Galfand Berger’s Philadelphia Products Liability Lawyers Report on Ground-Breaking Verdict in Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuit

The first New Jersey verdict has been reached in a pharmaceutical liability lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson and its medical device division, Ethicon, for complications from use of its transvaginal mesh to treat pelvic organ prolapse and urinary leakage. After a six-week trial and a week of deliberations, an Atlantic City jury awarded $3.35 Million to the plaintiff, a South Dakota nurse who had the Ethicon transvaginal mesh implanted in 2006. She alleged she endured constant pain and had to undergo 18 corrective surgeries and over 400 medical visits caused as a result of complications from this dangerous medical device.

Transvaginal Mesh – Why It Is Used and How It Harms

Transvaginal mesh implants are used to treat females with urinary leakage (incontinence), and pelvic organ prolapse. The medical device first introduced over a decade ago was seen as a safer alternative to a hysterectomy or other procedures. The transvaginal mesh is surgically attached, creating a sling to lift and support organs and reinforcing the vaginal wall. Approval by the FDA for this medical device was based on prior approval for use in other parts of the body, but was not tested for safety for transvaginal procedures. Complications from the transvaginal mesh implants were being reported as early as the late 1990’s.

In 2011, the FDA issued warnings regarding the serious risks and complications associated with the transvaginal mesh implants, including but not limited to:

• Infections
• Perforation
• Bleeding
• Urinary problems
• Erosion of the mesh
• Pelvic pain
• Painful intercourse

In 2012, several manufacturers including Johnson & Johnson stopped selling the transvaginal mesh implants. When discontinuing sales of its transvaginal mesh products, Johnson & Johnson cited ” commercial viability in light of changing market dynamics”, not safety concerns. This was despite the fact that at the time the Company was defending against hundreds of products liability lawsuits for the medical device. It is estimated that there are currently several thousand transvaginal mesh lawsuits pending against Johnson & Johnson and other manufacturers, and some experts predict that over 100 thousand cases may result from the transvaginal mesh implants.

The Philadelphia Products Liability Attorneys at Galfand Berger Are Representing Individuals Injured by Transvaginal Mesh

If you received a transvaginal mesh implant, and have suffered injuries or suspect that you may have complications as a result, you may be entitled to injury compensation. The Philadelphia products liability attorneys at Galfand Berger in Philadelphia can help. Our attorneys have had extensive experience and documented success in medical device and pharmaceutical litigation, taking on manufacturers of some of the most common recalled and/or dangerous medical products – Mirena, Stryker Hip Replacement System, Yaz, Tylenol – and we are working on transvaginal mesh cases at this time.

Galfand Berger maintains offices in Philadelphia, Reading and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, easily accessible from all regions of the state including Bucks County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, and the Harrisburg and Allentown areas. Our attorneys also serve our clients throughout New Jersey including those in Camden County, Gloucester County, Cumberland County, Salem County, Mercer County, Monmouth County, Atlantic County and Ocean County. Call us today toll free at 1-800-222-USWA (8792) or contact us online to schedule an appointment to speak with one of our pharmaceutical litigation attorneys handling transvaginal mesh cases.