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Ethicon Physiomesh is specifically designed to be absorbed into the body over time. It is meant to provide stability to areas of your body that need extra support as they recover, such as after hernia surgery. Then, the mesh dissolves into the tissue over time so there is no need to remove it. But, for some patients this medical device has not been working as intended. It’s caused numerous medical problems and is particularly prone to failure. If you had to have revision surgery after Physiomesh was used on you, talk to an Ethicon Physiomesh lawsuit lawyer as soon as possible—you may be able to get money to recover from your losses, including physical and mental pain and suffering.
John Foy & Associates works on behalf of victims every day. Our team has the experience, knowledge, and skill that will help you present your case in the best light possible. This will increase your chances of getting money for your claim. We know that this type of medical situation can change your life—and we want to help. Let us give you a free consultation.
Call us at 404-400-4000 and get your free consultation today.
Why Is Ethicon Physiomesh unsafe?
In May 2016, Ethicon issued a “Field Safety Notice” about its Physiomesh, Flexible Composite Mesh. It required that all doctors and medical professional send back any unexpired medical devices. It did this because of the high failure rates for this particular product. Essentially, it was a voluntary recall of the mesh because the manufacturer realized that it was unsafe for use.
The problem with Ethicon Physiomesh is that it is made with particular chemicals that allow it to be absorbed by the body. But, several studies found that the product broke down too fast. That meant that the mesh didn’t work as intended. In some cases, it ended up not preventing any problems that it was supposed to. It also increased the occurrence of infection and swelling as well. In many circumstances, it required another surgery.
Ethicon Physiomesh was approved by the FDA in 2010 through its 501(k) Premarket Notification process. Under this application, Ethicon asserted that Physiomesh was substantially similar to other products that already had FDA approval. As a result, Ethicon could get around the testing required to put this type of product on the market.
What Kind of Complications Are Associated With Ethicon Physiomesh?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) started getting complaints about Ethicon Physiomesh as early as 2010. This was the same year that the FDA approved the product for use in specific medical procedures. The most common complaints include:
- Reoccurring hernias
- Having to operate again to fix multiple adhesions
- Infections that required additional surgery
- Operation to remove and replace the mesh entirely
- Bowel obstruction
- Mesh migration and shrinkage
The failure rate on this particular mesh was extremely high, and experts were unsure why. In 2014, four years after market approval, one study testing the effectiveness of Ethicon mesh had to be stopped because of the high rate of reoccurrence of hernias and need for additional operations.
In some situations, the mesh moved to the small intestine and bonded there instead of where it was placed. In those circumstances, patients had to have the mesh removed, but they also needed a portion of their small intestine taken out to get rid of all the mesh.
Who Is Liable for My Revision Surgery?
Ethicon started getting complaints about its Physiomesh products the same year that it was marketed for the first time in the United States. Yet, it waited until 2014 and beyond to perform testing on its product to be sure that it was safe for use. That means that Americans were exposed to this unsafe product for at least four years before Johnson & Johnson, Ethicon’s parent company, even started testing.
Even though Ethicon pulled this particular mesh from shelves in 2016, it remains liable for complications caused by its products. Johnson & Johnson, as a parent company, may also be legally accountable as well.
How Long do I Have to Start a Lawsuit?
In most personal injury cases, you have just a couple of years from the date of the injury to bring your claim. But, in situations where you aren’t sure what caused the damage, that deadline is often extended. For some people, the mesh may have been implanted for months or even years before it started causing obvious problems.
For example, in a case in Illinois, one man had surgery in 2013 to treat a hernia on his abdominal wall. The man did not start experiencing adverse side effects until July of 2015. He was rushed to the hospital with symptoms of
- Severe abdominal pain
- Fever
- Chills
- Nausea
- Redness on the stomach
Doctors found that the had an infection around the mesh. It resulted in two abscesses and intestinal fistula. Stomach fluids had leaked into the tissue surrounding his intestines. These complications caused more problems that forced the victim into the hospital on a regular basis. He had to clean and pack the wounds daily. The victim in that case is claiming losses related to:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Physical impairment (past and future)
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Physical pain and mental anguish
He is also asking for punitive damages because Ethicon was extremely careless or reckless in the design and manufacture of its product. He is arguing that Ethicon neglected to consider his safety, and the safety others like him, in developing this medical device.
As soon as you realize that your health issues are related to a mesh implant, you should talk to an attorney right away. It can take months to get your case ready to actually file a lawsuit. The earlier you can talk to a lawyer, the better.
Talk to an Ethicon Physiomesh Lawsuit Lawyer for Free
If you or a loved one suffered injuries from its Physiomesh, John Foy & Associates wants to help you bring a lawsuit against Ethicon. We will draw on our decades of experience going up against big medical corporations, and get you the best financial recovery possible. Get a FREE consultation from a legal team you can trust. Call us at 404-400-4000 or fill out the form to your right and get your FREE consultation today.