The second bellwether TVM trial against Ethicon has begun in the U.S. Southern District of West Virginia. Women who suffered serious complications, including chronic pain, organ damage and perforation, will testify at the TVM trial.
Plaintiff Jo Huskey to Testify at TVM Trial
According to The Charleston Daily Mail, Jo Huskey is one of hundreds of women suing for alleged TVM injuries. (Transvaginal mesh is surgically implanted to treat stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.) Illinois resident Huskey accuses Ethicon of manufacturing defects, negligence and misrepresentation claims about transvaginal mesh safety.
Chemical Engineer Also Testifies on Safety Issues
The source also reported chemical engineer Scott Guelcher appeared during the week of August 28. Guelcher testified about issues pertaining to materials used to make Ethicon’s Prolene mesh. This trial is expected to last for about eight days. Guelcher said that the type of plastic used to make vaginal mesh is called polypropylene. If polypropylene reacts with oxygen, it may degrade. He also explained that antioxidants may slow degradation, but cannot prevent it. Additionally, Guelcher said in some cases, there may be a foreign body response that causes cells to attack polypropylene. If this happens, the mesh may become brittle and cracked.
Thousands of Plaintiffs Allege TVM Devices Are Defective
According to court documents, almost 20,000 federal transvaginal mesh lawsuits are pending against Ethicon. All claims state that women suffered major complications because of the device. Additionally, women allege the product’s design is defective and wasn’t sufficiently tested for safety. Plaintiffs conclude that Ethicon failed to adequately warn patients and doctors about the mesh’s potentially dangerous complications.
What You Can Do
Women with serious mesh-related complications who need surgical device removal may have an eligible claim. If you wish to do so, it may be helpful to contact a lawyer or advocate who specializes in mass tort cases. Get your free TVM case review today and an attorney will contact you to discuss your case.
Lori Polemenakos is Director of Consumer Content and SEO strategist for LeadingResponse, a legal marketing company. An award-winning journalist, writer and editor based in Dallas, Texas, she's produced articles for major brands such as Match.com, Yahoo!, MSN, AOL, Xfinity, Mail.com, and edited several published books. Since 2016, she's published hundreds of articles about Social Security disability, workers' compensation, veterans' benefits, personal injury, mass tort, auto accident claims, bankruptcy, employment law and other related legal issues.