Trial Date Set for First Federal Vaginal Mesh Trial

The first of approximately 600 federal cases related to C.R. Bard Inc's dangerous vaginal mesh implant is set for February 5, 2013. More than 75,000 women have vaginal mesh devices inserted each year to address issues of incontinence or pelvic prolapse (bulging internal organs.) Bard is a division of Johnson & Johnson.

A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) report filed in July 2011 found that vaginal-mesh implants posed a high risk of causing negative side effects; in January, they ordered manufacturers to engage in three year studies examining rates of complications, including organ damage, linked to vaginal-mesh implants. In the midst of these studies, the first transvaginal-mesh case, to be heard in West Virginia by U.S. District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin, alleges that Bard's Avaulta implants caused organ damage to the plaintiff.

Makers of similar vaginal-mesh products are also facing law suits over damages caused by their implants; Johnson & Johnson's Ethicon unit, Boston Scientific Corp. and the AMS unit of Endo Pharmaceutical Holdings are all involved in litigation pending in New Jersey, Delaware and Minnesota.

Vaginal-mesh products have caused numerous devastating side effects in patients who were implanted with the devices. In addition to organ damage resulting from perforation, individuals implanted with the devices also suffered from recurrent prolapse, urinary problems, vaginal scarring and shrinkage, infection, bleeding and pain, particularly during intercourse. If you or a loved one has suffered from any negative side effect as the result of a vaginal-mesh implant, a medical injury lawyer from our firm can step up to help. Contact a medical injury attorney from Arnold & Itkin today for a free consultation regarding your case.