Bard Ordered to Pay $68 Million in Defective Transvaginal Mesh Case

The New Jersey Bergen County Superior Court recently ruled in favor of 70-year old Mary McGinnis, granting her $68 million for injuries sustained from a transvaginal mesh implant. C.R. Bard was held responsible for selling defective medical devices.

Doctors use transvaginal mesh to treat both Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) and Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) in women. When used to treat these conditions, however, transvaginal mesh unfortunately has an abnormally high rate of failure. Symptoms of transvaginal mesh failure include bleeding, pain during sexual intercourse, and chronic infections. In extreme circumstances, transvaginal mesh failure can have life-threatening consequences.

McGinnis received an Avatula Solo Prolapse Repair System and an Align Transobturator Stress Urinary Incontinence Repair System in 2009. Avatula’s transvaginal mesh was recalled in 2012, and Align’s transobturator was recalled in 2016. Both of the medical devices failed, and McGinnis had to undergo multiple corrective surgeries as a result.

The Bergen County jury found Bard liable for manufacturing defective products and ordered them to pay $23 million in compensatory damages to McGinnis, as well as $10 million to her husband for loss of consortium. Jurors decided that Bard was also responsible for an additional $35 million in punitive damages.

Bard is one of many transvaginal mesh manufacturers responsible for producing defective medical devices. If you or a loved one suffered injury due to a transvaginal mesh implant, do not hesitate to reach out to the skilled and compassionate attorneys at Whitley Law Firm. Our legal team could support you throughout the process of seeking the compensation that you deserve.