Lawsuits are being filed nationwide against manufacturers of hernia mesh patches such as Johnson & Johnson, C.R. Bard, Atrium, Maquet, Covidien/Medtronic (formerly Tyco), and Gore, alleging severe medical complications. If you’ve been harmed by one of these devices and seek top-tier lawyers for a hernia mesh lawsuit, we’re here to assist. Gemma Law Associates is one of Rhode Island’s top personal injury law firms. We have successfully represented many clients harmed or killed by hazardous or defective drugs and medical devices. Your team at Gemma Law Associates includes some of the best hernia mesh attorneys in Rhode Island. We are ready to help you navigate the complicated legal system to get the compensation you deserve.
Why Were Hernia Mesh Patches Created?
Every year in the United States, hundreds of thousands of hernia surgeries are performed to address abdominal hernias. Hernias occur when a part of an organ that should be contained within the abdominal cavity protrudes through a weak spot in the muscles and tissues lining the abdomen. Hernia mesh devices were created to seal these weak spots and promote healing. As the name suggests, hernia mesh is a mesh-like product manufactured using synthetic or natural materials.
Despite assurances of safety from the companies that develop and manufacture these common medical devices, numerous patients have reported significant or severe side effects due to their hernia mesh implants. Patients have experienced considerable physical and mental pain along with financial expenses related to additional corrective medical procedures.
What Are Hernia Mesh Devices Used For?
During hernia repair surgery, hernia meshes are used to reinforce tissue that is weak or impaired. They serve to hold the herniated organs securely and are designed to aid in preventing further hernias from developing. The mesh is affixed around the hernia’s location, either by stapling or attaching it, to ensure it stays in place.
Types of Hernias
Hernias may develop in areas such as the groin and abdomen, and they are categorized based on where they occur. The various kinds of hernias are:
- Inguinal hernias: Inguinal hernias happen when the intestine or bladder protrudes into the inguinal canal located in the groin area. Due to natural vulnerabilities in the muscles and tissues of this region, men are more susceptible to inguinal hernias compared to women. A significant proportion of hernias in the groin area, as many as 96 out of every 100, are classified as inguinal hernias.
- Femoral Hernias: Femoral hernias happen when the herniated intestine escapes the abdominal cavity and moves into the area housing the femoral artery (the vessel responsible for transporting blood from the heart to the legs through the thighs). These types of hernias are especially prevalent among women who are either pregnant or carrying excess weight.
- Incisional Hernias: Incisional hernias are specific types of hernias that develop at the location of a prior abdominal cut or incision. The likelihood of hernias forming at these spots is higher, as an incision can compromise the strength of the abdominal muscles and tissues near the intestines. If a patient fails to strengthen their abdominal muscles with prescribed exercises after the surgery or medical procedure, it may result in a greater risk of an incisional hernia.
- Umbilical Hernias: Umbilical hernias are most commonly observed in infants and arise when a segment of the intestine protrudes from the abdominal cavity through the muscles and tissues close to the belly button. Generally, umbilical hernias don’t lead to major health issues for the child, although careful observation may be necessary to prevent any potential complications. Additionally, umbilical hernias might be found in women who have experienced multiple pregnancies.
Symptoms of Hernias
There are different types of hernias depending on where they occur, but the signs and symptoms are similar:
- Hernias frequently cause intense pain or a feeling akin to burning. This distress is typically the result of inflammation and swelling in the area.
- In certain types of hernias, notably inguinal hernias (those that take place in the groin region), there might be a noticeable protrusion or mass. This protrusion is the actual organ or fatty tissue that has pushed its way through the adjacent muscle and/or connective tissue. Even if this lump isn’t physically detectable, you might still encounter a feeling of heaviness or fullness in the vicinity of the hernia’s site.
- Should a segment of the intestine become entrapped in a hernia, leading to a decrease or cessation of blood flow, it may result in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or fever. If these manifestations occur in conjunction with other typical indications of a hernia, urgent medical attention may be necessary, and it would be advisable to head to the closest emergency medical facility.
What Are the Risk Factors Associated With Hernias?
You are more likely to develop a hernia if you:
- Carry excess weight or have recently undergone substantial changes in body weight
- Lack regular physical activity, possess poor physical fitness, or follow an unhealthy eating pattern
- Encounter difficulty or need to exert effort during urination or bowel movements
- Suffer from a persistent cough
- Are of the male gender (men are more prone to inguinal hernias, a prevalent form of hernia)
- Are advanced in age (as aging often results in diminished muscle vigor and firmness)
- Have a history of previous hernias
Treatment Options for Hernias
When a hernia occurs, the primary objectives of any therapeutic approach are to mend the breach through which organs and tissues have protruded and to fortify the adjacent muscles and tissues. Surgical intervention is typically essential for hernia correction, and there are two prevalent methods: laparoscopic hernia repair and open surgery.
