Ethicon and Johnson & Johnson face a new lawsuit alleging Ethicon Physiomesh problems caused health complications.

Plaintiff Sherri C. and her husband Larry C. are filing against Ethicon Inc. and Johnson & Johnson, alleging that Ethicon Physiomesh problems caused health complications and damage.

Sherri says she was implanted with Physiomesh first in March 2016 and again in January 2017 for hernia repair. The hernia mesh lawsuit argues that Ethicon Physiomesh problems can lead to severe adverse reactions and failure of the mesh.

Hernia mesh complications may include: chronic pain, hernia recurrence, foreign body response, rejection, infection, inadequate or failure of incorporation, migration, scarification, deformation of mesh, improper would healing, excessive and chronic inflammation, adhesions to internal organs, erosion, abscess, fistula formation, nerve damage, tissue damage, and death.

Plaintiff: Physiomesh Design Causes Complications

Physiomesh has a unique design of five distinct layers. Two layers of Monocryl film cover two layers of polydioxanone film, which in turn cover a polypropylene mesh. This design is not widely used among other hernia mesh products in the United States. The design was allegedly promoted to minimize adhesion and inflammation.

The hernia mesh complaint argues that the design of the mesh product provides no benefit and instead increases the risk for injury and complication. The multi-layer coating prevents fluid from escaping which can cause infection, abscess formation, and other issues. Combined with the fact that the coating allegedly provides a breeding ground for bacteria that the body cannot fight, the risk for serious infection is serious and deadly, plaintiffs say.

Additionally, plaintiffs claim the coating allegedly lacks compatibility with the body’s natural reactions which can lead to the body attacking the mesh as it would a foreign body. This reaction leads to delayed healing, inflammation, rejection, and infection.

“No other device or material contains the dangerous and defective multi-layer coating, which itself causes or increases the risks of numerous complications,” the lawsuit argues.

Sherri and Larry argue that the manufacturers should have known about Ethicon Physiomesh problems before releasing the product into the market. They believe the problems with the product are due to design defect and insufficient testing, and that damages to Sherri could have been avoided if the product was tested properly.

The complaint also argues that Ethicon had a duty to warn patients and physicians about the risks associated with Ethicon Physiomesh use. Serious injuries and damages were allegedly sustained as a direct result of Ethicon’s failure to properly warn about symptoms and risks.

“The mesh failed, caused serious injury and in some cases portions of the mesh or the entire mesh had to be surgically removed via invasive surgery, and necessitated additional invasive surgery to repair the hernia that the Physiomesh was initially implanted to treat,” the lawsuit states.

Sherri and Larry accuse Ethicon and J&J of strict product liability, negligence, violation of state consumer protection laws, gross negligence, and loss of consortium. They seek a trial by jury, damages, court costs, and attorneys’ fees.

The Hernia Mesh Lawsuit is Case No. 1:18-cv-00395-RWS and is part of the Hernia Mesh MDL ,Case No. 1:17-md-02782-RWS in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.