Physiomesh Hernia Mesh Lawsuits Exceed 80 Pending Cases in Multidistrict Litigation
Since 2016 lawsuits involving hernia mesh developed by Ethicon, Inc. continue to mount. Sold under Physiomesh, the products have raised concern over their safety and ability to reduce the symptoms of a hernia. Multidistrict litigation, on the Federal level, is now underway at the U.S. District.
On July 17th, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) released an update on the number of suits. At that time there were at least 84 pending Physiomesh lawsuits with more expected to come. Eighteen of these were filed within the previous month when 66 suits were reported.
The Physiomesh lawsuit alleges that the hernia patches are flawed in their design and result in irritation, adhesions, extreme pain , perforations, infections, mesh erosions, , and other health complications. The JPML have effectively transferred the federally filed suits against Physiomesh to the Northern District of Georgia. Here they will undergo pretrial proceedings that will include a full discovery. The litigation is scheduled to convene on August 1st at an Initial Conference meeting. All disclosure and discover proceedings are at halt pending the outcome of the Initial Conference.
Physiomesh is made from non-absorbable plastic filaments that are uniquely woven into a special material. Both sides of the mesh are then covered film coating that is absorbable. This is meant to patch into the body and reduce inflammation of the hernia. Plaintiffs of the Physiomesh lawsuit allege that the design increase complications, some of which are serious.
The complaints state “When affixed to the body’s tissue, the impermeable multi-layer coating of the Physiomesh prevents fluid escape, which leads to seroma formation, and which in turn can cause infection, abscess formation and other complications,” it goes onto say, “The multi-layer coating provides a breeding ground for bacteria in which the bacteria cannot be eliminated by the body’s immune response, which allows infection to proliferate.”
The manufacturers of Physiomesh, Ethicon, introduced a worldwide recall of their mesh products in 2016. This came after a European analysis which suggested the products were linked to a higher than average recurrence and revision compared to other hernia meshes used in a medical setting.
Ethicon stated they were unable to determine what caused the issued, but admitted it could be due to several factors including the product characteristics, the surgical operation, or the patient. The company further indicated that they will not be adding any of the Physiomesh products to the market until further notice.
Do you believe you are the victim of a Physiomesh complication?
If you experienced any of the following after a revision of a ventral hernia repair, you may be eligible to file an Ehticon Physiomesh lawsuit:
- Recurrence of the hernia
- Adhesion or scarring
- Intestinal blockage
- Pain
- Infection
- Migration of a Physiomesh patch
- Shrinkage of mesh
- And more
Filing an Ethicon Physiomesh lawsuit in Tennessee may be an option to people who suffered from recurrence and revision associated with the 2016 product withdrawal. The Higgins Firm can offer you a complimentary case review and let you know what options may be available. Call our firm today.
Author Bio
Jim Higgins, founder of the Higgins Firm, is a seasoned personal injury attorney with deep roots in Nashville, Tennessee. A 4th generation Nashvillian, Jim carries on the legal legacy of his father, a judge for over 30 years. After graduating from the University of Memphis School of Law, Jim’s career began on the other side of the courtroom, defending insurance companies and learning their tactics for minimizing settlements. However, he soon realized his true calling was fighting for the rights of the injured, and for the past several years, he has exclusively represented plaintiffs in personal injury cases.
Since then, his dedication and skill have earned him membership in the prestigious Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an organization limited to attorneys who have secured million and multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for their clients. Licensed to practice in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Georgia, Jim focuses on personal injury, product liability, medical malpractice, and workers’ compensation cases. His exceptional work has been recognized by his peers, earning him a spot on the Super Lawyers list from 2021 to 2024, a distinction awarded to only a select group of accomplished attorneys in each state.
