How to Determine If You Have a Valid Vaginal Mesh Lawsuit?

Published By:
Jessica Paluch-Hoerman
Jessica Paluch-Hoerman

Attorney Jessica Paluch-Hoerman, founder of TruLaw, has over 28 years of experience as a personal injury and mass tort attorney, and previously worked as an international tax attorney at Deloitte. Jessie collaborates with attorneys nationwide — enabling her to share reliable, up-to-date legal information with our readers.

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy and clarity by the team of writers and legal experts at TruLaw and is as accurate as possible. This content should not be taken as legal advice from an attorney. If you would like to learn more about our owner and experienced injury lawyer, Jessie Paluch, you can do so here.

TruLaw does everything possible to make sure the information in this article is up to date and accurate. If you need specific legal advice about your case, contact us by using the chat on the bottom of this page. This article should not be taken as advice from an attorney.

Key takeaways:

  • Thousands of women have filed vaginal mesh lawsuit claims against manufacturers seeking compensation for severe complications after implant procedures.
  • Recent vaginal mesh lawsuit settlements range from $150,000 to $400,000 with some verdicts reaching millions including a $57.1 million award.
  • Ongoing vaginal mesh lawsuits continue against major companies like Johnson & Johnson as more women report long-term injuries from defective products.

FAQ: How to Determine If You Have A Valid Vaginal Mesh Lawsuit?

Question: How do I know if I qualify for a vaginal mesh lawsuit?

Answer: You may qualify for a vaginal mesh lawsuit if you received a transvaginal mesh implant for pelvic organ prolapse or stress urinary incontinence and subsequently experienced complications such as mesh erosion, chronic pain, infection, or required revision surgery.

On this page, we’ll answer this question in further depth, eligibility factors for vaginal mesh lawsuits, document mesh complications that strengthen your case, and much more.

How to Determine If You Have a Valid Vaginal Mesh Lawsuit

Qualifying Factors for Transvaginal Mesh Litigation

Vaginal mesh lawsuits have become increasingly common as thousands of women report serious complications following the implantation of transvaginal mesh devices designed to treat pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence.

These legal claims target manufacturers like Boston Scientific and Johnson & Johnson for allegedly producing defective mesh products without adequate testing or warning about potential risks.

Women who have experienced mesh erosion through the vaginal wall, persistent pain, recurrent infections, organ perforation, or required revision surgeries may have grounds for legal action against these manufacturers.

If you or someone you love has experienced complications after receiving vaginal mesh implants, you may qualify to seek substantial compensation for your injuries and suffering.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation that can determine your eligibility to join others in filing a vaginal mesh lawsuit today.

Table of Contents

How Can A Transvaginal Mesh Attorney from TruLaw Help You?

With extensive experience in product liability cases, Jessica Paluch-Hoerman works with litigation leaders and medical experts to prove how defective mesh devices cause patient harm.

TruLaw focuses on securing compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering from manufacturers who knew about problems but continued selling dangerous products.

We understand the physical and emotional toll that transvaginal mesh complications have on your life and provide the personalized guidance you need when seeking justice.

Meet the Lead Transvaginal Mesh Attorney at TruLaw

Meet our lead Transvaginal Mesh attorney:

  • Jessica Paluch-Hoerman: As founder and managing attorney of TruLaw, Jessica brings her experience in product liability and personal injury to her client-centered approach by prioritizing open communication and personalized attention with her clients. Through TruLaw and partner law firms, Jessica has helped collect over $3 billion dollars on behalf of injured individuals across all 50 states through a variety of verdicts and negotiated settlements.

How much does it cost to hire a Transvaginal Mesh lawyer from TruLaw?

At TruLaw, we believe financial concerns should never stand in the way of justice.

That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis—with this approach, you won’t face any upfront costs for your legal representation.

Our fee is only collected if we secure compensation on your behalf.

