After years of moving through the legal process, the first trial dates are set for consolidated Bard hernia mesh cases. In January 2020, plaintiffs and defendants each selected the cases they wanted to proceed to trial. The court will choose three cases to proceed to bellwether trials. Once case-specific motions and discovery are completed, the medical device cases will go to trial.
The trial dates are set as May 11, 2020; July 13, 2020; and September 14, 2020.
In August 2018, the numerous cases against Bard were consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL). The cases are being heard before the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.
C.R. Bard Hernia Mesh Case Background
C.R. Bard is one of the largest medical device manufacturers distributing hernia mesh products. Sadly, their devices have caused more harm than good to thousands of patients. For more than a decade, patients have come forward with complaints about side effects related to hernia mesh. These complaints have resulted in several lawsuits.
Bard settled a massive lawsuit in 2011, settling around 3,000 cases. They paid $184 million to the victims. In more recent years, thousands more lawsuits have been filed against Bard, but also against mesh manufacturers Atrium and Ethicon. These lawsuits detail the injuries that thousands of plaintiffs have suffered due to complications or failure of hernia mesh.
Hernia mesh is a medical device used to support the abdominal wall during hernia repair. The mesh is made of polypropylene, which adheres to the abdominal wall and creates scar tissue within the mesh. When successful, hernia mesh supports the tissue of the abdominal wall and corrects the hernia.
Like many medical devices, hernia mesh can cause adverse events. Bard hernia mesh is linked to side effects including:
- Chronic pain
- Erosion
- Adhesions
- Bowel obstruction
- Recurring hernia
- Perforations
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Mesh migration
- Infection
- Mesh shrinkage
These side effects cause a host of possible health complications, and many require additional surgeries in order to correct the damage.
Bard Hernia Mesh Products Linked to Side Effects
Bard manufacturers a variety of hernia mesh products. Most of them are polypropylene or similar materials. The differences are in the design and function of the mesh. Currently, the following Bard mesh products are included in lawsuits:
- 3DMax and 3DMax Light
- Bard Mesh (Marlex Mesh or Bard Flat Mesh)
- Bard-Pre-Shaped Mesh
- Composix
- Composix Kugel
- Kugel
- Modified Kugel Patch
- Parastomal Patch
- Perfix Light
- Perfix Plug
- Sepramesh IP Composite
- Spermatex
- Ventralex and VentralexST
- VentralightST and VentralightST with Echo
- Ventrio and VentrioST
- Visilex
There are other models of Bard hernia mesh that are not subject to current lawsuits. It is important, however, that if you have hernia repair and doctors install any type of Bard hernia mesh that you are aware of possible side effects.
Do I Have a Bard Hernia Mesh Case?
If you think you may have a Bard hernia mesh case, your first step should be contacting a medical device attorney. There are some general guidelines that may qualify you for a lawsuit, but you need the skill of an attorney to thoroughly review your situation and determine if you have an actionable claim.
The general guidelines that may qualify you include:
- You underwent surgery for hernia repair
- A Bard hernia mesh device was used
- You experienced, or are experiencing, side effects after the procedure
- The side effects and related medical conditions are the result of the hernia mesh
- The side effects caused you harm that is monetarily quantifiable
When you contact Drug and Device Watch, we will take a careful look at your medical records and experience. From there, we will advise you on the best course of action. If you have an actionable claim, we can certainly help you build a hernia mesh case and pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.
To request a free and confidential case evaluation, call Drug and Device Watch toll free at 1-888-458-6825. You can also complete our confidential online form. We will help you get the legal guidance that you need to protect your rights.
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