A recent report has led to certain mesh implants being temporarily-suspended by the UK government and hundreds of women suing the manufacturers for compensation.
The Product Can No Longer Be Used in This Country
The use of vaginal mesh implants for women with urinary incontinence has been temporarily suspended by the government in England in accordance with the recommendations of a review by The Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review.
The procedure, which is commonly performed after childbirth, will be paused until at least March 2019 or until a time where medical complications causing severe physical and emotional suffering to patients are mitigated.
In a statement Baroness Cumberlege who led the review said:
“We strongly believe that mesh must not be used to treat women with stress urinary incontinence until we can manage the risk of complications much more effectively.
“We have not seen evidence on the benefits of mesh that outweighs the severity of human suffering caused by mesh complications.
“I have been appalled at the seriousness and scale of the tragic stories we have heard from women and their families. We have heard from many women who are suffering terribly.
Their bravery and dignity in speaking out is deeply moving, and their sadness, anger, pain and frustration at what has happened to them and others has been compelling. We had to act now.”
Campaign groups have welcomed the immediate suspension of the procedure and are now calling for a similar suspension of the use of rectopoxy mesh used for rectal prolapse, and for the Welsh and Scottish governments and civil servants in Northern Ireland to follow England’s lead.
Could You Claim Compensation if You Have Been a Victim of this Mesh?
Globally it is estimated that more than 100,000 people are suing the manufacturers of the devices. In September 2017, a 51-year-old lady from Philadelphia was awarded $57m after a court ruled that mesh manufacturer Johnson & Johnson were negligent and supplied a defective product. When the scandal came to light in the UK last April, 800 women in the UK were suing the NHS and device manufacturers.
Senior members of our Personal Injury department have been closely monitoring developments regarding the use of vaginal mesh here in the UK. James Horsey, Personal and Clinical Negligence Solicitor at Howells Solicitors said:
“I have extensive experience of working on clinical negligence cases and those involving serious injuries and am confident that due to the horrendous suffering incurred by the women affected by the procedures, and them not being made fully aware of the potential risks associated with the mesh products, there will be legal cases raised against the medical organisations involved to compensate the individuals whose lives have been severely impacted.
“If you have been personally affected by a procedure involving vaginal mesh implants and think you might have cause for concern, please get in touch to arrange a free consultation.”
Speak to One of Our Medical Negligence Solicitors
Find out more about this area of law and discuss whether you have a case, by speaking to one of our medical negligence solicitors today.