This arrangement allows us to focus on achieving a positive outcome in your case by:

  • Court Filings and Legal Documentation: Handling all necessary paperwork, including filing fees and procedural documents, to ensure your case proceeds smoothly through the legal system.
  • Research/Data Analysis: Dedicating resources to thoroughly investigate your case and gather the best possible evidence.
  • Expert Testimony: Consult with leading medical experts to support your case and demonstrate how mesh products caused your injuries.
  • Negotiations and Trial Preparation: Allocating resources to negotiate potential settlements and, if needed, preparing comprehensive trial strategies to present your case in court effectively.

Our instant case evaluation process simplifies the legal process of qualifying and filing your claim, providing you with the knowledge and confidence needed to make informed decisions about your case.

If you or a loved one experienced complications from transvaginal mesh implants, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing a Transvaginal Mesh lawsuit today.

Types of Mesh Products Involved in Lawsuits

The transvaginal mesh litigation has targeted multiple manufacturers whose products have been associated with severe complications in women.

These mesh devices, initially promoted as safe and effective solutions for pelvic floor disorders, became the center of one of the largest medical device mass torts in history.

Holding Mesh Manufacturers Accountable

Several major medical device companies have faced legal action over their transvaginal mesh products, resulting in billions of dollars in settlements and verdicts.

Lawsuits have alleged that these manufacturers failed to adequately test their products before marketing them, misrepresented the safety and efficacy of the devices, and neglected to warn patients and physicians about potential risks.

Major manufacturers named in transvaginal mesh lawsuits include:

  • Ethicon (Johnson & Johnson) – The Gynecare division of Ethicon faced over 40,000 lawsuits for products including the Gynecare Prolift, TVT Secur, and Gynecare Prosima systems.
  • C.R. Bard – Named in thousands of lawsuits over the Avaulta Plus, Avaulta Solo, and Align Urethral Support System. Bard paid approximately $200 million to resolve claims related to their pelvic mesh products.
  • Boston Scientific – Faced litigation over products including the Pinnacle Pelvic Floor Repair Kit, Obtryx Sling System, and Uphold LITE Vaginal Support System.
  • American Medical Systems (AMS) – Now owned by Endo International, AMS settled claims involving their Perigee, Apogee, and Elevate implants for more than $1.6 billion.
  • Coloplast – A Danish company whose products, including the Restorelle DirectFix Anterior mesh, have been named in lawsuits.
  • Mentor Corporation – Before being acquired by Johnson & Johnson, Mentor produced the ObTape Vaginal Sling, which was implanted between 2003 and 2006.
  • Cook Medical – Faced litigation over its Surgisis Biodesign products, which utilize biological rather than synthetic mesh materials but have still been associated with adverse events.

Recalled Vaginal Mesh Products

Only one transvaginal mesh product—Boston Scientific’s ProteGen Sling—has been officially recalled, making it a unique case in the history of mesh devices.

Most manufacturers have instead “voluntarily withdrawn” their products from the market in response to FDA actions and mounting litigation, a distinction that has significant implications for patients and the legal landscape.

The following products have been recalled or withdrawn from the market:

  • ProteGen Sling (Boston Scientific) – The first FDA-cleared mesh product for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and the only one officially recalled.
  • Gynecare Products (Ethicon) – In 2012, Ethicon discontinued sales of four products worldwide: the Gynecare Prolift Kit, Gynecare Prolift + M Kit, Gynecare TVT Secur, and Gynecare Prosima Pelvic Floor Repair System Kit.
  • Mentor ObTape Vaginal Sling – Withdrawn from the market in 2006 after reports of high rates of vaginal extrusion.
  • Multiple Products Following FDA Reclassification – After the FDA reclassified transvaginal mesh for pelvic organ prolapse as Class III (high-risk) devices in 2016 and required premarket approval (PMA) applications, most manufacturers chose to discontinue their products rather than conduct costly clinical trials.

