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Vaginal Mesh Lawsuits

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Numerous women have brought lawsuits concerning vaginal mesh against multiple medical device firms due to injuries stemming from flawed transvaginal mesh implants.

This article aims to outline the issues linked with vaginal mesh implants and their role in precipitating one of the most substantial mass litigation cases in history.

Additionally, it will provide updates on the ongoing vaginal mesh class action lawsuit and answer your questions about potential eligibility for individuals considering initiating their own legal action concerning vaginal mesh complications and what that will entail.

About Vaginal Mesh Implants

Vaginal mesh, also known as transvaginal mesh, represents a specific type of surgical mesh implant utilized to reinforce and bolster weakened or injured tissue during surgical procedures. These mesh products are tailored for female pelvic reconstructive surgeries, commonly performed to address pelvic organ prolapse and/or stress urinary incontinence. These conditions arise due to the weakening of pelvic muscles, allowing organs such as the uterus, bladder, or rectum to descend into the vaginal area. Surgical intervention aims to repair and fortify these weakened pelvic muscles.

The utilization of vaginal mesh in pelvic organ prolapse surgeries dates back to the 1970s. Subsequently, in the 1990s, surgeons extended the application of vaginal mesh implants to include the surgical management of stress urinary incontinence. Notably, in 1996, transvaginal mesh implant products gained eligibility for FDA approval through the expedited 501(k) process, allowing approval without necessitating clinical trials. This decision opened the floodgates to a plethora of competing vaginal mesh products manufactured by various medical device companies.

Issues With Vaginal Mesh

In the years following the widespread adoption of vaginal mesh products starting in the 1990s, both patients and medical practitioners began reporting various prevalent issues and post-implant complications linked to these implants. The complications associated with vaginal mesh products fall into several categories:

Mesh Erosion: The most frequently encountered problem leading to complications with vaginal mesh implants is mesh erosion. This occurs when the mesh material of the product erodes through and penetrates the surrounding vaginal tissue or organs, often resulting in severe pain and necessitating corrective surgery.

Infection: Another common complication associated with vaginal mesh implants is infection, including persistent urinary tract infections.

Organ Perforation: In numerous instances, vaginal mesh implants have migrated and punctured adjacent organs such as the bowel or bladder. Additionally, there have been cases where they have pierced blood vessels, leading to severe and potentially life-threatening complications.

Vaginal Shrinkage or Scarring: Vaginal mesh implants have been identified as culprits for causing scarring and constriction or shrinkage of the vaginal tissue. This complication typically results in painful sexual intercourse.

FDA Warnings About Vaginal Mesh

During the early 2000s, the escalating instances of complications and injuries linked to vaginal mesh garnered the FDA’s attention. It wasn’t until 2008 that the FDA took decisive action, issuing a Public Health Notification to alert patients and healthcare providers about the issues associated with vaginal mesh implants.

Three years later, the FDA released an updated safety communication highlighting ongoing evidence of severe complications related to vaginal mesh products. This time, the FDA went a step further, concluding that there was insufficient evidence to demonstrate the beneficial effects of using vaginal mesh implants. This declaration captured widespread national attention and served as the primary catalyst for the surge in vaginal mesh lawsuits.

Vaginal Mesh Lawsuits

Vaginal mesh lawsuits emerged in 2009 following the initial FDA safety warning. Subsequently, over the following decade, numerous women filed lawsuits against multiple medical device companies responsible for manufacturing vaginal mesh products. Among these companies were Johnson & Johnson (Ethicon), C.R. Bard, Boston Scientific, American Medical Systems (AMS), Coloplast, and various others.

The lawsuits concerning vaginal mesh assert claims that the products were inherently flawed in design. Furthermore, they accuse the device manufacturers of negligence for not adequately informing doctors and patients about the potential risks and complications associated with these implants.

Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuit Victim Questions

What are the symptoms of vaginal mesh failure?
If something does not feel right, it may not be.
Many women have quietly endured persistent pelvic pain, discomfort during intimacy, or a sense of pressure they could not explain. There might be unexpected bleeding, repeated infections, or difficulties with bladder control.
In more serious cases, the mesh can actually erode through the vaginal wall or damage surrounding organs. These symptoms are not just inconvenient. They are signals.
If you have had a mesh implant and now experience any of these issues, it may be time to ask questions, and consider your options.
Is vaginal mesh still on the market or recalled?
In 2019, the FDA made an important move: it ordered that mesh devices used for pelvic organ prolapse should no longer be sold.
That decision came after growing concerns and painful stories shared by women across the country. While this was not called a “recall,” it effectively removed many high-risk devices from shelves.
But some types of surgical mesh, especially those used to treat stress urinary incontinence, remain in limited use. It is a patchwork, and that can be confusing. If you are unsure what kind of mesh you received, you are not alone, and our vaginal mesh lawyers can help you find out.
Can you still file a vaginal mesh lawsuit in 2025?
Yes, you can. Although many of the large-scale legal actions have been resolved, the door has not closed for everyone. If your injuries have surfaced in recent years—or if you only just learned the mesh was the cause—you may still be able to file.
The rules vary from state to state, but there is often room to move if your case is timely. The important thing is not to wait too long to speak with someone who can guide you.
How do I know if I qualify for a vaginal mesh lawsuit?
You might qualify if you had a pelvic or transvaginal mesh implant and later experienced pain, complications, or needed another surgery. Perhaps the pain crept in slowly, or maybe it arrived suddenly and refused to leave.
If these problems have emerged or worsened in the past two years, and you have the medical records to show it, you may have a case.
And if you do not have those records yet, do not worry. A good legal team knows how to find what matters, and it is almost always findable.
Which companies are being sued for vaginal mesh injuries?
Several well-known medical device manufacturers have been taken to court over mesh products. The list includes Ethicon (part of Johnson & Johnson), Boston Scientific, C.R. Bard, American Medical Systems, Coloplast, Cook Medical, and Neomedic. Women have argued that these companies sold dangerous devices without fully warning the people most affected. .
What is the average vaginal mesh lawsuit settlement amount?
The numbers vary, but most settlements have fallen somewhere between $150,000 and $450,000. Some women with especially severe injuries—those who have had multiple revision surgeries or lifelong complications—have received higher amounts. This is not just about money. It is about dignity, recognition, and being heard. A careful review of your case can help estimate where you might stand.
What evidence do I need to support a vaginal mesh claim?
Your story matters, and the details help tell it. You will need records that show you had a mesh implant, as well as documentation of any problems that followed. This might include surgical notes, follow-up care, or statements from your physician. A timeline of symptoms can also be helpful. If gathering those things sounds overwhelming, that is completely understandable. A trusted law firm can do much of the heavy lifting for you.
 Do I need a lawyer to file a vaginal mesh lawsuit?
Yes, you truly do. This is not a battle you should fight alone. Medical device companies are large and well-prepared. Having a lawyer means having someone in your corner. Someone who understands the medical and legal maze and who will fight for what is fair. A good transvaginal mesh attorney can protect your rights, help you gather the right evidence, and give your case the attention it deserves.

Vaginal Mesh Class Action

In 2012, the federal courts consolidated vaginal mesh lawsuits into a class action, subsequently divided into seven distinct MDLs (multidistrict litigations). Each MDL specifically encompassed all claims against a separate manufacturer of mesh implants: C.R. Bard, Inc., American Medical Systems, Inc., Boston Scientific Corp., Ethicon, Inc., Coloplast Corp., Cook Medical, Inc., and Neomedic.

Collectively, these seven vaginal mesh class action MDLs encompassed over 100,000 individual plaintiffs, making vaginal mesh litigation one of the most substantial mass tort cases in history. These MDLs were overseen by a federal judge in the Southern District of West Virginia. Between 2012 and 2014, pivotal bellwether trials were conducted within several vaginal mesh MDLs. These trials consistently concluded with significant verdicts in favor of the plaintiffs.

Current Status of Vaginal Mesh Lawsuits

The litigation surrounding vaginal mesh persists today, with thousands of lawsuits awaiting resolution. Although most manufacturers have instituted settlement programs to address vaginal mesh claims, certain mesh companies are actively engaged in litigating these cases. Presently, new individuals affected by vaginal mesh complications continue to initiate product liability lawsuits.

Since the commencement of this legal battle, over 100,000 vaginal mesh lawsuits have been filed. It’s been reported that more than 90% of these cases have reached full resolution through settlements, resulting in the deactivation of the MDLs. However, this doesn’t preclude the possibility of filing a vaginal mesh lawsuit. A considerable volume of these lawsuits is still being filed now, albeit outside the purview of the MDLs.

Are You Eligible to File a Vaginal Mesh Lawsuit?

