Signs & Symptoms of Torn Ripped Hernia Device | 2025 Latest Updates

Torn Hernia Mesh Lawsuit Overview

Hernia mesh lawsuits focus on claims that manufacturers produced defective mesh products that tear, rip, or otherwise fail after implantation, leading to serious complications.

These cases allege that manufacturers failed to adequately test their products before marketing them and did not properly warn patients and doctors about potential risks.

Thousands of lawsuits have been filed against major manufacturers including C.R. Bard, Ethicon, and Atrium Medical.

In 2011, C.R. Bard reached a $184 million settlement to resolve numerous mesh claims, while tens of thousands of additional cases are currently pending in federal multidistrict litigations (MDLs).

Latest Torn Hernia Mesh Lawsuit 2025 Updates

• March 2025 – A $75 million settlement has been reached in a bellwether trial involving a plaintiff who suffered severe infections and required three revision surgeries due to a torn hernia mesh. The jury found the manufacturer failed to adequately warn about known defects in the mesh design.
• January 2025 – The FDA has issued new guidance requiring manufacturers to conduct more rigorous pre-market testing of hernia mesh products, specifically focused on mesh integrity and resistance to tearing under various physiological conditions.
• November 2024 – New scientific research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association identified a 25% higher risk of complications in patients receiving certain polypropylene mesh products compared to alternative materials, with mesh tearing being reported in approximately 15% of cases requiring revision surgery.

FDA Reports and Statistics

According to FDA data and medical research, hernia mesh complications are more common than previously acknowledged:

• The FDA has received over 50,000 adverse event reports related to hernia mesh devices between 2015-2024.
• Approximately 90% of the 1 million hernia repairs performed annually in the United States use surgical mesh [1].
• Studies indicate that 10-15% of patients who receive hernia mesh implants experience mesh-related complications.
• Torn or ripped mesh accounts for approximately 20% of all hernia mesh revisions.
• The FDA has recalled several hernia mesh products over the past decade due to high failure rates and complications.

Torn Hernia Mesh Injuries & Side Effects

When hernia mesh tears or rips inside the body, it can lead to numerous serious complications that often require additional surgeries and can cause long-term health problems [2].

• Intestinal Complications: Bowel obstruction and perforation, which can lead to life-threatening infections.
• Displacement Issues: Mesh migration, adhesion, and meshoma (bunched-up mesh forming tumor-like masses).
• Ongoing Pain: Chronic pain, nerve damage, and inflammation that can significantly impact quality of life.
• Recurrence & Rejection: Hernia recurrence, mesh rejection, and tissue damage requiring additional surgeries.

The common signs and symptoms of hernia mesh failure include:

1. Fever where the root cause is not known.
2. Mild pain to severe pain
3. Chronic pain.
4. Chills, persistent nausea, or vomiting
5. Bloating or unable to pass feces or gases.
6. Warm or hot skin where the incision was made.
7. Accumulation of fluid on the surgical site, known as seromas
8. The surgical wound doesn’t heal on time.
9. Bulging in the area of the hernia

Do You Qualify for a Torn Hernia Mesh Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a torn hernia mesh lawsuit if:

• You underwent hernia repair surgery that involved mesh implantation.
• You experienced serious complications such as infection, pain, bowel obstruction, or hernia recurrence.
• You required revision surgery to remove or replace the mesh.
• Your surgeon or medical provider confirmed that your complications were related to a torn, ripped, or otherwise defective mesh.
• Your injuries occurred within the statute of limitations period for your state.

Evidence Required for a Torn Hernia Mesh Lawsuit

To build a strong case, you will need to gather:

• Medical records documenting your original hernia surgery and the type of mesh used
• Documentation of complications you experienced after surgery
• Records of any revision surgeries or treatments for mesh-related complications
• Evidence that the mesh was preserved after removal (if applicable)
• Expert testimony linking your injuries to the defective mesh product

Damages You Can Recover

A successful hernia mesh lawsuit may provide compensation for:

• Medical expenses, including costs for revision surgeries
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering from physical and emotional trauma
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
• Loss of consortium or companionship

What Is a Torn or Ripped Hernia Mesh?

A torn or ripped hernia mesh is a mesh that has become damaged, torn, or separated into pieces. If the hernia mesh becomes torn or ripped, it may not be able to properly support the surrounding tissue, which could lead to additional complications such as hernia recurrence, infection, internal bleeding, and even death if left untreated.

These complications could be grounds for compensatory damages if:

• The mesh was defective
• The mesh was inserted carelessly by the surgeon.

It is important to seek the help of a doctor if you suspect your hernia mesh has torn or ripped.

What Causes Ripping or Tearing of a Hernia Mesh Device?

Ripping or tearing of hernia mesh device is caused by a combination of factors rather than a single cause. The product design (by majority), a patient’s pre-existing health conditions, and the surgical technique are the typical causes of a torn or ripped mesh device.

