Alabama Hernia Mesh Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Alabama Hernia Mesh Lawsuit Overview

Alabama hernia mesh lawsuits involve claims against manufacturers of defective hernia mesh products that have caused serious complications requiring revision surgeries.

The primary allegations focus on defective product design, manufacturing errors, and insufficient labeling regarding potential risks from companies like Bard, Atrium Medical, and Ethicon.

In Alabama, as in other states, Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) plays a significant role by consolidating similar cases to streamline the process and increase efficiency.

Over 3,000 lawsuits were filed against Bard Davol’s Kugel patch alone, resulting in a $184 million settlement in 2017 for 2,600 cases.

What Is Hernia Mesh?

Hernia mesh is a medical device used in hernia repair surgery, also known as hernia mesh patches, designed to support weakened or damaged tissue and reduce hernia recurrence.

However, research following ventral abdominal hernia repair shows varying risk of recurrence, with some cases not reporting recurrence within three years and others experiencing about a 10% recurrence rate after eight years.

Latest Alabama Hernia Mesh Lawsuit Updates

• Mid 2025 – As of mid-2025, MDLs against Covidien, Atrium, Bard, and Ethicon are ongoing. Bard has settled many cases in both MDL and Rhode Island state court, but new lawsuits are still being filed. Covidien, Atrium, and Ethicon MDLs remain active, with no global settlements announced as of February 2024 [1].
• October 2023 – A significant $500,000 verdict was awarded in a recent hernia mesh trial, demonstrating continued successful outcomes for plaintiffs in individual cases [2].
• August 2022 – Becton Dickinson faced a substantial $4.8 million award for a Rhode Island man, marking one of the largest individual verdicts in hernia mesh litigation [3].
• April 2022 – C.R. Bard faced verdicts of $255,000 for an Ohio man and $500,000 in separate trials, showing consistent liability findings against the manufacturer [4].
• 2017 – Bard Davol’s Kugel patch MDL concluded with a landmark $184 million settlement [5].

FDA Reports and Statistics

According to the FDA and research from the National Institute of Health:

• Recalled Products: Multiple hernia mesh products have been recalled including Atrium C-QUR patch, Ethicon Physiomesh, and Bard Composix Kugel Hernia Patch.
• Mesh Elasticity Loss: A 2021 NIH study demonstrated that hernia mesh products can lose elasticity over time, causing complications like bowel obstruction.
• Recurrence Rates: Ventral abdominal hernia repair shows varying recurrence risk, with some cases reporting no recurrence within three years while others experience about 10% recurrence after eight years.
• FDA Warnings: The FDA has specifically blamed recalled hernia mesh for cases of bowel obstruction and perforation.
• Timeframe: Complications affect patients who received mesh implants from January 1, 2006 onwards.

The FDA blamed recalled hernia mesh for cases of bowel obstruction and perforation. Many of these recalled products are no longer on the market, but some are still available – Jessica D. Hess, Pharmaceutical Researcher at the Department of Genetics and Epigenetics

Alabama Hernia Mesh Injuries & Side Effects

According to a 2020 study by the National Center for Biotechnology and Information, complications from hernia mesh implants are extensive and severe, significantly impacting patients’ quality of life and often necessitating additional medical interventions.

Serious complications include:

• Adhesion: Abnormal tissue connections causing pain and organ dysfunction
• Bowel Obstruction: Blockage of intestinal tract requiring emergency surgery
• Chronic Pain: Persistent abdominal pain affecting daily activities and quality of life
• Hernia Recurrence: Return of hernia requiring additional surgical intervention
• Infection: Serious bacterial infections around mesh requiring antibiotic treatment or removal
• Mesh Migration: Movement of mesh into adjacent tissues or organs
• Mesh Shrinkage: Contraction of mesh material causing tissue distortion

Do You Qualify for an Alabama Hernia Mesh Lawsuit?

You may qualify for an Alabama hernia mesh lawsuit if:

• You underwent hernia repair surgery using mesh from January 1, 2006 onwards.
• You experienced serious complications including adhesions, hernia recurrence, chronic pain, infection, bowel obstruction, or mesh migration.
• Your complications required revision surgery or significant medical treatment.
• You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to the hernia mesh implant.
• Your complications have significantly impacted your well-being and daily activities.

Evidence Required for an Alabama Hernia Mesh Lawsuit

When initiating an Alabama hernia mesh lawsuit, you will need:

• Medical Documentation: Complete medical records documenting the original hernia surgery, subsequent complications, any revision surgeries, and ongoing treatment related to mesh complications.
• Product Evidence: Documentation identifying the specific hernia mesh product used, including surgical records, product information, and manufacturer details.
• Expert Testimony: Medical expert testimony linking the complications to the specific hernia mesh product and establishing that the mesh was defective or inadequately labeled.
• Damage Documentation: Records of all medical expenses, lost wages, and evidence of how the complications have impacted your quality of life and ability to work.

Damages You Can Recover

Compensation for hernia mesh victims can include:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for all medical treatments related to hernia mesh injuries, including costs for revision surgeries, hospitalization, medications, and rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for workdays missed due to injury, overall impact on ability to work, potential future earnings lost, and reduced earning capacity resulting from hernia mesh injuries.
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life directly attributable to the hernia mesh complications.
• Punitive Damages: In cases involving gross negligence or willful misconduct by manufacturers, additional damages may be awarded to punish the defendant.

