Physiomesh Lawsuit Update 2018 – Physiomesh Hernia Patch Mesh

A lawsuit was filed in mid-June against Ethicon, the company that manufactures Physiomesh.

According to the claim, filed by Merlene Jordan in New Jersey Superior Court, the product failed to function as advertised and caused severe pain and a variety of complications following hernia surgery. Jordan’s doctors claim future surgical procedures will be needed, but might not resolve the problem with the mesh.

Jordan claims she suffered “severe reactions” and that the hernia patch mesh failed because of its design. Ethicon pulled Physiomesh from the market in 2016, but a great deal of damage had already been done – reports had already been filed by several mesh recipients and more continue to arise.

According to Jordan’s lawsuit, a Physiomesh patch was used in her 2012 hernia surgery but failed shortly after. Jordan underwent corrective surgery in July 2014 to have a portion of it removed after experiencing bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and severe pain linked to the mesh.

Just four months later in November 2014, Jordan underwent another surgery to remove additional portions of the mesh. It was during this procedure that doctors discovered the Physiomesh had “fallen apart” and it was difficult to recognize the mesh at all.

Doctors claim there is likely nothing further they can do to correct the problem and that Jordan is at risk for suffering pain and other complications for the rest of her life as a result of complications from Physiomesh.

Latest in a String of Physiomesh Lawsuits

Jordan’s case is one of hundreds making their way through the court system regarding complications with Ethicon Physiomesh. There are currently more than 870 claims against Ethicon.

Federal courts have centralized the majority of Physiomesh cases before in the Northern District of Georgia as part of an MDL in an effort to streamline the process and avoid contradictory pre-trial rulings. A petition was filed in early 2018 seeking a New Jersey Multicounty Litigation be established, and if this occurs, Jordan’s case would be consolidated into this group.

Problems with Physiomesh Widespread

Physiomesh is a flexible material used to reinforce weakness in the abdominal wall and to repair hernias. It’s put in place to create a barrier that should prevent internal organs from pushing through tissue.

Unfortunately, many people who have been recipients of Physiomesh have suffered serious complications following the implantation of the mesh. Side effects associated with Physiomesh include:

• Infection
• Organ perforation
• Allergic reactions
• Inflammation
• Nerve damage
• Bloating
• Discomfort
• Pain
• Constipation and other digestive distress

There have even been three deaths linked to the use of mesh products.

Some believe Physiomesh did not receive sufficient scrutiny from the FDA prior to its approval. Ethicon was able to seek approval through the agency’s 510(k) process that speeds the approval process for products that are similar to those already on the market. Many believe this loophole puts consumers at risk.

After several complaints were filed regarding Physiomesh, Ethicon issued an “Urgent Field Notice,” recalling the mesh due to higher than average failure rates.

Plaintiffs in Physiomesh lawsuits claim the company could have done more and failed to take action soon enough after learning its product was dangerous.