Maryland Hernia Mesh Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Maryland Hernia Mesh Lawsuit Overview

Maryland hernia mesh lawsuits represent part of a nationwide legal battleground where patients seek justice against major medical device companies including Ethicon, C.R. Bard, Covidien, and Atrium Medical Corp.

The primary allegations include defective design and manufacturing of hernia mesh products, inadequate warnings about risks, and negligence in testing safety protocols.

The Bard hernia mesh MDL encompasses over 20,000 cases, with thousands more pending across multiple Multidistrict Litigations (MDLs) affecting Maryland residents.

Maryland hernia mesh lawsuits allege that manufacturers neglected to ensure safety and efficacy of their products, leading to severe post-surgical complications requiring additional surgeries.

Latest Maryland Hernia Mesh Lawsuit Updates

• June 2025 – As of now, there are 1,998 cases pending in the federal Covidien MDL and more than 6,000 cases in Massachusetts State Court [1].
• March 22, 2023 – A $4.8 million verdict was awarded in a 2022 Rhode Island jury trial against Bard involving its Ventralex mesh product.
• June 2025 – The Bard hernia mesh MDL (MDL No. 2846) has 24,074 active cases. The MDL structure centralizes federal cases for pretrial proceedings, promoting consistency and efficiency, which directly impacts Maryland plaintiffs whose cases may be included in or influenced by the MDL [2].
• Settlement Trends – Johnson & Johnson (via its Ethicon division) and other manufacturers have settled or are moving toward hernia mesh settlements in various hernia mesh litigations [3].

FDA Reports and Statistics

According to DrugWatch, hernia mesh is a medical device designed to strengthen weakened areas of the abdominal wall and prevent hernia recurrence, but not all products are created equal, leading to widespread litigation [4].

Science Direct research from 2020 documents extensive complications associated with hernia mesh, including chronic pain, mesh migration, and bowel obstruction, supporting litigation claims by Maryland residents [5].

The National Library of Medicine reports that symptoms of complications can arise months or years after implant surgery, with patients experiencing extreme symptoms or mild signs that are difficult to diagnose.

The Bard hernia mesh MDL alone encompasses over 20,000 cases, with thousands more in various MDLs, reflecting the widespread concern over these medical devices affecting Maryland and other patients nationwide.

Maryland Hernia Mesh Injuries & Side Effects

Maryland patients who received defective hernia mesh implants report extensive and alarming complications that have left many with diminished quality of life, struggling with persistent issues long after their hernia repair surgeries.

Sometimes symptoms of complications can arise months or years after the implant surgery. Patients may have extreme symptoms that are easy to identify or mild signs that are more difficult to diagnose. In some cases, it’s possible to have multiple symptoms simultaneously – National Library of Medicine

Serious complications reported in Maryland hernia mesh lawsuits include:

• Chronic Pain: Debilitating sharp, dull, or burning sensations that persist long after surgery, significantly impacting quality of life.
• Infections: Post-surgical infections that can be difficult to treat and may require mesh removal.
• Mesh Migration: Movement of mesh from original position, potentially causing chronic pain, abscess, or fistula formation years after surgery.
• Mesh Erosion: Deterioration of mesh material causing additional complications and tissue damage.
• Adhesions: Scar tissue formation where mesh sticks to internal organs and tissues.
• Bowel Obstruction: Blockage of intestines that can be life-threatening without immediate medical intervention.
• Hernia Recurrence: Return of the original hernia requiring additional surgery and mesh replacement.
• Organ Perforation: Puncturing of surrounding organs requiring emergency surgical repair.

Do You Qualify for a Maryland Hernia Mesh Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Maryland hernia mesh lawsuit if:

• You had original hernia repair surgery with mesh on or after January 1, 2006, in Maryland or while residing in Maryland.
• You experienced serious side effects including mesh migration, organ perforation, chronic pain, infections, adhesions, bowel obstruction, or hernia recurrence.
• The injuries required medical treatment, hospitalization, or revision surgery.
• You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to the defective hernia mesh implant.
• You have undergone or are scheduled for revision surgery due to mesh-related complications.
• You have been advised to undergo additional surgery but are medically unable to do so due to other health issues.

Evidence Required for a Maryland Hernia Mesh Lawsuit

To effectively argue a Maryland hernia mesh lawsuit, claimants must gather and present comprehensive evidence including:

• Medical records that identify the brand and manufacturer of the hernia mesh used in your surgery.
• A detailed journal documenting symptoms and pain experienced since the mesh implantation.
• Photographs documenting visible symptoms and complications.
• Records of missed work and activities due to mesh-related complications.
• Documentation of all medical treatments and revision surgeries required.
• Expert medical testimony linking complications to the defective mesh product.

