Jury Hits Ethicon with $35 Million Verdict in Pelvic Mesh Lawsuit

Mar 13,2018

Ethicon, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, was hit with a $35 million verdict for its Prolift pelvic mesh device this week. The lawsuit, filed in Indiana, accused the company of covering up problems with the pelvic mesh. The jury for the U.S. District Court for Northern Indiana agreed, awarding plaintiff Barbara Kaiser $10 million in damages and $25 million in punitive damages.

Did Ethicon Misrepresent Safety of Pelvic Mesh?

Kaiser had the Prolift mesh device implanted in 2009 to treat her pelvic organ prolapse. However, Kaiser began to suffer low pelvic pain, and in 2012 she and her husband sued Ethicon. Kaiser’s lawsuit claims Prolift caused her severe and irreversible injuries and damage.

The lawsuit alleges that Ethicon concealed problems, such as the device’s high failure, injury and complication rates. It also accuses Ethicon of misrepresenting the efficacy and safety of the devices, intentionally misleading the public, including the medical community.

Johnson & Johnson has stated they plan to appeal the verdict, stating that all surgeries to treat prolapse come with risks.

“These pelvic mesh devices have caused problems for thousands of women. It is time for these companies to stop acting as though their products are safe,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured by a defective product and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.