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Defective Hernia Mesh

Complications with Surgical Mesh are Causing Harm to Many Patients

Surgical mesh implants are one method used to repair various types of hernias. This durable medical device made of animal-derived or synthetic materials reinforces areas inside the body where an intestine, organ, or fatty tissue pushes through the cavity wall where it resides.

Patients considering hernia mesh surgery should know that while many individuals have great success with this procedure, some do not. Many hernia mesh products have already been recalled for a variety of reasons. Anyone who has been injured by hernia mesh or other defective medical products may consider a products liability claim to recover compensation for the pain, suffering, and additional medical care associated with their injuries.

What is a Hernia?

Hernias occur when pressure in the body forces tissue or an organ through a hole or weak section of surrounding tissue. That weakness in the muscle can exist at birth or develop with age or physical activity. Lifting heavy objects, giving birth, and even intense, persistent coughing can lead to a hernia.

Most hernias occur in the abdominal wall, but they can also be found in and around the diaphragm, stomach, navel, and inner or outer groin. The different types of hernias are named for their location in the body. Depending on where in the body a hernia occurs, it may appear as a bulge on the body, especially when a person is bending down or straining in some way.

How does Hernia Mesh Work?

Physicians may opt to take a watch and wait approach for minor hernias. More severe and problematic hernias require medical intervention. Surgery to repair hernias is done either with small surgical tools inserted through a tiny incision in the body, or through a larger, open incision at the site of the hernia. These surgical procedures may or may not involve hernia mesh.

Surgical mesh is used in around 90 percent of repairs. When inserted into the body at the site of a hernia, surgical mesh reinforces weak tissue and holds organs and tissue in place. Hernia mesh is either permanent or becomes absorbed by the body over time.

Common Complications of Hernia Mesh

While hernia mesh has proven to be an effective repair solution for many patients, others have experienced a host of different complications resulting from the use of these medical products.

Hernia mesh problems include:

  • Abscesses or adhesions
  • Chronic pain and inflammation
  • Fistulas
  • Non-healing wounds
  • Pain at the surgical site
  • Perforated organs
  • Product erosion or failure
  • Product shrinkage or migration
  • Serious infections including sepsis

Many patients who experience problems from defective or unsafe hernia mesh must undergo revision surgery, putting them at risk of infection and the other potential complications that come with any invasive medical procedure.

Products Liability Claims

Companies that design, manufacture, or market hernia mesh and other medical devices have a duty to ensure these products are safe for consumer use. In some cases, manufacturers are aware of the possible health consequences of their products but fail to warn patients, putting them at risk of preventable and possible serious, life-threatening health problems.

When companies fail to uphold this duty, they can be held accountable for injuries resulting from defective medical products. If you have symptoms or signs that your hernia mesh may be defective, you should speak to your doctor right away.

After receiving medical attention, consider contacting a Philadelphia products liability lawyer who will not only determine if your hernia mesh has been recalled for defects, but also recommend your legal options regarding unsafe medical devices and a possible products liability claim.

After establishing which party in the supply chain caused the defect that led to your injuries, your products liability lawyer evaluates your potential damages. Damages might include compensation for past and future medical expenses, loss of income, and emotional and physical pain and suffering.

Philadelphia Products Liability Lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC Represent Patients Harmed by Defective Hernia Mesh

As the victim of a defective medical product, you have the right to hold the company or companies that caused these defects accountable for your injuries. When you trust the Philadelphia products liability lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC with your claim, you have an experienced team of aggressive, skilled personal injury lawyers working for you.

To discuss your situation with a Philadelphia products injury lawyer, call 215-569-8488 or 302-888-1221 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. With offices in Center City Philadelphia, Abington, and Media, we represent clients throughout the state of Pennsylvania, including the areas of Delaware County and Chester County, as well as those in Wilmington, Delaware, and New Jersey.