Hernia Mesh Lawsuits

The Nations Law Firm is dedicated to helping individuals who suffer from adverse hernia mesh implants and revisions. We work with clients in all 50 states to help you receive the compensation you deserve; lawsuits are being filed against all manufactures.

What is a Hernia?

A hernia forms when the abdomen wall has a weakness or opening allowing organs, intestines or fatty tissue to press through the muscle. Every hernia is different and can form in different locations; the most common hernias form near the abdomen wall, while others can form near the groin.

What causes a Hernia?

Every Hernia is different, and each patient has different experience with hernias at all stages of life. According to the FDA:

“Most hernias are caused by a combination of pressure and an opening or weakness of muscle or connective tissue. The pressure pushes an organ or tissue through the opening or weak spot. Sometimes the muscle weakness is present at birth but more often it occurs later in life. Anything that causes an increase in abdominal pressure can cause a hernia, including obesity, lifting heavy objects, diarrhea or constipation, or persistent coughing or sneezing. Poor nutrition, smoking, and overexertion can weaken muscles and contribute to the likelihood of a hernia.” (FDA, 2018)

What are signs and symptoms of a hernia?

Every patient experiences a hernia in a different way, the most common signs and symptoms range from an enlarged and tender protrusion associated with severe abdominal or pelvic pain to a painless lump. According to Penn Medicine, these are common signs of a Hernia: (Pennsylvania, 2021)

• A lump in the groin or abdomen that grows in size while standing or during times of increased pressure, such as while coughing
• A lump in the abdominal area that grows over time without pain
• A lump that aches, but does not cause increased pain when touched
• Nausea and vomiting
• Persistent pain in the abdomen accompanied by nausea and vomiting

What are the different types of hernias?

• Inner Groin (inguinal) hernia – This type of hernia occurs when the muscle in the lower abdomen is strained and causes part of the intestine to protrude. This is the most common hernia for men.
• Upper Thigh (femoral) Hernia – A femoral hernia is generally seen in the upper thigh area called the femoral canal. These hernias are less common in its entirety, while mostly occurring in women.
• Upper Stomach (hiatal) hernia – frequently identified when treating heartburn, hiatal hernias generally do not have any visible signs; these hernias occur when your stomach bulges through an opening in the diaphragm caused by a weak muscle lining. This type of hernia is common for pregnant women or found in patients over the age of 50.
• Naval (umbilical) Hernia – Umbilical hernias are common in young children and generally heal on their own. If a naval hernia emerges in an adult a surgery is most likely needed. These hernias occur when the abdomen is under excessive pressure causing intestines to bulge through.
• Abdominal (Ventral) hernia – A ventral hernia does not have a precise location, often seen is a painful lump on the abdomen.
• Incisional Hernia – Caused by an incompletely healed surgical wound three to six months after surgery. Incisional hernias commonly occur after a cesarean delivery (c-section).
• Epigastric hernia – Commonly identified as a bump above your naval, an epigastric hernia is caused by fat pushing through a weakened area in the muscle lining of your abdomen.

How are hernias diagnosed?

A doctor will perform a physical examination to identify most hernias. If the hernia is not easily identified, a doctor may order an abdominal ultrasound, CT or an MRI to provide clear imaging.

How are hernias treated?

‘Watchful Waiting’ – Watchful waiting is a common technique for infants or hernias that are not bothersome, these hernias may be able to repair on their own. A doctor may recommend a truss to help relieve the symptoms.

Hernias in adults do not go away without treatment. It is important to seek a medical professional if you believe you have a hernia. Treatment for a hernia is unique to each patient based on the injury.

Open Hernia Repair – This surgery is performed with sutures or mesh. The surgeon will choose which is best for the patient based on the injury.

Laparoscopic Hernia Repair – A laparoscopic approach is a minimally invasive surgery that uses a mesh implant to repair the hernia. This is generally an outpatient surgery.

What is a surgical mesh made of?

Surgical mesh is made of various synthetic materials commonly known as PP, POL, PTFE and ePTFE. These materials are either absorbable, non-absorbable or a combination. Different manufactures of surgical mesh design their products with different rating systems such as weight, pore size, elasticity and strength. This design is produces in a knitted or non-knitted sheet or patch.

Other non-synthetic materials such as animal tissue can be used to repair hernias at the surgeon’s discretion. This type of mesh is processed, disinfected and considered absorbable. This type of mesh is generally sourced from pig (porcine) or cow (bovine).

Important: There are strict time deadlines for filing. ACT NOW!

Injuries and Side Effects from Mesh Repair

Due to a weakened muscle lining, hernias have an elevated frequency of recurrence with or without surgery. In most circumstances, surgeons attempt to strengthen a weak or broken muscle-lining and reduce the recurrence rate through implanting a mesh. Among the most common complications following a surgical repair of a hernia with a defective mesh are:

• Pain, usually located directly within the surgical area
• Infection due to the mesh separating or migrating
• Recurrence of the hernia itself
• Adhesion (Scar-like tissue that sticks together) at the surgical site
• Obstruction (blockage of the large or small intestine) that can cause severe pain and secondary infection within the intestines
• Migration of the mesh
• Shrinkage

The Litigation

Surgical mesh manufactures face litigation due to faulty devices and adverse reactions from their products. Manufactures include Atrium Medical Corp., Davol Inc./C.R. Bard Inc., Covidien and Johnson & Johnson/Ethicon; each face independent Multi-District Litigation (MDL) for their faulty products.

The lawsuits against Atrium Medical Corp. (C-Qur Mesh Products Liability Litigation) have been consolidated in the United States District Court of the District of New Hampshire before Judge Landya B. McCaffetry – U.S. District Court in Concord, NH.

The lawsuits against Davol, Inc./C.R. Bard, Inc., (Polypropylene Hernia Mesh Products Liability Litigation): Consolidated in the United States District Court of the Southern District of Ohio before Judge Edmund A. Sargus – US Courthouse in Columbus, OH

At this time, consolidation of Covidien Hernia Mesh cases has been deemed premature with opposition from plaintiffs stating it could affect the discovery of active litigations. As the number of cases filed against Covidien rises, it is expected that the JPML will re-evaluate their position to consider a MDL.

The lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson; Ethicon Physiomesh (Flexible Composite Hernia Mesh Products Liability Litigation): Consolidated in the United States District Court Northern District of Georgia before Judge Richard W. Story – United States Courthouse in Atlanta, GA.

Why choose The Nations Law Firm

At The Nations Law Firm we have years of experience in pharmaceutical and medical device litigation. It’s what we do. We have the resources, knowledge, and commitment required to stand up to the drug and device companies and fight for your rights. With over 50 years of service to the public, The Nations Law Firm represents clients in all fifty states. If you or someone you know has suffered from a hernia mesh complication or other serious injury after undergoing a hernia mesh procedure, please fill out our free case evaluation form or contact our office to speak with one of our attorneys. Our toll-free number is 1-800-269-3050.

Works Cited

FDA. (2018, February 18). Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from Hernia Surgical Mesh Implants: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/implants-and-prosthetics/hernia-surgical-mesh-implants

Pennsylvania, T. T. (2021, September 21). Penn Medicine. Retrieved from What is a Hernia?: https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/find-a-program-or-service/hernia-program/what-is-a-hernia