Pelvic Mesh Settlements
You may have seen or heard about a recent episode of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver focused on medical devices. Like many of his programs, the well-researched piece was insightful, funny, and at times a little terrifying. Oliver discussed issues with the FDA clearance and approval process, and highlighted a few medical devices that have resulted in patient illness. One of these dangerous medical devices was vaginal/pelvic mesh.
The Brooklyn, NY attorneys here at Zucker & Regev, P.C. would like to revisit that episode of Last Week Tonight and note some of its findings. We’ll then discuss why women who’ve received pelvic mesh should consider legal action against the medical companies involved.
Statistics on Medical Devices
As Oliver mentioned on the air, the medical device industry generates $156 billion each year. Roughly 32 million Americans (1 in 10) have at least one medical device that’s been surgically implanted. Oliver went on to cite figures that defective medical devices have caused more than 80,000 deaths and 1.7 million injuries in the past decade.
Numbers like these are why our Brooklyn law firm sides with patients. We believe patients and their loved ones should be properly represented when it comes to legal actions against medical device companies, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, and negligent health care professionals.
The Dangers of Pelvic/Vaginal Mesh
Pelvic mesh is intended to help repair vaginal tissue, particularly the pelvic floor, which can collapse after childbirth, heavy lifting, or treatment for gynecological cancer. Cleared by the FDA without proper clinical testing, this surgical mesh could lead to severe pain and other side effects.
Last Week Tonight aired a 2018 clip from CBS to illustrate the dangers. The interview subject had pelvic mesh placed in her body. She described the sensation as being like a cheese grater or sandpaper inside of her. This kind of severe discomfort is unacceptable, especially with regard to medical implants that are intended to save lives and make us healthier.
The Difficulties Presented by Surgical Mesh
While a typical solution for a dangerous implant is surgical removal, pelvic mesh poses a number of difficulties. Given the nature of surgical mesh, tissue grows around the mesh itself. Removing the mesh will potentially involve damaging the living tissue around it.
Given the challenges of removing the surgical mesh, patients often undergo multiple surgical procedures. Even then, the mesh may not be completely removed.
Holding Device Medical Companies Accountable
Pelvic mesh was cleared by the FDA, not approved by the FDA. The distinction is important since devices cleared by the FDA are not tested or inspected with the same level of care as devices approved by the FDA.
Clearance by the FDA means that a medical device (such as pelvic mesh) is substantially similar to a previous medical device that is currently on the market. Rather than go through clinical trials, the FDA clears this device for use.
How Our Product Liability Lawyers Can Help
Many women with pelvic mesh are not sure what they can do beyond getting medical treatment. They can always reach out to the team at Zucker & Regev.
Our lawyers will help bring multiple women together who have suffered as a result of getting pelvic mesh placed. We will seek damages against Ethicon (a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson) to help cover your medical costs as well as your hardships caused by the pelvic mesh.
Learn More About Medical Device Lawsuits
For more information about pelvic mesh lawsuits and how you can hold the medical device industry accountable for its negligence, be sure to contact our team of defective medical device lawyers. Our Brooklyn law firm can be reached by phone at (718) 624-1211.
