A woman in the hospital talking to her doctor and nurse.

Struggling with the effects of hernia mesh complications? An experienced Kansas City hernia mesh injury lawyer is your ally in this challenge. New lawsuits are filed every day regarding the use of surgical mesh for treating hernias. Hernias are a common condition, with more than 1 million repair procedures performed every year nationwide. Among those repairs are many that include the use of surgical mesh, ostensibly to decrease the rate of recurrence. Consumers who receive surgical mesh are often not aware of the risks associated with the product. Both absorbable and nonabsorbable mesh products have been linked to serious side effects that threaten the health and well-being of hernia sufferers.

If you or a loved one has been suffering from hernia mesh complications in Kansas City, it’s time to take a stand. Don’t let your pain and suffering go unanswered. Call Holman Schiavone Law, LLC at 816-399-5149 today to schedule your free consultation. Our experienced attorneys are ready to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. 

Take the first step towards your recovery by letting us advocate for you. We’re here to ensure that your voice is heard and your rights are protected. Call now and join the ranks of those who refuse to be silent victims of hernia mesh injuries.

Understanding Hernia Mesh Complications

The path to recovery after hernia repair surgery doesn’t always lead to a pain-free life. Instead, many individuals find themselves facing a plethora of hernia mesh complications, each with its own set of challenges and implications. These complications, ranging from infection to mesh rejection, can stem from various factors, including the surgical technique used, the placement of the mesh, or the failure of defective hernia mesh devices.

With the risks associated with hernia mesh varying according to the type of mesh and its placement, it’s crucial to understand the nature of these complications and the serious injuries they can cause.

Infection

In the wake of hernia repair surgeries, infections at the mesh site can emerge as a formidable adversary. Unlike superficial wound infections, hernia mesh infections are insidious, developing deep within the body and presenting a range of symptoms, including:

  • Swelling
  • Fever
  • Inflammation
  • Flu-like symptoms

These infections can sometimes manifest years after surgery and are typically caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus spp. and Enterobacteriaceae, which find refuge in the mesh’s material, especially those with smaller pore sizes.

For individuals with preexisting conditions or certain lifestyle factors, the risk of health complications related to surgical mesh is elevated, often requiring additional surgeries to remove the infected mesh and extensive antibiotic treatment.

Adhesion

Adhesions, the formation of scar tissue that causes organs to stick together, are another form of suffering complications that can ensue from hernia mesh surgery. Occurring within days post-operation, these adhesions can become a recurring source of chronic pain, significantly diminishing the quality of life for many consumers.

The utilization of coated hernia meshes aims to mitigate this issue, yet large amounts of scar tissue can still lead to difficulties during subsequent repair procedures. The resulting chronic discomfort, especially during physical activities, underscores the need for individuals who have experienced mesh adhesion to seek legal recourse.

Bowel Obstruction

Bowel obstruction due to hernia meshes is a dire consequence that can arise when the mesh migrates, folds, or shrinks within the abdominal wall, leading to intestinal blockage. Symptoms such as difficulty in passing gas or stool, vomiting, and dehydration can signal this serious complication, which may escalate to hernia mesh failure, requiring emergency hernia surgery to prevent potentially life-threatening conditions like intestine death.

The medical expenses and hospital stays associated with such serious complications, not to mention the physical and emotional toll, highlight the gravity of bowel obstructions and the necessity for affected individuals to explore legal action.

Mesh Rejection

Mesh rejection is a bodily defense mechanism gone awry, where the immune system mounts an assault against the hernia mesh, despite its design for biocompatibility. This rejection can lead to:

  • Extreme swelling
  • Tenderness
  • Redness
  • Flu-like symptoms

These symptoms are a clear signal of the body’s distress. The rejection rates for synthetic hernia mesh can be alarmingly high, with complications often becoming more prominent within five years of implantation. This necessitates careful monitoring and, in severe cases, additional interventions to manage conditions like chronic pain and bowel obstruction.

Mesh Migration

Mesh migration is a critical concern where the hernia mesh detaches and moves within the body, potentially causing severe internal damage and necessitating additional surgical intervention.