To be eligible for participation in a vaginal mesh lawsuit, prospective plaintiffs must meet specific eligibility criteria. The criteria employed by our firm when screening potential vaginal mesh injury cases are outlined as follows:

Vaginal Mesh Implantation: Initially, the plaintiff must demonstrate that they underwent a surgical procedure involving the implantation of a vaginal mesh or pelvic mesh implant.

Vaginal Mesh Complications: Plaintiffs are required to show that their vaginal mesh implant led to one of the various complications associated with defective vaginal mesh products. These complications encompass issues such as erosion, migration, and infection.

Onset of Injuries Within the Past 2 Years: Lastly, plaintiffs must establish that the complications arising from their vaginal mesh implant resulted in tangible physical injuries within the preceding two-year period.

Primary Injuries in Vaginal Mesh Lawsuits

Outlined below are the primary injuries and complications commonly associated with vaginal mesh implants and being alleged in the lawsuits:

Mesh Erosion

Vaginal mesh erosion is a potential complication with vaginal mesh implants in women. In certain instances, the mesh may deteriorate or protrude into nearby tissues, resulting in various complications.

When vaginal mesh erosion occurs, the mesh material may penetrate the vaginal wall or adjacent structures. This can trigger various symptoms including pain, discomfort, bleeding, infection, and discomfort during sexual intercourse. Surgical intervention may be necessary to address the erosion.

Vaginal mesh erosion is the most commonly occurring complication alleged in mesh lawsuits. Plaintiffs in these cases claim that the mesh manufacturers failed to give adequate warning regarding the risks and complications, such as erosion, occurred. The occurrence of mesh erosion can precipitate severe health issues and complications.

Infection

Certain vaginal mesh products pose an increased risk of bacterial or other microbial infections due to design flaws in the materials used. The mesh material may create an environment conducive to bacterial growth, causing chronic infection. Symptoms of infections associated with vaginal mesh can include pain, swelling, redness, unusual discharge with an odor, fever, and discomfort during sexual intercourse.

Infections may occur if bacteria enter the surgical site during mesh implantation or if the mesh erodes into nearby tissues, creating a pathway for bacterial proliferation. Many internal infections linked to vaginal mesh implants manifest years after surgery. Once again, lawsuits surrounding vaginal mesh allege that manufacturers were aware of this issue but failed to provide adequate warning.

Vaginal Scarring

Vaginal scarring involves the formation of scar tissue within the vaginal region. Studies indicate that vaginal mesh implants can trigger the development of vaginal scar tissue in a high percentage of implant patients. When vaginal scarring occurs, normal vaginal tissue is replaced by fibrous tissue as part of the body’s natural healing process. This scar tissue can alter the structure and flexibility of the vaginal walls, potentially leading to symptoms such as pain, discomfort, and complications like sexual dysfunction or difficulties with intercourse.

In the context of vaginal mesh implants, scarring may result from the body’s reaction to the presence of the mesh material. Inadequate healing or excessive scarring can contribute to complications and negative outcomes.

Organ Perforation

Organ perforation stemming from vaginal mesh implants is a very dangerous complication wherein the mesh material punctures or penetrates neighboring organs or tissues. Defective vaginal mesh implants, through erosion or migration, frequently lead to organ perforation. Organs such as the bladder, bowel, or blood vessels may be subject to perforation by this mesh material.

The consequences of organ perforation from vaginal mesh can include intense pain, bleeding, infection, and various other complications. Surgical intervention is typically necessary to rectify the perforation, involving the removal or repositioning of the mesh. The severity of complications hinges on factors such as the extent of the perforation and the organs involved.

Settlement Value of Vaginal Mesh Lawsuits

Drawing from previous settlements and verdicts in past vaginal mesh lawsuits, including those in the class action MDL settlements, we have gained insight into the potential settlement value of a viable vaginal mesh case. Our legal experts approximate that a successful lawsuit related to vaginal mesh injuries in 2024 could result in a settlement payout ranging from approximately $150,000 to $450,000.

The precise worth of your vaginal mesh case within this settlement range relies on multiple factors, such as the extent of physical injuries and the age of the plaintiff. These elements play a significant role in determining the specific value and placement of your case within this estimated settlement range.

Contact Us About a Vaginal Mesh Lawsuit

Our national product liability lawyers are currently accepting new vaginal mesh lawsuits from women who suffered complications and injuries related to a vaginal, transvaginal, or pelvic mesh implant. Contact us at 800-322-3010 or get a free online consultation.