Women Involved in Pelvic Prolapse Lawsuit Living in Pain

Dorothy Vogt, a 74-year-old resident of Melbourne, Florida, is one of the many women involved in a pelvic prolapse lawsuit who has been living in pain ever since her pelvic prolapse surgery. After her husband died in 2006, she started having trouble—the kind that plagues a lot of women after the age of 50. She took her gynecologist’s advice and underwent a vaginal mesh procedure.

Unfortunately, instead of getting the relief she was promised, she’s experienced only pain, additional surgeries, and regular bladder infections. Today, she’s hoping her pelvic prolapse lawyer will help her win compensation against the vaginal mesh manufacturers, whom she blames for her current condition.

What is Pelvic Prolapse Surgery?

About half of all women between the ages of 50 and 79 experience some sort of pelvic organ prolapse. As a result of childbirth, hysterectomy, menopause, or other issues, a woman’s pelvic muscles may weaken, and no longer completely support internal organs like the bladder, urethra, bowel, and uterus. One or more of these organs may then “drop” down from its usual position, possibly causing pressure, pain, sexual problems, bleeding, and incontinence.

In 2010, it’s estimated that over 100,000 women were advised to try pelvic prolapse surgery involving some sort of vaginal mesh. A surgical netting made of synthetic material, vaginal mesh is meant to hold and support the dropped organs while reinforcing weakened connective tissues. Though some women seem to have benefitted from the procedure, many others have had severe complications such as pain, infections, urinary problems, and worse.

The material of the mesh has been known to set off inflammation, and because cells and tissues grow in and out of the openings, a surgeon can never entirely remove it. For Lisa Smith, a 46-year old plaintiff in a pelvic prolapse lawsuit, the feeling is like “…walking around with the equivalent of barbed wire inside me.”

Pelvic Prolapse Lawsuits Consolidated in Federal MDL

In October 2008, the FDA issued a warning about problems with surgical meshes, and in July 2011, they updated that warning to alert physicians and women to the fact that vaginal mesh complications are not rare. A 2011 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that vaginal mesh pelvic prolapse surgery carried risks of problems like pelvic hemorrhage, bladder perforation, and pain during sex.

Meanwhile, women around the country have sought the advice of a pelvic prolapse lawyer concerning alleged problems with vaginal mesh procedures. Over 30 pelvic prolapse lawsuits targeting Bard Avaulta vaginal mesh allege the product was negligently designed and that the company failed to warn about possible complications. These cases have now been consolidated in multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. In addition, more than 400 people have filed a pelvic prolapse lawsuit in New Jersey state court against Ethicon, Inc. and Johnson & Johnson over alleged problems with Gynecare mesh products.

You May Be Eligible for a Pelvic Prolapse Lawsuit

If you went through a pelvic prolapse surgery that employed vaginal mesh and you believe you are now suffering complications, a pelvic prolapse lawyer may be able to help you win compensation for medical expenses. Contact Chaffin Luhana LLP today to determine your eligibility for a pelvic prolapse lawsuit at 1-888-480-1123.