For more than 50 years, hernia mesh implants have been used to repair abdominal hernias. Some mesh manufacturers, like Ethicon’s Physiomesh and Atrium’s C-QUR, use polypropylene which is known to deteriorate and cause infection, inflammation, and adhesion.
It’s well documented that polypropylene should not be considered a permanent solution for the human body, but manufacturers have their bottom line as a priority. These companies developed coatings for the polypropylene meshes in an attempt to absolve complications instead of testing new, potentially safer mesh solutions. Ethicon has issued a permanent recall of the Physiomesh implant. Atrium’s C-QUR has a “natural Omega 3 gel coating” and still remains on the market regardless of being linked to numerous side effects.
Hernia mesh implants can cause permanent injuries to patients
Similar to other medical devices, hernia mesh can cause serious adverse reactions and sometimes permanent injuries to a patient. The FDA released a Safety Communication in 2014 outlining that complications may occur with surgical mesh for hernia repair. Polypropylene mesh can degrade and enter the bowels causing the need for further surgical procedures to remove the mesh and damaged tissue.
Complications associated with polypropylene hernia mesh implants include, but are not limited to:
Bowel perforation or obstruction
Sepsis
Removal surgery
Mesh migration, rejection or shrinkage
Hernia recurrence
Abdominal infection
Adhesions
Organ removal
Nerve injury
Blood vessel damage
No other firm in Maine can match our resources and expertise
Berman & Simmons represents clients who developed harmful complications due to the use of hernia mesh implants. There are statutes of limitations in medical device lawsuits, so it’s important to get in touch with us as soon as possible if you believe you have a potential hernia mesh lawsuit.
Studies and Investigation Associated with Polypropylene Hernia Mesh:
2016: Springer study compares Physiomesh and Ventralight ST Mesh: Though this clinical trial ended sooner than expected, the results indicated that Physiomesh patients experienced greater hernia recurrences and postoperative pain.
2017: The Importance of Registries in the Postmarketing Surveillance of Surgical Meshes: The results of this study showed that Physiomesh patients experienced a higher level of postoperative complications a year after placement.
A Law Firm That Listens
Berman & Simmons is widely recognized as the best personal injury lawyers in Maine and among the best in the U.S., having won many of the largest jury verdicts and settlements ever obtained for injured people in Maine.
Our trial lawyers have won thousands of claims on behalf of those injured in a car accident, and each year we build on that successful track record.
Our attorneys and staff members will take the time to listen to you, work to understand your concerns, and come up with solutions that can make your life better, including obtaining payment for or deferral of your debts until your case is resolved. We help you recover and make sure you receive full compensation for your injuries and loss.
Ask Questions. We Have Answers.
What compensation can I receive if I’ve had polypropylene hernia mesh complications?
Under state and federal law, victims of dangerous medical devices have the right to recover financial damages for various categories of loss, including:
Pain, suffering, and emotional distress, past and future
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Interference with your enjoyment of life
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Medical expenses, past and future
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Time lost from work
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Loss of future earnings
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Wrongful death damages (for the estate)
$8.5 Million
Paralysis due to mismanagement of
degenerative spine
$2.5 Million
Catastrophic injuries in a head-on car accident
$800,000
Wrongful death case involving negligent
motorist
$715,000
Plaintiff Rear Ended by
Telephone Truck
$5 Million
Delay in diagnosis and treatment of cancer
$1.2 Million
Significant Head Injury Car Accident
FAQs
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What do I prepare for the first call or meeting with you?
For your first meeting with us, simply tell us your story and explain in your own words what happened and how your life has been affected. If you’re meeting with us in person, you can bring notes about what happened to you, driver insurance information, names of any witnesses, photos of the accident damages or injuries, medical records, and other related paperwork if you have it and if it’s applicable, but that information isn’t necessary. Really all you need to do is be yourself, speak with us honestly, and be willing to tackle your problems with us.
Initial conversations between potential clients and our staff members are often done over the phone. Rest assured that everything we discuss is confidential and protected under law.
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How much will a lawyer cost me?
The lawyers at Berman & Simmons work on a contingency basis. That means you pay nothing up front and nothing unless we settle or win your case. We will consult with you, evaluate your situation, and do initial research free of charge. This is true even if we decide you don’t have a valid claim. We will also cover all necessary case expenses and you will not be obligated to reimburse us until and unless we recover monies on your behalf. if we do take your case and win a settlement or a jury verdict in your favor, a percentage of the compensation goes to pay for our costs and the work done by our legal team.
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How will I know if I have a case?
To pursue a case, we will need to prove that you suffered a substantial personal injury and the injury was directly caused by the negligence of another party. A bad result alone is not enough to establish negligence. We let you know upfront if we are able to move forward with the legal process, or if we don’t think you have a case. Generally, we will know if you have a case after our first phone call or meeting.
If we believe you have a valid claim and decide to move forward with litigation, our attorneys and staff will then take it from there and do everything else that needs to be done, including obtaining and reviewing records relevant to your case, such as accident reports and other law enforcement documents, employer records, medical records, and other information.
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How long will it take to resolve my case?
Every case is different, and there is no way to predict how long it will take for your case to be resolved. Some cases end in a matter of months, while the most complex and challenging cases, such as a medical malpractice case, can span several years. The vast majority of cases, however, are resolved before a trial and usually within a year.
The goal is to make sure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, no matter how long it takes whether that comes in the form of a pre-trial settlement, or with a jury verdict in your favor.
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How much is my case worth?
There are many factors that need to be considered when determining the value of your case. Every case is unique and it takes a team effort — including your attorney, staff researchers, and outside experts — to determine the extent of your damages and how much your case is worth. There are two types of damages for which you could receive
compensation: Economic and non-economic.If your case goes to trial and a jury agrees you deserve compensation, the jury members will decide how much the money you should receive for each category of damages.