An Alabama woman has joined many other women in the vaginal mesh multidistrict litigation (MDL) against Ethicon Inc. and Johnson & Johnson.

There are more than 70,000 vaginal mesh lawsuits that have been filed, and a little more than a third of those are against Ethicon and parent company Johnson & Johnson in the multidistrict litigation.

Plaintiff Lillian V. had the Gynecare TVT System and Gynecare Prolift implanted in February 2006. As a result of the implantation of these two products, she suffered personal injury.

As a result of her personal injury allegedly caused by the defendants’ products, Lillian has brought forth sixteen counts in her lawsuit.

These include: negligence, strict liability for manufacturing defect, failure to warn, defective product and design defect, common law fraud, fraudulent concealment, constructive fraud, negligent misrepresentation, negligent infliction of emotional distress, breaches of express and implied warranty, violation of consumer protection laws, gross negligence, unjust enrichment, punitive damages and discovery rule and tolling.

The vaginal mesh multidistrict litigation came about because there were a number of lawsuits across the country against the same companies, for the same reasons, and the plaintiffs suffered similar injuries.

The MDL allows all cases to be heard at a single court, so evidence is presented in a streamlined fashion. As the MDL progresses, the trials are heard by the same presiding judge, rulings and outcomes are more consistent.

Cases move through the court more swiftly and in a large MDL like this one with over 70,000 cases, the time to hear them through an MDL would take a lot less time than working through 70,000 individually-filed lawsuits throughout the country.

The Vaginal Mesh Lawsuit is Case No. 2:15-cv-11794, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia, Charleston Division and the Ethicon Transvaginal Mesh MDL is In re: Ethicon, Inc., Pelvic Repair System Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 2327, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia.

Vaginal Mesh Use

Vaginal mesh implants are a surgical device used to treat pelvic organ prolapse and urinary stress continence in females. There are several related names for similar products, including transvaginal mesh, TVT mesh, bladder sling, or pelvic mesh. All are used in gynecological applications.

The mesh works as a support mechanism to artificially hold organs that have prolapsed, or fallen. The mesh is attached to the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments to support the organs in place.

Vaginal Mesh Complications

A number of serious complications have been reported following the implantation of transvaginal mesh. The two most common are mesh shrinkage and mesh erosion.

Mesh shrinkage (or mesh contraction) happens when the material itself shortens, pulling the organs of the body with it. Severe pain in the pelvic area, painful intercourse or an inability to engage in intercourse.

Mesh erosion is a deterioration of the implant. Pieces can break apart and perforate organs, and can lead to potentially fatal infections. As mesh erodes, even make sexual partners can experience issues as the eroded mesh comes into contact with the penis.

Both mesh erosion and mesh shrinkage require additional surgery to try and ameliorate the problem. Unfortunately, even after multiple surgeries, some women continue to have problems and do not find relief.

Vaginal Mesh Lawsuit Information

If you have had vaginal mesh products implanted and have experienced complications, you may have a legal claim. Our attorneys can guide you through your options and can provide information about filing an individual lawsuit or joining an MDL. Consultations are free of charge.