Bowel Perforation

Bowel perforation is a grave complication in which the hernia mesh erodes through the bowel wall, leading to acute health emergencies that require immediate medical attention.

Hernia Return

Despite surgical intervention, hernia return is a possible outcome where the hernia re-emerges, often due to mesh failure or improper placement, causing further distress and the need for treatment.

Hernia Mesh Shrinkage

Hernia mesh shrinkage refers to the contraction of the mesh post-implantation, which can compromise the integrity of the hernia repair and lead to recurrence or other complications.

Pain

Pain is the most commonly reported symptom following hernia mesh implantation, ranging from mild discomfort to debilitating conditions that significantly impact the patient’s quality of life.

Hernia Mesh Manufacturers and Brands

As the demand for solutions to repair hernias has soared, so has the market for hernia mesh products, valued at billions and projected to grow further. However, with this growth comes increased scrutiny as certain hernia meshes have led consumers down a path of pain and suffering. Manufacturers like:

  • Atrium Medical Corporation
  • Covidien
  • Ethicon

have found themselves at the center of legal storms, facing recalls and hernia mesh lawsuits due to complications associated with their products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recalled several hernia mesh products due to their defective nature. Trials are underway to help victims of these and other defective mesh products recover the compensation they deserve for the pain, lost function, medical expense, and other costs associated with their brush with hernia mesh.

The sheer volume of active lawsuits against these companies, running in the thousands, reflects the scale of the issue and the number of lives disrupted by defective hernia mesh devices.

The Importance of Seeking Legal Help

When facing the daunting reality of hernia mesh complications, the path to justice is complex and fraught with legal intricacies. This difficulty is magnified by the growing number of legal claims and the evolving system of case law, making it imperative to seek the counsel of knowledgeable hernia mesh attorneys such as those at Holman Schiavone Law, LLC who can navigate these waters.

These legal professionals are instrumental in guiding clients through the labyrinthine process, which includes:

  • Evidence collection
  • Expert witness consultation
  • Securing just compensation for the debilitating health issues and mental anguish caused by hernia mesh injuries.

Eligibility for Filing a Hernia Mesh Lawsuit

Determining whether you are eligible to join the ranks of those seeking justice through a hernia mesh lawsuit requires a careful examination of several factors. The date of your hernia mesh surgery, the nature and timing of the complications you’ve experienced, and the specific brand or type of mesh used all contribute to your eligibility for legal action.

The preservation of the removed mesh, alongside medical records and expert testimony, strengthens your hernia mesh claim, paving the way for potential financial compensation.

Types of Compensation Available

For the distress and disruption caused by hernia mesh complications, the law provides avenues for financial restoration. Economic damages cover the tangible losses such as medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages, while non-economic damages recognize the intangible pain and suffering endured. Settlements in hernia mesh cases can vary widely, influenced by factors such as the severity of injuries and the economic impact on the individual’s life.

Attorneys play a pivotal role in ensuring that all damages, including future medical treatments and punitive damages against misconduct by hernia mesh manufacturers, are fully accounted for.

Holman Schiavone Law, LLC: Your Kansas City Hernia Mesh Injury Advocate

At Holman Schiavone Law, LLC, Our attorneys bring to the table a rich tapestry of experience and a proven track record of successful hernia mesh cases. We understand the emotional and physical toll these injuries can take, and we’re committed to handling your case with the utmost care and dedication, ensuring that you are kept informed every step of the way.

Starting with a free consultation, we at Holman Schiavone Law, LLC lay the groundwork to evaluate the merits of your hernia mesh case, standing by our commitment to represent you on a contingency fee basis. Our legal team will meticulously manage every aspect of your case, from evidence collection to negotiating with insurance companies, all to secure the justice and fair compensation you deserve.

With our representation, clients across Kansas and Missouri find not just a lawyer, but a partner in their fight against the consequences of hernia mesh injuries

At Holman Schiavone, LLC, our skilled lawyers are leading the fight to help victims of hernia mesh injuries. With extensive trial experience and knowledge of defective product laws, our attorneys are in a position to help you get the compensation you deserve. By fighting back, you can help yourself and your family, while also holding negligent businesses accountable for the harm they’ve done. 

Call us today at 816-399-5149 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.