Hernia Mesh Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Alabama

There is no specific average settlement amount for hernia mesh lawsuits in Alabama, as these cases are handled on an individual basis and can vary widely depending on the severity of complications experienced by the plaintiff and the details of each case.

Settlement amounts in hernia mesh cases can range from tens of thousands to several million dollars, with factors such as the extent of injury, the cost of medical treatment, and the impact on quality of life influencing the final amount.

Some hernia mesh lawsuits have resulted in significant verdicts, such as a $500,000 verdict in October 2023 and a $4.8 million verdict in August 2022.

In previous mass tort cases involving surgical mesh, such as the Kugel hernia mesh litigation, settlements resulted in an average of around $70,000 per claim. Still, individual settlements varied based on the severity of injuries, with some receiving over $900,000.

While specific average settlement amounts are difficult to determine since they vary greatly and can be confidential, some public payouts for hernia mesh complications have been disclosed, including a $4.8 million verdict for a Rhode Island man and a $255,000 award for an Ohio man in 2022.

Alabama Hernia Mesh Recall Information

• Recalled Products Include:
  • Atrium C-QUR patch
  • Ethicon Physiomesh
  • Bard Composix Kugel Hernia Patch
  • Other products from manufacturers including Bard, Atrium Medical, and Ethicon
• Recall Reasons: Products recalled due to defects causing complications such as infections, pain, bowel perforation, obstruction, and mesh migration.
• FDA Action: The FDA has blamed recalled hernia mesh for cases of bowel obstruction and perforation, with many recalled products no longer on the market while some remain available.

Statute of Limitations for Alabama Hernia Mesh Lawsuits

In Alabama, the statute of limitations for hernia mesh lawsuits is two years starting from when the injury is or should have been discovered.

If you believe you have a valid claim, swift action is crucial, as failing to file within the statute of limitations can preclude the opportunity to seek justice through the legal system.

Other states may have different timeframes, typically ranging from 1-4 years from the date of discovery of the injury.

Related Articles:

• Bard Composix Hernia Mesh Surgical Complications
• Atrium ProLite and ProLoop Hernia Mesh Lawsuits

FAQs

1. Can I still file a lawsuit if my hernia mesh was not recalled?

Yes, you can still file a lawsuit even if your specific hernia mesh product was not recalled. The key is to demonstrate that the mesh caused your injuries due to defects or insufficient warnings.

2. How can an attorney help with my hernia mesh lawsuit?

An attorney can navigate the legal complexities, gather necessary evidence, file claims, negotiate settlements, and represent you in court if necessary. They provide expertise and support to maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation.

3. How long does a hernia mesh lawsuit take to settle?

The duration can vary widely. Complex cases can last from three to seven years, and potentially longer if there are appeals. The timeline is influenced by factors such as case complexity, the discovery process, and the willingness of the defendant to settle.

4. What are typical settlement amounts for hernia mesh lawsuits?

Settlement amounts vary widely based on injury severity, ranging from tens of thousands to several million dollars. Recent verdicts include $4.8 million (2022), $500,000 (2023), and $255,000 (2022), while the Kugel mesh settlement averaged around $70,000 per claim.

5. What is the role of Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) in hernia mesh cases?

MDL consolidates similar cases to streamline the legal process, allowing one judge to oversee pretrial proceedings. This leads to consistent court rulings and often encourages settlements, particularly useful in complex product liability cases.

6. Who are the main manufacturers facing hernia mesh lawsuits?

Major manufacturers include Bard, Atrium Medical, Ethicon, Covidien, and Becton Dickinson, with ongoing MDLs against several of these companies as of 2024.

7. What medical treatment is typically required for mesh complications?

The most effective treatment for hernia mesh complications, particularly infections, is typically revision surgery combined with intravenous antibiotics to remove the infected or problematic mesh.

8. Can family members file a lawsuit for a loved one who died from mesh complications?

Yes, family members may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit if their loved one died as a result of complications caused by defective hernia mesh.

See all related medical device lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

Get a Free Alabama Hernia Mesh Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action against hernia mesh manufacturers for complications caused by defective products.

In Alabama, you have only two years from when the injury is or should have been discovered to file a lawsuit.

Alabama residents can benefit from experienced local representation familiar with state-specific legal requirements.

Our hernia mesh lawyers offers:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
• No upfront costs or fees – you pay nothing unless we win
• Experienced representation in Alabama hernia mesh litigation
• Comprehensive investigation with medical and product liability experts

Schmidt & Clark, LLP are here to support Alabama residents during tough times. If you or a loved one has suffered complications from hernia mesh, reach out to us.

Our legal team has extensive experience handling defective medical device cases in Alabama and can provide valuable insight into your potential claim.

References

1. https://www.lawsuit-information-center.com/how-much-compensation-can-you-expect-for-a-hernia-mesh-lawsuit.html
2. https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/personal-injury/man-awarded-500000-over-hernia-mesh-injuries/
3. https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/ri-jury-orders-becton-dickinson-pay-48-mln-hernia-mesh-trial-2022-08-29/
4. https://www.drugwatch.com/news/2022/06/21/jury-orders-becton-dickinson-pay-255k-hernia-mesh-patient/
5. https://www.fiercebiotech.com/medical-devices/c-r-bard-to-pay-184m-to-end-davol-suits