Laparoscopic hernia repair is a procedure that entails creating two to four minor cuts close to the site of the hernia. Through these incisions, a laparoscope (a specialized instrument equipped with a lens and illumination to aid the surgeon’s view), other surgical implements, and the hernia mesh are introduced. This allows the surgeon to address the hernia without the need for a substantial cut into the abdominal region.
In contrast, open surgeries necessitate a more direct approach, where the surgeon creates a cut through the abdomen to access the area adjacent to the hernia. Traditional tools and techniques, including the placement of hernia mesh, are used to mend the site of the hernia.
Do Hernia Repairs Relapse?
Hernias are known to recur frequently, signifying that even following a successful repair, the likelihood of encountering a subsequent hernia at the identical spot remains elevated. In both laparoscopic and open procedures for hernia correction, hernia mesh materials are employed to fortify the affected area, aiming to minimize the chances of the hernia happening again.
Side Effects and Symptoms of a Defective Hernia Mesh Device
Upon the implantation of a hernia mesh product, it is normal for the patient to experience a degree of discomfort following the procedure. Yet, as the recovery process progresses, this pain is expected to diminish. If the pain continues or worsens, this could be a sign that the hernia mesh is defective or has failed. Patients who have been implanted with a defective hernia mesh product experience a range of symptoms, including:
- Chronic pain
- Infections
- Organ perforation
- Mesh migration
- Mesh shrinkage
- Adhesions
- Bowel obstruction
- Recurrence of hernia
If you or a loved one has experienced any of these symptoms after a hernia mesh surgery, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately.
How Can Our Rhode Island Hernia Mesh Attorneys Help?
Manufacturers must produce medical devices that are as safe and free from defects as possible. Any potential risks must be communicated to doctors and their patients. When a device manufacturer fails to meet this obligation, injuries and life-threatening conditions can occur. If this has happened to you, you can secure compensation. Begin with a free consultation by reaching out to us today. We are here to help you 24/7.
Your team of experienced Rhode Island hernia mesh attorneys is ready and waiting to help you navigate the legal process. We understand the physical and emotional pain a defective hernia mesh can cause. At Gemma Law Associates we’re committed to helping the people of Rhode Island secure the compensation they deserve. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and determine the best course of action.
Our attorneys have a proven track record of success in personal injury cases, including those involving defective medical devices. We will work tirelessly to hold the manufacturers accountable and secure the maximum compensation for your injuries.
Don’t wait to get the help you need. Schedule your free consultation and take the first step towards justice.
FAQs
What Is a Hernia Mesh Lawsuit?
A hernia mesh lawsuit is a legal claim filed by patients who have experienced complications or injuries due to a hernia mesh implant. These lawsuits seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages.
How Common Are Hernia Mesh Lawsuits in Rhode Island?
While exact numbers can vary, hernia mesh lawsuits are increasingly common in Rhode Island as more patients experience complications from these devices. It’s important to consult with a legal professional if you believe you may have a case.
What Are the Common Reasons for Filing a Hernia Mesh Lawsuit in Rhode Island?
Common reasons for filing a hernia mesh lawsuit in Rhode Island include experiencing complications such as infection, mesh migration, bowel obstruction, chronic pain, or the need for revision surgery due to the failure of the hernia mesh.
What Are the Symptoms of Hernia Mesh Complications?
Symptoms of hernia mesh complications can include severe abdominal pain, nausea, fever, hernia recurrence, and in some cases, noticeable lumps near the surgical site. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
How Can I File a Hernia Mesh Lawsuit in Rhode Island?
To file a hernia mesh lawsuit in Rhode Island, you should first consult with a lawyer who specializes in medical device lawsuits. They can guide you through the process, which includes gathering medical records, filing the necessary paperwork, and representing you in court.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Expect From a Hernia Mesh Lawsuit in Rhode Island?
Compensation from a hernia mesh lawsuit in Rhode Island can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. The exact amount varies depending on the specifics of your case.
What Are the Laws and Regulations Regarding Hernia Mesh in Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, medical devices like hernia mesh are regulated by the FDA. Lawsuits often hinge on whether the manufacturer provided adequate warnings about potential risks and complications.
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