West Virginia Lawyer Fights for Victims Injured by Defective Hernia Mesh

Aggressive representation for patients suffering due to faulty medical devices

A hernia is a serious medical condition that can require emergency care to prevent severe consequences, including death. Surgery is often the best treatment for hernia patients, but a poorly made device used in these procedures has led to unexpected problems for many individuals. At Mountaineer Injury Law Group, I pursue compensation for patients who have been harmed by defective hernia mesh implants and other faulty medical devices. Medical device manufacturers have a duty to ensure their products are safe and to provide relief if they their negligently made product causes harm. If you experienced medical problems following hernia surgery, my team will fight for your rights against the liable manufacturer.

What is a hernia mesh?       

A hernia occurs when pressure or strain causes an internal organ, such as the intestine, to protrude through a weak spot or a tear in the abdominal wall. This is a serious medical condition, because additional pressure can cause the abdominal muscles to close around the protruding organ, causing strangulation with painful and perilous consequences.

Surgeons can correct a hernia by pushing the distended organ back into place and repairing the abdominal wall. In many cases, the opening can be stitched together and will heal, but often the area is weak and needs reinforcement. A hernia mesh is like a patch that seals the area, allowing it to heal.

Early hernia meshes were temporary in nature. They were made from organic animal byproducts, which the body would absorb over time. However, many patients needed a more permanent solution, so attempts were made to develop meshes that would last. Unfortunately, many of these devices had design flaws that caused complications over time, including:

• Infections
• Inflammation and chronic pain
• Bowel obstruction
• Mesh detachment and migration
• Puncture of adjacent tissues and organs
• Fistula formation
• Abscess formation
• Adhesion to other organs or tissue from scar tissue formation

Harm resulting from substandard hernia mesh frequently required additional surgery to alleviate, and many patients suffered permanent injury.          

Do I have a hernia mesh claim?     

If you suffered any of the consequences listed above due to a faulty hernia mesh, you might have the right to file a lawsuit or join in one of the class action claims currently being litigated. Presently, multi-district litigation is ongoing for three specific products:

• Bard's polypropylene hernia mesh
• Ethicon's Physiomesh
• Atrium's C-QUR

As a seasoned products liability attorney with a long track record of success taking on large corporations, I can explain your rights and file your claim if supported by the facts.

Pursuing a claim for a hernia mesh injury 

The statute of limitations for a personal injury claim in West Virginia is two years from the date of the injury. However, hernia mesh cases are subject to the discovery rule, which states that if a latent injury occurs, the statutory period does not begin until the plaintiff realizes they have been injured. Therefore, even if it’s been more than two years since a surgeon implanted your hernia mesh, you might still be able to file a lawsuit.

However, you should not delay any further. Hernia mesh manufacturers are seeking to resolve claims by establishing settlement funds. To get the compensation you deserve, you must file while the fund still contains adequate assets. It’s imperative that you contact a knowledgeable lawyer as soon as possible.

Contact a West Virginia products liability lawyer for a free hernia mesh injury consultation

Mountaineer Injury Law Group offers aggressive legal representation to individuals who have been injured by a defective hernia mesh. To schedule a free consultation in either Morgantown or Martinsburg, please call 304-202-5835 or contact me online.