Additional discontinued products include the AMS Apogee and Perigee Systems, AMS Single Incision Sling System, Bard Avaulta Plus Biosynthetic Support System, Bard Avaulta Solo Support System, and Adjust TM Adjustable Single Incision Sling.

The FDA’s regulatory actions, particularly the 2019 order for manufacturers to cease selling mesh for transvaginal repair of anterior compartment prolapse, effectively ended the market for these devices, though mesh products for stress urinary incontinence and abdominal implantation for pelvic organ prolapse remain available with specific regulatory controls.

For women who have received any of these mesh products and experienced complications, understanding which specific device was implanted is crucial information when considering legal action, as different settlements and legal strategies may apply based on the manufacturer and product involved.

Establishing Causation of Vaginal Mesh Complications

Proving that transvaginal mesh directly caused a patient’s injuries is a main challenge in mesh litigation.

Successful vaginal mesh lawsuits must establish a clear causal link between the implanted device and subsequent health problems.

This causation element requires substantial medical documentation, expert testimony, and a detailed timeline that connects the mesh implantation to specific injuries.

Manufacturers often defend against these claims by suggesting alternative causes for symptoms or arguing that complications represent known surgical risks rather than product defects.

Medical Proof of Mesh Injuries

Building a successful vaginal mesh case requires thorough medical documentation that links the mesh product to specific injuries.

Medical records serve as the foundation of this evidence, providing objective confirmation of both the mesh implantation and resulting complications.

Key medical evidence used to establish causation includes:

  • Operative reports – Surgical documentation from the original implantation procedure establishes which specific mesh product was used, its placement technique, and any complications noted during surgery.
  • Pathology reports – When mesh removal or revision surgery is performed, pathology analysis of excised tissue samples can confirm mesh erosion, tissue inflammation, and adverse biological responses.
  • Diagnostic imaging – Ultrasound, CT scans, and MRIs can visualize mesh migration, fixation, or erosion into adjacent organs.
  • Clinical notes – Documentation of patient symptoms, physical examination findings, and physician assessments provides a chronological record of health changes following mesh implantation.

Many successful cases have combined multiple forms of medical evidence to present an overwhelming causation argument.

Timeline Considerations in a Vaginal Mesh Lawsuit

The chronological relationship between mesh implantation and the onset of complications plays a key role in establishing causation and determining legal eligibility.

A clear timeline that demonstrates the emergence of symptoms following mesh placement helps strengthen the causal connection between the device and subsequent injuries.

Important timeline factors in vaginal mesh litigation include:

  • Pre-implantation health status – Documentation of a patient’s pelvic health before mesh surgery establishes a baseline for comparison.
  • Latency periods – While some mesh complications appear immediately after surgery, others develop gradually over months or years.
  • Symptom progression patterns – The pattern of symptom development often follows recognizable trajectories specific to mesh complications.
  • Statute of limitations considerations – Legal deadlines for filing mesh claims vary by state but typically range from 1-6 years.
  • Multiple revision surgeries – Many patients undergo a series of surgeries attempting to address mesh complications.
  • Consistent medical opinions – Sequential medical records showing that multiple providers independently attributed symptoms to mesh complications strengthen the timeline of causation.

The strongest vaginal mesh cases include detailed timelines that demonstrate clear patterns of normal pelvic function before implantation, emergence of specific mesh-related complications within expected timeframes, progression of symptoms consistent with known mesh failure modes, and medical documentation connecting each step in this causal chain.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What options are available to treat pelvic organ prolapse?

    Several approaches can help manage this condition, ranging from non-surgical to surgical interventions.

    Non-surgical options include pelvic floor exercises, lifestyle modifications, and pessaries (removable devices inserted into the vagina for support).

    When these methods don’t provide sufficient relief, doctors may recommend surgery to directly repair weakened tissues or to use supportive materials.

    Each option has benefits and risks, making it important to discuss all possibilities with your healthcare provider.

