Transvaginal mesh lawsuits have been consolidated into the Ethicon multidistrict litigation (MDL) in West Virginia. In a court document filed in early December 2013, plaintiffs’ legal counsel argued that Johnson & Johnson and their subsidiary, Ethicon, mishandled thousands of documents. The plaintiffs’ legal counsel accuses Johnson & Johnson and Ethicon of having destroyed these documents.
In a Bloomberg report, it appears that Johnson & Johnson instructed Ethicon to save documents. Even so, according to the recently filed court document, Ethicon officials destroyed all digital files on the computer of a former Ethicon president.
However, in light of what appears to be improper document management, Johnson & Johnson and Ethicon continue to contend that their document retention is sound.
Those representing plaintiffs in the West Virginia MDL do not want the lack of certain Ethicon materials to negatively impact upcoming bellwether trials. The first Ethicon bellwether trial is scheduled for February 10, 2014.
Thousands of Lawsuits
According to Bloomberg, there are over 30,000 transvaginal mesh lawsuits pending in the six multidistrict litigations in West Virginia, one of which is the Ethicon MDL
These six MDLs are being heard in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia, and are all being heard by Judge Joseph R. Goodwin. The five other transvaginal mesh MDLs target C.R. Bard, American Medical Systems, Boston Scientific, Coloplast, and Cook Medical.
Transvaginal Mesh Side Effects
Two of the most commonly reported transvaginal mesh complications that lead to significant injury include erosion and contraction. Women have also reported a number of other health issues, including pelvic pain, bleeding, and dyspareunia.
Carey Danis & Lowe is Here to Help
Carey Danis & Lowe is a national law firm based in St. Louis that represents women who have been injured by transvaginal mesh devices, such as the Ethicon Gynecare Prolift. If you believe that your injuries are the result of a transvaginal mesh implant, explore your legal options in a free initial consultation with a Carey Danis & Lowe transvaginal mesh lawyer.
In addition, Carey Danis & Lowe has a team of highly experienced on-staff nurses who are available to discuss transvaginal mesh side effects. Our nurses are here to listen closely to your concerns and to answer your health questions.
Share your transvaginal mesh story with Carey Danis & Lowe today. Call 800.721.2519, or submit a confidential personal injury claim form.
