More than 100 British women who suffered excruciating pain and complications from transvaginal mesh implants – some left unable to walk or work – have received payouts from three manufacturers.
The financial settlement offered by Bard, Boston Scientific and Johnson & Johnson, has not been disclosed, reports the BBC.
This is the first successful group claim in England after about 10 000 women were injured by mesh implants – which treat incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse – with some left in permanent pain, unable to walk, work or have sex.
'Groundbreaking'
Lisa Lunt, partner at law firm Pogust Goodhead, which led the actions on behalf of the women, said those implanted with the transvaginal mesh had suffered years of chronic pain and suffering, but that lots of women had missed out on payouts because of a deadline to claim.
“Hundreds were prevented from making a claim due to strict 10-year time limits that are in force from the date that the product was manufactured.
“It’s about time that the government took action to increase the time limits,” she said.
Kath Sansom, from campaign group Sling the Mesh, said that it was “groundbreaking” to achieve the successful group action, but it would only benefit a fraction of women harmed by the products.
She believes 40 000 women could be affected by mesh complications, or about 10% to 20% of those who were given the implants.
There has already been a successful group action in Scotland.
Pelvic mesh was considered to be the gold standard treatment for incontinence and prolapse in women for many years. However, the net-like implant can erode and harden, cutting through tissue and causing serious pain.
Thousands of women who have experienced life-changing complications have lost their mobility, relationships and jobs.
Earlier this year, England's patient safety commissioner called on the government to act quickly to help victims of pelvic mesh implants.
In 2020, a review found many lives had been ruined because women's concerns about treatments they had been given had been ignored.
No admission of liability
Bard confirmed that legal action had been resolved “without any admission of liability”. Boston Scientific said the action by claimants had been “successfully resolved without any admission of misconduct or liability”, while J&J said the action against the company had “been resolved”.
The total payout is expected to run into millions of pounds.
BBC article – Women harmed by vaginal mesh in England get payout (Open access)
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
Vaginal mesh implant victim awarded £1m
Boston Scientific settles claims over deceptive surgical mesh marketing
Doctor cashed in on mesh settlement funds with unnecessary surgeries