When we experience an injury or learn that we have a medical condition, it can be very concerning. Internal complications can be even more worrisome, as we cannot see and cannot track the progression of the illness, or the healing process.
Hernias are complex, because as simple as they are, they can be impacting for life in in the worst cases, fatal.
There are many different types of hernias, but they can occur between the chest and hips, and most commonly in the groin (inguinal) area. Bulging hernias occur as a result of tissue or an internal organ – often the intestine – that is pushing through the muscle wall that is holding it in place.
Though many hernias go undetected and do not have symptoms, hernias can become dangerous when an organ starts to lose blood supply. Waiting too long to seek help may result in the hernia growing larger and causing complications, like becoming strangulated or incarcerated (trapped). It is important to treat a hernia quickly and when hernias are left too long or have grown too large, hernias are repaired surgically.
Surgical mesh
In a hernioplasty, a surgical mesh will be sewn over the region of the weakened or damaged tissue. Performed as one of the most common surgical procedures in the world, surgical mesh is permanently stitched into or attached with glue or staples. And despite mesh being used in 9 out of 10 hernia surgeries, complications do occur.
Complications
Complications from surgical mesh may occur even if hernia sites are cared for very well, though surgeons persist with its use because of highly reduced rates of hernia recurrence. From organ perforation or obstruction, to mesh erosion or migration, complications can be extensive and debilitating. In fact, of the 20 million groin surgeries that are performed each year, a 2018 study reports that “Overall, the incidence of clinically significant chronic pain is in the 10–12% range.”
Perhaps due to a lack of rigorous or clinical testing, the list of mesh side-effects may seem endless. Other complications include mesh rejection, infection, and adhesion.
What can you do?
If you or a loved one is noticing symptoms of potential mesh complications, seek medical attention urgently! The doctor may recommend you to quit smoking, avoid physical strain, and lose weight. However, the damage may already be done…
Even if symptoms take 10 or 20 years post-operation to develop, such as is most common with mesh migration, complications can leave individuals unable to work properly, becoming physically impaired, and even requiring a carer.
Seek legal expertise
For many years now, brave law firms are taking on the pharmaceutical industry and medical product manufacturers. It is crucial that the people hold such industries accountable, as stricter regulations and testing policies could save millions of lives in the long-term. So, how can you learn more about the most suitable legal help for you? By contacting lawyers who are specialized in challenging such large companies, your odds of receiving medical compensation are increased dramatically!
Defective design, defective manufacturing, improper labeling, and medical malpractice are some of the targets of hernia mesh lawsuits. And because most people do not realize the extent of damage caused by these products and the implications of their pervasive medical consequences, working with lawyers whose background rests in drug and product lawsuits is essential.
If you have been such a victim and are in the process of finding legal assistance, make sure you have some very important documentation in place. Your lawyers will help you document and collect evidence of economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
In the meantime, you can:
- Keep track of all medical bills and expenses
- Report lost wages due to illness, injury, or medical appointments
- Document all medical appointments, doctors, specialists, scan records, and medical reporting
- Report any lost professional opportunities through disability or illness
- Collect evidence of the total impact of your hernia mesh consequences, including the need for cleaning services if you have been unable to do so, as well as a carer for your children if this is appropriate
Of course, the impact of a hernia mesh complication on your life can never be completely compensated for. You may never be the same after such an ordeal, and you might have to deal with this reality for the rest of your life. However, understanding the entire scope of impact is what lawyers trained in medical battles can assist you with.
In spite of never being fully reimbursed for the damage it has caused, being well reimbursed may help you feel like these company giants are taking responsibility for their damages. And hopefully, they will be pressured into taking more care to regulate the production and use of these devices.
