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What is a Hernia?
A hernia happens when an organ (generally part of the intestine) breaks through the wall of your abdomen. This is called either a ventral or abdominal hernia.
A hernia can happen in an incision site from a previous operation and is called an incisional hernia.
If your hernia is in your groin area, it’s referred to as an inguinal hernia.
If a hernia erupts where your stomach and esophagus meet it’s referred to as a hiatal hernia.
Over 500,000 hernia surgeries occur every year in the United States. Many patients experience complications after having hernia mesh implanted in their body and many folks have to undergo a second surgery to have the dangerous hernia mesh removed. If you’ve had a mesh device implanted in you to repair a hernia, it’s important to understand the potential problems that can arise and what your rights are.
Devices Used in a Hernia Operation
There are several ways a hernia can be repaired. Below is a list of some the manufacturers that have created hernia mesh products and devices that are used to repair hernias.
- Bard
- Atrium Medical Corp
- Gore
- Ethicon
- Covidien
- Davol
There are two groups of these types of devices: biologic and synthetic.
Biologic Devices: These are made from human tissue such as skin from cadavers and pigskin.
Synthetic Devices: These are human-made products and can be made of substances like polyester filaments, composites, polypropylene, or ePTFE membranes.
What Are Some of the Complications Due to Hernia Mesh Products?
Some of the injuries reported by patients with hernia mesh implants include:
- Removal Surgery
- Adhesions
- Fibrosis
- Scars
- Abdominal Ulcers
- Perforation of their internal organs
- Bowel obstructions
- Erosion and Failure of the hernia mesh
- Renal Failure
- Fistulas in their intestines
- Allergic reactions
- Pain
- Chronic Pain
Hernia Mesh Products That May Be Causing Problems
- Atrium C-Qur: This device was permanently stopped by the Food and Drug Administration who demanded that the production of this product be halted.
- Bard Ventralex ST: There have been reports of problems with the synthetic mesh product produced by Bard. The transvaginal mesh did come with Food and Drug Administration warnings attached, but the hernia repair product has no notices at this time.
- Ethicon Physiomesh: Several studies showed that this product produced a higher than average amount of hernias reoccurring. The product was voluntarily removed from the market by the manufacturer.
- Ventralex Hernia Patch (Ventralex Buckle): A potentially dangerous product due to its use of Polypropene.
- Prefix Plug: The plastic used in this product can breakdown and causes complications and pain.
- 3D Max: Due to its use of polypropene many men are alleging that it causes them great pain, sexual dysfunction, and in some cases the need for testicular removal.
Do I Have a Legal Claim Against My Hernia Mesh Device Manufacturer?
If the hernia mesh device that was implanted into your body malfunctions, causes pain, other complications, or results in another operation, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
It’s essential that you find out what device was used in your hernia repair surgery. You can contact the surgeon’s office or the hospital where you had your operation and get a copy of your medical records. Be sure they include the product number that identifies precisely what hernia mesh product was implanted inside you.
You’ll then need to have another doctor examine your injuries to determine if they were caused by the hernia mesh product and whether the product was defective.
The Jeffcoat Firm can help guide you through this whole process.
You and your attorney will need to be able to show that the injuries you suffered were directly or indirectly caused by a defective product.
If you or a loved one has suffered from complications after a hernia mesh implant was placed within your body, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries.
The South Carolina attorneys at The Jeffcoat Firm are here to help. Time is of the essence in a hernia mesh lawsuit. Don’t wait. Contact us today for a free consultation to see how we can help.
FAQ
How much compensation could I receive in a hernia mesh lawsuit?
Each case is different, and you’ll need an experienced attorney well-versed in hernia mesh cases to help seek the compensation you deserve.
What if I wasn’t seriously injured due to my hernia mesh surgery?
Even if you didn’t suffer permanent damage as a result of your hernia mesh surgery, you may still be entitled to compensation for your experience.
Do I need an attorney to file a lawsuit?
While you don’t need an attorney, this is a very complex issue. An experienced attorney from The Jeffcoat Firm will help you navigate the complicated legal system and fight to get maximum compensation into your hands.