Boston Scientific ordered to pay $73 million over transvaginal mesh implant
Boston Scientific is the latest medical manufacturer forced to pay for injuries its tranvaginal mesh device caused thousands of women nationwide. The devices are alleged to have caused severe pain, incontinence and a host of other complications in women. Over 23,000 lawsuits are pending against the Natick, Massachusetts based company. Several other transvaginal mesh producers are facing similar lawsuits. In all, it is estimated about 60,000 lawsuits are currently ongoing against medical device manufacturers for their transvaginal mesh devices.
Woman suffers catastrophic injuries due to mesh implant
The plaintiff in the latest case against Boston Scientific suffered “catastrophic, life-altering injuries” and required four major surgeries and dozens of medical procedures after she had the transvaginal mesh implanted for minor incontinence.
Transvaginal mesh implants are medical devices made from surgical mesh intended to help women with weakened tissue caused by urinary stress incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse. These conditions are relatively common for women, especially after childbirth, a hysterectomy or menopause. Doctors have used surgical mesh for decades, but research has shown that they can create numerous problems when used to strengthen weakened vaginal tissue.
The plaintiff who recovered against Boston Scientific could no longer walk or sit normally once the device was implanted. Other women have suffered from infection, erosion of the mesh, and dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse). Horribly, mesh device implants have even proven fatal for some women.
Boston Scientific knew the device could be harmful
The jury in the case found that Boston Scientific was grossly negligent in manufacturing and selling of its transvaginal mesh device, meaning that it was liable for punitive damages. The jury found that Boston Scientific failed to warn doctors and their patients of the dangers of its Obtryx sling, even though it was aware of those dangers. Among other evidence presented, at trial the jury was shown evidence of an executive email to sales reps, telling them to keep quiet the results of a company safety study from physicians to whom they were selling the sling.
The award by the jury is the largest to date against any transvaginal mesh device maker. Johnson & Johnson has already lost several cases regarding its transvaginal mesh devices, paying millions in damages to injured patients. Numerous cases have also settled out of court; American Medical systems, for example, has offered $830 million to settle its mesh injury claims.
If you have a transvaginal mesh device implant
Women in Arizona who have suffered complications from a mesh implant designed to treat pelvic organ prolapsed or incontinence should speak to our experienced personal injury lawyers at Callahan & Blaine. A lawsuit against these medical device manufacturers can help injured victims with medical bills and hold the companies responsible who made these harmful devices.