Hernia Mesh Recall Information

Several hernia mesh products have been recalled by manufacturers or the FDA due to high failure rates, including tearing and other complications:

• Ethicon Physiomesh: Voluntarily withdrawn from the global market in May 2016 after studies showed higher rates of revision surgeries compared to similar products.
• C.R. Bard Kugel Patch: Recalled in 2005, 2006, and 2007 due to a design flaw that could cause the plastic “memory recoil ring” to break, leading to bowel perforations and fistula formation.
• Atrium C-QUR: The FDA issued a warning letter to Atrium in 2012 regarding manufacturing violations and later seized thousands of products in 2015.
• Covidien/Medtronic: Several Parietex and other mesh products have been subject to FDA recalls due to packaging, sterility, and product integrity concerns.

If you have had a hernia repair with mesh, you can check if your specific device was recalled by searching the FDA’s Medical Device Recalls database.

Lawsuits for a Torn or Ripped Hernia Mesh Device

One may be able to file a lawsuit against the company that manufactured the mesh.

A hernia mesh patch lawsuit is a legal claim made by a patient against the mesh manufacturer after complications and injuries resulting from mesh failure.

To file a lawsuit, you need to provide evidence that the implant devices were defective and that the manufacturers failed to adequately warn patients of known risks and side effects.

So far, the only significant settlement in this litigation has been a $184 million settlement with C.R. Bard in 2011. However, several additional lawsuits are pending and will most likely be resolved in the coming years.

There are currently tens of thousands of cases pending against various manufacturers, most of which are part of federal multidistrict litigations (MDL)

“The main benefit of being a part of an MDL for anybody is the cost.”
– Trent Miracle, Trial Attorney and Pharmaceutical Litigation Expert Simmons Hanly Conroy

Statute of Limitations for Hernia Mesh Lawsuits

The statute of limitations for filing a hernia mesh lawsuit varies by state, typically ranging from 1-6 years from either:

• The date of your injury (when complications first appeared)
• The date you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) that your injury was caused by a defective mesh product

Many states apply the “discovery rule,” which means the statute of limitations begins when you discovered or reasonably should have discovered the connection between your injury and the defective product.

This is particularly important in hernia mesh cases, as complications may not become apparent until years after the initial surgery.

It’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after experiencing complications to ensure your legal rights are preserved before these deadlines expire.

Related Articles:

• Atrium ProLite and ProLoop Hernia Mesh Lawsuits
• Hernia Mesh Revision Surgery & Implications
• Signs of a Defective Hernia Mesh Device

See all related medical device lawsuits our lawyers have covered.

FAQs

1. How do I know if my hernia mesh has torn or ripped?

Signs that your hernia mesh may have torn include recurring pain, bulging at the surgical site, fever, nausea, bowel obstruction symptoms, and infection. Only imaging tests like CT scans or ultrasounds can definitively diagnose a torn mesh. If you experience these symptoms after hernia surgery, consult your doctor immediately for proper evaluation.

2. What is the failure rate for hernia mesh devices?

Hernia mesh failure rates vary widely depending on the mesh design, type of surgery, and patient factors. Studies indicate overall complication rates between 10-15%, with some mesh products showing significantly higher failure rates. Recent research suggests that polypropylene mesh products may have higher tearing rates than alternative materials.

3. How much compensation can I receive for a torn hernia mesh lawsuit?

Compensation in hernia mesh cases varies widely based on injury severity, number of revision surgeries, and impact on quality of life. While many cases settle between $50,000 and $250,000, cases involving multiple surgeries or permanent disability have resulted in multi-million dollar verdicts. Each case is evaluated individually based on specific circumstances.

4. Do I need another surgery if my hernia mesh has torn?

Yes, you typically need revision surgery if your hernia mesh has torn because torn mesh cannot function properly and may cause additional complications. The damaged mesh usually must be removed and the hernia repaired, either with new mesh or alternative techniques. Your surgeon will determine the appropriate course of action based on your specific situation.

5. Can I file a hernia mesh lawsuit if my surgery was several years ago?

Yes, you may still qualify for a lawsuit even if your hernia surgery was performed years ago. Many states apply the “discovery rule,” meaning the time limit for filing begins when you discover your injuries were caused by the mesh. Additionally, some mesh complications develop years after implantation. Consult with an attorney to evaluate your specific situation.

6. What types of hernia mesh are most commonly associated with tearing?

Lightweight polypropylene meshes and meshes with coating materials (like Atrium C-QUR and Ethicon Physiomesh) have higher reported rates of tearing and complications. Products with memory recoil rings (like some Bard Kugel patches) have also shown higher failure rates. Your surgical records will identify which specific type of mesh was used in your procedure.

Get Your Free Torn Hernia Mesh Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for injuries related to torn or defective hernia mesh. Most states impose strict statutes of limitations of 1-6 years from either your injury date or when you discovered the connection between your complications and the mesh.

With thousands of cases already in litigation and ongoing settlement negotiations, delay could impact your ability to recover compensation.

Evidence such as medical records and the actual mesh device becomes more difficult to preserve as time passes.

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we offer:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
• No upfront costs or attorney fees
• Payment only if we win your case
• Over 20 years of experience representing individuals against large manufacturers
• Comprehensive case management throughout every stage of litigation

References:

1. https://medtruth.com/articles/health-features/hernia-mesh-complications/
2. https://www.drugwatch.com/hernia-mesh/complications/failure/
3. https://www.nghs.com/2020/11/19/importance-of-using-mesh-in-hernia-repair-surgery/