    Transvaginal mesh devices were previously used for this purpose, but their use has become more limited due to safety concerns.

  • How is surgical mesh used in pelvic procedures and what are the risks?

    Surgical mesh is a reinforcing material, typically made from synthetic polymers like polypropylene, that provides additional support to weakened tissues.

    Originally developed for hernia repairs, it was later adapted for pelvic floor disorders.

    The mesh acts as a permanent implant that strengthens the vaginal wall and surrounding tissues.

    While it can provide effective support, its permanent nature means any complications may require additional procedures to address.

    The FDA has issued warnings about certain mesh products due to reported complications, including mesh erosion, pain, infection, and urinary problems.

  • What procedures are used to treat stress urinary incontinence?

    This common condition affects many women, particularly after childbirth or during menopause.

    Treatment options range from conservative approaches (pelvic floor therapy, bladder training) to surgical interventions.

    The most common surgical procedure is the mid-urethral sling, which uses a thin strip of mesh placed under the urethra to provide support.

    Other surgical options include bulking agents, Burch colposuspension, and autologous sling procedures using the patient’s own tissue.

    Transvaginal mesh surgery for this condition has shown better outcomes than when used for pelvic organ prolapse, though patients should still discuss all options with their healthcare provider.

  • What complications have been reported with pelvic mesh implants?

    Pelvic mesh implants have been associated with several potential complications that patients should be aware of before choosing this treatment option.

    The most commonly reported issue is mesh erosion, where the material wears through surrounding tissue and becomes exposed.

    Other complications include persistent pain, infections, bleeding, painful intercourse, organ perforation, and urinary problems.

    Some women require multiple surgeries to address these issues, and complete mesh removal can be technically challenging.

    Symptoms of complications may include pelvic pain, vaginal discharge, recurrent infections, or pain during intercourse.

    Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical evaluation promptly.

  • What are the differences between various types of vaginal mesh implants?

    Vaginal mesh implants come in several forms, designed for different pelvic floor conditions.

    Some are specifically shaped to support the bladder or uterus, while others are designed to reinforce the vaginal wall itself.

    Materials can vary, though most are made from polypropylene.

    The size, shape, and placement method differ based on the specific condition being treated.

    Transvaginal mesh implants are placed through the vagina rather than through abdominal incisions, which typically allows for shorter operating times and quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgeries.

    However, this approach has been associated with higher complication rates for certain procedures.

  • What should patients know about pelvic mesh lawsuits and regulatory actions?

    Numerous pelvic mesh lawsuits have been filed against manufacturers, alleging inadequate testing, design flaws, and failure to warn about potential risks.

    Major settlements have occurred, with manufacturers paying billions in compensation to affected patients.

    In 2019, the FDA ordered manufacturers to stop selling mesh products specifically designed for transvaginal repair of pelvic organ prolapse, though mesh for stress urinary incontinence treatments remains available.

    Patients who have experienced complications may be eligible to join ongoing litigation, with potential compensation covering medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages.

    The regulatory landscape continues to evolve as more data about long-term outcomes becomes available.

Published By:
Jessica Paluch-Hoerman
Jessica Paluch-Hoerman

Managing Attorney & Owner

With over 25 years of legal experience, Jessica Paluch-Hoerman is an Illinois lawyer, a CPA, and a mother of three.  She spent the first decade of her career working as an international tax attorney at Deloitte.

In 2009, Jessie co-founded her own law firm with her husband – which has scaled to over 30 employees since its conception.

In 2016, Jessie founded TruLaw, which allows her to collaborate with attorneys and legal experts across the United States on a daily basis. This hypervaluable network of experts is what enables her to share the most reliable, accurate, and up-to-date legal information with our readers!

You can learn more about the Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuit by visiting any of our pages listed below:

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Claims allege that companies like Ethicon, C.R. Bard, and Boston Scientific failed to adequately warn about potential dangers — including erosion, pain, and infection.

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