A recent case in Philadelphia resulted in a multi-million dollar settlement for a woman who filed a product liability lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson (J&J) after experiencing complications allegedly caused by J&J’s Prolift pelvic mesh.
The case in question involved plaintiff Patricia L. Hammons, who claimed to have suffered serious medical problems after implantation of the Prolift pelvic mesh, which was manufactured and marketed by Ethicon, a division of Johnson & Johnson, to treat incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.
A medical examination revealed that the pelvic mesh had eroded into Hammons’s bladder. She underwent multiple surgeries to remove the mesh, none of which were entirely successful. Ms. Hammons claims to experience persistent problems as a result of the defective medical product, significant pain during intercourse among them.
Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiary Ethicon opted to remove four vaginal mesh implant devices, including Prolift, from the market three years ago. This decision came in the face of increasing complaints related to the products’ undue side effects, including mesh erosion. Patients began pursuing compensation through legal action and there are now thousands of suits against Ethicon awaiting adjudication.
Hammons’s case represents the second trial verdict related to Prolift pelvic mesh, with many more product liability lawsuits on the horizon. In this specific suit, Hammons argued three points: defective design of the Prolift mesh product, failure to warn medical professionals about the potential risks, and manufacturing and marketing negligence. The jury agreed with Hammons on all three counts, ultimately awarding her $12.5 million, including $5.5 million in compensatory damages and $7 million in punitive damages, after a less than 24-hour jury deliberation.
The overarching message behind this case is that pharmaceutical companies who manufacture and market defective products to the detriment of unsuspecting patients must be held accountable. Fortunately, the law provides innocent victims with an avenue through which to pursue justice. At Fronzuto Law Group, our legal team is honored to serve as advocates for these victims and their families. If you or a loved one has suffered as a result of a defective medical product or device, feel free to contact our offices anytime at 973-435-4551. One of our knowledgeable attorneys is always available to answer your questions.
For additional information pertaining to this case, access the following article: Philadelphia jury ruled in favor of plaintiff against Johnson and Johnson
