Hernia Mesh Settlements

Plaintiffs have filed more than 20,000 hernia mesh lawsuits. Hernia mesh trials have centered on design defects, negligence and improper product labeling claims. In a typical case, the plaintiff argues that the mesh material is unsuitable for permanent implantation. As a result, the patient has experienced complications or injury. Depending on the facts of your case, your lawsuit may join an existing multidistrict lawsuit.

Some cases have reached verdicts, while others have reached settlements. A settlement is a voluntary agreement between the parties in a legal dispute, whereas a verdict is a decision that a judge or jury renders after a trial. So far, there have been a few confidential settlements.

Legal experts state that the $4.8 million verdict against Becton Dickinson, a C.R. Bard subsidiary, in August 2022 may result in global settlements for other plaintiffs. Plaintiffs have filed lawsuits against three main manufacturers in federal court: Bard Davol (a subsidiary of C.R. Bard), Atrium (a subsidiary of Getinge Group) and Ethicon (a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson). State lawsuits are pending against Covidien, Medtronic and W.L. Gore & Associates.

“Ethicon Physiomesh cases are settled, but it wasn’t a global settlement. There have been millions of dollars in confidential settlements in the Bard litigation, but it’s still going. Covidien is still going. Lawyers are still signing these cases,” according to Trent Miracle, a mass torts and product liability attorney.

What Is the Average Payout on a Hernia Mesh Lawsuit?

Determining the average compensation for a hernia mesh lawsuit settlement can be challenging. Many settlement amounts are not publicly available. In 2011, C.R. Bard agreed to pay $184 million to settle 2,600 state and federal suits over its hernia mesh patches.

Legal experts specializing in hernia mesh lawsuits suggest that settlement amounts typically range between $65,000 and $80,000. However, these awards can reach as high as $1 million in certain instances. These figures are approximate, and individual settlements may vary.

The amount of time it will take to resolve a personal injury claim will vary from case to case. Complex cases can last up to five years and up to 10 years if there is an appeal. Factors that impact the length of a case include case complexity, the discovery process, scheduling issues, various trial motions and the appeals process.

Disputes over liability or the specific amount of compensation can affect the settlement process. In multidistrict litigation, the fact that there are complex legal issues, multiple jurisdictions, and differing interests can add time to the process.

An experienced hernia mesh lawyer can help you determine your eligibility to file a lawsuit. To be eligible for a hernia mesh settlement, you must have:

A hernia mesh lawyer can help you obtain the necessary information to file a lawsuit and prove you are eligible for a settlement. Your lawyer will ask for documentation relating to your surgery and whether you kept the mesh because it can serve as evidence in your case.

Factors Affecting Settlement Amounts in Hernia Mesh Cases

Each case is different, so estimating hernia mesh settlement amounts is difficult. However, lawyers, courts and hernia mesh manufacturers consider several factors to determine settlement amounts.

The strength of the plaintiff’s case and the evidence demonstrating the defendant’s liability or negligence can also influence the settlement amount. Bellwether trial verdict amounts can also play a role in determining future settlement offers.

The first step in settling a hernia mesh case involves retaining expert legal representation, such as an experienced hernia mesh attorney. An experienced hernia mesh lawyer can help you navigate the settlement process and provide guidance on your eligibility for a settlement payment.

The key stages of the settlement process involve:

1. Filing the appropriate claim
2. Engaging in the discovery process
3. Presenting pre-trial motions
4. Coming to a settlement, assuming the case does not go to trial

While many cases resolve before reaching trial, some end up in court. The resolution of complex product liability cases can take three to seven years, depending on the willingness of the manufacturer to negotiate a mutually acceptable solution. An example is the case involving the Bard Kugel Patch hernia mesh. Bard recalled the hernia mesh in 2005 and settled the case in 2010.