Texas Woman Sues C.R. Bard for Debilitating Vaginal Mesh Injuries

Patricia Clark of Texas has joined the multidistrict litigation against pelvic mesh manufacturer C.R. Bard Incorporated. Her vaginal mesh lawsuit alleges that the pelvic mesh implant she received in 2007 caused painful, debilitating injuries.

Multidistrict litigation (MDL) is a type of mass tort, a legal action involving groups of people suing the same defendant over similar injuries. MDLs are similar to class action lawsuits, another type of mass tort. The main difference between MDLs and class action lawsuits is that in a class action suit, all of the allegedly-injured parties are represented by a single lawyer or team of lawyers, while in an MDL each individual plaintiff has their own legal representation. Mass torts are used to save all of the parties involved money. 

Pelvic mesh is a type of surgical mesh, a fibrous material used to support organs when the muscles that usually support them are weakened. Surgical mesh was first developed and released in the 1970s. At the time, surgeons would sometimes cut surgical mesh into shape to repair conditions like pelvic organ prolapse or stress urinary incontinence. In the 1990s, surgical supply companies began to produce and market surgical mesh pre-cut into shapes ideal for pelvic surgery. Since pelvic mesh was based on existing surgical mesh, it was able to skip several steps of medical testing. 

Different brands and models of pelvic mesh have been associated with serious complications. In some cases, the mesh cuts its way through the various tissues it is designed to support through friction. In others, tissue grows around the mesh, embedding it in the body’s own tissue, leading to potentially life-threatening complications. 

The Vaginal Mesh Implant MDL is formally titled In Re: C.R. Bard, Inc., Pelvic Systems Liability, MDL No. 2187, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. 

If you or someone you care about suffered from pelvic mesh complications, your life has probably taken a turn for the unpleasant. Many people in this situation require surgical intervention, which usually comes along with recovery time and the risks associated with surgery. In addition to stress and physical pain, pelvic mesh complications can lead to mounting medical bills and lost wages. In such a situation, it is normal to feel overwhelmed and depressed. But it is critical that you remember that you still have rights, and there are steps that you can take to regain a measure of control over your situation. You can start by visiting the Transvaginal Mesh, Vaginal Sling, Vaginal Mesh and Bladder Sling Class Action. Here, you can enter information about your situation for a review by a legal expert with a background in this type of litigation. The consultation is completely free of charge and from here, you can receive additional guidance on the best steps to take in your exact situation.