Damages You Can Recover

Maryland victims of defective hernia mesh may seek compensation for various damages including:

• Medical expenses: Economic damages for medical treatment, revision surgeries, and ongoing care
• Lost wages: Compensation for time away from work and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages capped at $875,000 as of 2023 in Maryland
• Punitive damages: Uncapped compensation in cases where malice is proven against manufacturers

Maryland Hernia Mesh Recall Information

While specific recall information varies by manufacturer, Maryland patients should be aware of widespread issues affecting hernia mesh products:

• Manufacturing Defects: Allegations of defective design and manufacturing by major companies
• Inadequate Testing: Claims that manufacturers failed to conduct adequate safety testing before market release
• Failure to Warn: Allegations that manufacturers did not adequately warn medical providers and patients about risks
• Product Safety: Ongoing concerns about the safety and efficacy of various mesh products affecting Maryland patients

Statute of Limitations for Maryland Hernia Mesh Lawsuits

According to the People’s Law Library of Maryland, the statute of limitations for hernia mesh cases in Maryland sets a three-year deadline for filing a lawsuit.

This three-year window ensures that cases are brought forward while evidence remains fresh and details of the injury are clear.

Timing is critical in pursuing justice for hernia mesh complications , making it essential for Maryland claimants to take timely legal action to maintain eligibility for compensation within the prescribed period.

FAQs

1. How do I know if I have a defective hernia mesh implant?

Signs of a defective hernia mesh implant include chronic pain, infection, hernia recurrence, mesh migration, bowel obstruction, and organ perforation. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and consider legal consultation.

2. What legal claims are made in Maryland hernia mesh lawsuits?

Legal claims often include defective product design, improper labeling and failure to warn about risks, defective manufacturing, and negligence by manufacturers in testing and safety protocols. Medical malpractice claims against implanting surgeons may also be pursued.

3. What is the status of hernia mesh multidistrict litigation (MDL)?

Hernia mesh MDLs consolidate numerous cases to streamline pre-trial processes. As of 2024, MDLs involve major manufacturers like C.R. Bard (over 20,000 cases), Ethicon, Covidien, and Atrium, with ongoing settlements and bellwether trials.

4. What are typical settlement amounts for Maryland hernia mesh cases?

In Maryland, the projected average settlement range is between $65,000 and $70,000, though amounts vary widely based on individual case specifics. Recent bellwether verdicts like the $4.8 million award indicate potential for substantial compensation.

5. How does Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) affect my Maryland case?

MDL centralizes numerous lawsuits to improve efficiency and ensure consistent rulings across similar cases. Participation in bellwether trials sets precedents that shape future litigation trajectories and potential settlements for Maryland residents.

6. What manufacturers are involved in Maryland hernia mesh lawsuits?

Major manufacturers include Ethicon, C.R. Bard, Covidien, and Atrium Medical Corp. These companies face thousands of lawsuits alleging defective products and inadequate warnings about risks.

7. Can I still file a lawsuit if I haven’t had revision surgery yet?

Yes, you may still qualify if you’ve been advised to undergo surgery but are medically unable to do so due to other health issues. Documentation of this medical advice and your current complications is important for your case.

8. What advantages do settlements offer compared to going to trial?

Settlements offer faster resolution, avoiding unpredictability of trial verdicts, and providing immediate compensation for injuries. However, some plaintiffs prefer trials for potential higher awards and formal acknowledgment of manufacturer wrongdoing.

9. How long does the Maryland hernia mesh lawsuit process take?

The timeline varies based on whether cases are part of MDL proceedings, settlement negotiations, or individual trials. Bellwether trials and settlement mediations can influence the speed of resolution for Maryland cases.

10. Do I need to pay upfront fees for a Maryland hernia mesh lawsuit?

Most hernia mesh attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs and only pay attorney fees if they successfully recover compensation for your case.

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

Get Your Free Consultation From Maryland Hernia Mesh Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for Maryland hernia mesh complications. Maryland law provides only three years from the date of injury discovery to file your hernia mesh lawsuit.

Missing this deadline could permanently prevent you from seeking the compensation you deserve.

Our Maryland legal team at Schmidt & Clark, LLP offers:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your Maryland hernia mesh case
• No upfront costs or fees – we only get paid if we win your case
• Personalized approach ensuring all questions are answered and concerns addressed
• Extensive resources and expertise in medical litigation with access to medical expert networks
• Transparent communication with regular updates on lawsuit status
• Comprehensive legal strategies tailored to Maryland hernia mesh case specifics

Presenting a compelling case requires comprehensive evidence, including detailed medical records, documentation of the defective hernia mesh implant, and records of serious complications and their impact on your life.

We understand that navigating the legal timeframe is imperative for maintaining eligibility to seek compensation. Consulting with a hernia mesh lawyer is essential for Maryland residents facing mesh-related complications.

References

1. https://www.motleyrice.com/medical-devices/hernia-mesh/covidien
2. https://www.lawsuit-information-center.com/how-much-compensation-can-you-expect-for-a-hernia-mesh-lawsuit.html
3. https://ankinlaw.com/hernia-mesh-lawsuit-updates-2025/
4. https://www.drugwatch.com/hernia-mesh/
5. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666138120300025