Defective Hernia Mesh Products
Hernia repair is a common surgical procedure. Each year, about 50,000 Canadians go under the knife hoping to put an end to their hernia related pain. What can you do if a procedure that was meant to help you leads to further complications?
Defective hernia mesh products have been linked to a host of post-surgical complications and injuries, including chronic pain, infections, and perforation of the skin or organs. While there is the potential for complications following any surgery, the use of defective hernia mesh can increase the risk of complications occurring for some individuals and also make subsequent reparative surgeries less successful or even impossible.
If this has happened to you or someone you love, you might be wondering if you have any recourse. Maybe you’ve thought about taking legal action but aren’t sure where to start. If you or someone know are interested in filing a claim related to faulty hernia mesh products, here are some things to keep in mind.
Know Your Product
There are dozens of different products used in hernia repair surgeries. It is important to know what type of product was implanted and who manufactured it. The hospital where the procedure was performed should be able to provide this information. Some brands of hernia mesh have been the subject of government recalls.
It might also be important to know who performed your surgery as the doctors and nurses involved might be called on to testify if your case goes to trial. The hospital where you were admitted should also be able to supply this information. If you are having trouble finding out, a lawyer may be able to help locate this information on your behalf.
What Complications Have You Experienced?
Looking out for your health is always important, but in a situation like this, it becomes even more critical. Keep track of the symptoms and complications you believe are the result of your hernia procedure. If you visit a doctor, note the frequency of your visits. If your doctor makes a diagnosis or offers treatment, record these as well.
How Have These Complications Affected Your Life?
Whether it’s a missed day here or there or a necessary long-term leave from work, these sorts of complications can affect your potential to earn a living. Keep track of these financial losses. Complications of this sort may also lead you to have additional medical expenses that are either not covered or not entirely covered by provincial health plans. Keep a record of these as well.
What Can You Do?
If you have not yet signed on to a class action suit against the manufacturer of a faulty mesh product, filing a lawsuit as part of a mass tort (the launching of several individual lawsuits against a common Defendant) could help you receive compensation and damages tailored to your particular level of injury.
If you believe you have a defective hernia mesh product and can provide details of your complications and losses, I would be happy to discuss your eligibility to participate in a mass tort action.
Please contact product liability lawyer Paul Miller at 416 646-3901 or at pmiller@hshlawyers.com.
