to collect compensation for your physical injuries, emotional stress, and financial losses. If you have a valid case, we will stand up against the manufacturer, no matter how large. We will fight to get you the justice you deserve.
We offer free consultations and case reviews if you believe you suffered injuries and required surgery because of a defective transvaginal mesh product. Call us today at 800-550-0000 to meet with a Bard Avaulta vaginal mesh lawsuit lawyer.
