Understanding Hernia Mesh and the Importance of Hiring a Skilled Hernia Mesh Attorney

Understanding Hernia Mesh and the importance of hiring a skilled hernia mesh lawyer is crucial for those who have undergone hernia repair surgery. As medical technology advances, new surgical techniques are developed to treat various health conditions, including hernias. One such innovation is the use of hernia mesh during surgery.

In this blog post, we will delve into the types and common uses of hernia mesh in surgical procedures. However, despite its benefits, complications may arise from using these meshes. We will discuss potential issues such as chronic pain after surgery and infection risks related to hernia mesh.

What is Hernia Mesh?

Hernia mesh is a medical device used in hernia repair surgery to provide support to weakened or damaged tissue. It is typically made from synthetic materials such as polypropylene, polyester, or other biologic materials and has been widely used for decades. The primary purpose of hernia mesh is to reinforce the affected area and prevent the hernia from recurring.

Types of Hernia Mesh

• Synthetic Mesh: Made from man-made materials like polypropylene, polyester, or PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). Synthetic meshes can be further classified into absorbable and non-absorbable types.
• Biological Mesh: Derived from animal tissues such as porcine (pig) or bovine (cow) sources. These meshes are designed to be absorbed by the body over time and promote tissue growth at the site of repair.

Common Uses in Surgical Procedures

Hernias occur when an organ, usually part of the intestine, pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle wall. There are several types of hernias that may require surgical intervention using hernia meshes, including:

1. Inguinal Hernias: Occurring in the groin area where abdominal contents protrude through a weak point in the inguinal canal.
2. Femoral Hernias: Located near the femoral artery within the upper thigh region; these tend to affect women more often than men due to their wider pelvic structure relative to males’ narrower one.
3. Ventral Hernias: Also known as incisional hernias, they develop at the site of a previous abdominal surgery where the muscles have not properly healed.
4. Umbilical Hernias: These occur when parts of the intestine protrude through an opening near the navel and can be present from birth or develop later in life as a result of increased pressure on the abdominal wall (e.g., pregnancy).

Potential Complications of Hernia Mesh

Hernia mesh, while commonly used in hernia repair surgeries, can sometimes lead to complications. Some of the most frequently reported issues include chronic pain, infection, adhesion (where the mesh sticks to internal organs), bowel obstruction, recurrence of the hernia, and rejection by the body.

Chronic Pain After Surgery

One potential complication associated with hernia mesh is chronic pain after surgery. This discomfort may be due to nerve damage or inflammation caused by the mesh itself. In some cases, patients require additional surgeries to remove or replace the problematic mesh.

Infection Risks Related to Hernia Mesh

Infections are another possible risk related to hernia meshes. These infections can develop shortly after surgery or even years later. They often result from bacteria entering through an incision site and attaching themselves onto the synthetic material of a mesh implant. Severe infections may necessitate removal of the infected mesh and further treatment with antibiotics.

• Bowel Obstruction: Bowel obstructions occur when scar tissue forms around a hernia mesh causing blockages within intestines. This condition requires immediate medical attention as it could potentially become life-threatening if left untreated over time.
• Hernia Recurrence: The possibility of a hernia recurrence after an initial repair is also a concern with the use of mesh. In some instances, the mesh may shrink or move from its original position, leading to a return of the hernia.
• Rejection: In rare cases, a patient’s body may reject the mesh material altogether. This can result in chronic pain and inflammation and may require additional procedures to remove the problematic mesh.

Over the years, hernia mesh lawsuits have become increasingly prevalent across the United States. These legal cases primarily involve patients who experienced complications after undergoing surgery with defective or poorly designed meshes. Some of the recent significant cases involving faulty meshes include:

• C.R. Bard Settlements: In August 2023, C.R. Bard agreed to pay $60 million to resolve thousands of hernia mesh claims.
• Atrium Medical Corp Settlement: In December 2023, Atrium Medical Corp settled a class-action lawsuit for an undisclosed amount over their C-Qur mesh product.
• Ethicon Physiomesh Cases: Johnson & Johnson’s subsidiary Ethicon is currently facing numerous lawsuits regarding its Physiomesh Flexible Composite hernia mesh device.

The increasing number of settlements and verdicts demonstrate that courts are recognizing patients’ suffering due to defective hernia meshes and holding manufacturers accountable for their negligence. As more individuals come forward with similar experiences, it becomes crucial for those affected by these medical devices to seek legal representation from a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer familiar with hernia mesh litigation.

When to Hire a Hernia Mesh Lawyer

If you have undergone hernia repair surgery involving mesh and are experiencing complications, it may be time to consider hiring a skilled hernia mesh lawyer. Some signs that indicate the need for legal assistance include:

• Chronic pain after surgery
• Infections related to the hernia mesh implant
• Bowel obstruction or adhesion issues caused by the mesh
• Hernia recurrence despite having undergone surgical repair with mesh

An experienced personal injury attorney can provide you with the necessary legal guidance to ensure your rights are protected and that fair compensation is obtained for any damages incurred due to bowel obstruction, adhesion issues, hernia recurrence or faulty products. They will assist in gathering evidence of medical negligence or faulty products, as well as handling communication with insurance companies and other involved parties.

The Role of a Skilled Hernia Mesh Attorney in a Hernia Mesh Case

In hernia mesh cases, lawyers play an essential role in helping their clients obtain fair compensation for the complications they have experienced. Their responsibilities include gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies and other involved parties, and representing clients in court proceedings if necessary.

Evidence Collection Process

A hernia mesh lawyer will thoroughly investigate your case to gather crucial evidence that supports your claim. This may involve obtaining medical records documenting the complications you’ve experienced due to hernia mesh surgery, consulting with expert witnesses who can attest to the defective nature of the mesh used or improper surgical techniques employed during your procedure, and collecting testimony from others who have faced similar issues.

Negotiating SettlementsOnce sufficient evidence has been gathered, your attorney will negotiate on your behalf with insurance companies or manufacturers responsible for producing faulty hernia meshes. They will use their expertise and knowledge of America’s personal injury laws to ensure you receive fair compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages due to inability to work during recovery or long-term disability resulting from these issues; pain and suffering endured throughout this ordeal – both physical and emotional aspects considered here too.

While hernia mesh can be an effective treatment option, it can also lead to complications such as chronic pain and infection risks. In some cases, faulty meshes have resulted in significant lawsuits with substantial settlement amounts awarded.

If you or a loved one has experienced complications related to hernia mesh, hiring a hernia mesh lawyer may be necessary to receive compensation for medical expenses and lost wages. It’s important to choose a qualified attorney with experience handling hernia mesh cases who can assist with evidence collection and negotiating settlements. Non-mesh surgical options exist for treating hernias, but lifestyle changes can also aid in prevention.

Contact us for a free case evaluation. Submit your claim today.