Hernia Mesh Lawsuits: Product Recalls and Patient Injuries
We put a lot of trust in the makers of medical equipment, assuming that anything placed on the market is safe for patients. Sadly, there have been many cases of defective products in the field of medicine that have led to severe injuries and even death. That’s why the product liability lawyers of Charpentier Law Firm, P.A. are here for the people of Melbourne, FL.
In recent years, there have been a number of lawsuits related to injuries sustained after hernia repair surgery. The issue wasn’t a surgical error but rather a problem with the medical mesh used during the otherwise safe procedure. Let’s explore these matters below.
How Hernia Mesh Works
Hernia mesh is a medical item used in hernia repair surgeries. The mesh helps prevent recurrence of the hernia following the surgery by keeping tissues in place and reinforcing the existing muscles and connective tissues. The hernia mesh usually comes in three forms: patches, plugs, and sheets.
Problems with Certain Kinds of Hernia Mesh
Unfortunately, there have been issues with different kinds of hernia mesh, resulting in serious injuries to patients. As it turns out, certain of hernia mesh brands on the market contain materials that are not compatible with the human body, such as the plastic known as polypropylene. Injuries and fatalities have led to the recall of numerous types of hernia mesh.
Injuries and Complications Caused by Hernia Mesh
The non-compatible material in hernia mesh have been linked to a number of post-surgical complications in patients. The potential complications include:
- Infection
- Perforation of the bowel
- Puncture wounds to nearby organs in the abdomen
- Obstruction of the bowel
- Adhesion of the mesh to the bowel
- Tears of the abdominal wall
- Peritonitis
- Sepsis
- Abscesses
If left untreated, hernia mesh problems could result in autoimmune disorders, liver problems, and kidney failure.
Hernia Mesh Brands and Manufacturers
Two kinds of hernia mesh that have led to injuries and FDA recalls in recent years include:
- Physiomesh by Ethicon
- C-Qur by Atrium
Additional hernia mesh manufacturers include:
- C.R. Bard
- B. Braun Melsungen, AG
- Gore Medical
- LifeCell Corporation
- Medtronic
Symptoms of Hernia Mesh Complications
If you have undergoing hernia repair surgery, be sure to note the following signs and symptoms of potential complications.
- Pain in the abdominal area, groin, legs, or joints
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Sudden fevers or fits of sweating
If you notice any of the above warning signs, be sure to speak with your physician right away so the matter can be addressed as soon as possible. After speaking with your doctor and getting the medical help you need, contact a lawyer to learn about your legal options against the maker of the hernia mesh used in your surgery.
Seeking Legal Damages
When pursuing a lawsuit agains the makers of a brand of hernia mesh, you will be able to seek damages against the company. These damages are intended to cover any medical bills for emergency surgery, the cost of any medical expenses related to your post-op complications, lost wages that were the result of medical complications, an so forth.
In the case of fatalities caused by hernia mesh complications, damages will also cover funerary costs and the emotional pain and suffering caused by your loved one’s death.
Contact Our Law Firm
For more information about your legal rights and options involving medical equipment and instruments, be sure to contact our team of product liability attorneys today. The lawyers of Charpentier Law Firm, P.A. are here on the side of consumers, injury victims, and their loved ones.
