Boston Scientific Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuits: Understanding Settlements for Medical Device Injuries in the 2010s and Beyond
The use of transvaginal mesh, a synthetic material implanted to treat conditions like stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, became widespread in the 2000s and early 2010s. However, this period also marked the beginning of significant legal battles as thousands of women reported severe complications. This blog post delves into the history of Boston Scientific transvaginal mesh lawsuits, exploring the settlements awarded for medical device injuries and providing advice for those affected.
The Rise of Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuits
The 2010s witnessed an explosion of lawsuits against manufacturers of transvaginal mesh, including Boston Scientific. These lawsuits alleged that the mesh devices were defectively designed and marketed, leading to a range of complications. The claims included allegations that Boston Scientific failed to adequately warn patients and healthcare providers about the potential risks associated with their mesh products.
Common Complications and Injuries
Women who filed lawsuits reported a variety of debilitating complications, including:
- Chronic pain
- Infections
- Bleeding
- Organ perforation
- Mesh erosion
- Nerve damage
- Voiding dysfunction
These complications often required multiple revision surgeries to attempt to remove or repair the damaged tissue, leading to further pain, suffering, and financial burden. Some women continue to live with long-term effects from transvaginal mesh implants and may require ongoing medical treatment.
Boston Scientific’s Legal Battles and Settlements
Boston Scientific faced numerous lawsuits related to its transvaginal mesh products. These lawsuits alleged that the company’s products were defective and unreasonably dangerous. As a result, Boston Scientific has paid substantial settlements to affected women.
- Early Verdicts: In November 2014, a Miami jury ordered Boston Scientific to pay four women a total of $26.7 million in damages. That same month, a New Jersey jury held Boston Scientific liable for injuries to four women with the Obtryx device, awarding each plaintiff $14.5 million for their damages and another $4 million in punitive damages.
- 2015 Settlement: In April 2015, Boston Scientific agreed to pay $119 million to settle almost 3,000 transvaginal mesh lawsuits.
- 2018 Settlement: In October 2018, the corporation settled approximately 50,000 lawsuits for $189 million.
- Multistate Settlement: In March 2021, Boston Scientific Corp. paid $188.7 million to settle deceptive marketing claims by 47 states and Washington, D.C.
Trends in Settlement Amounts
While it’s challenging to pinpoint an exact average settlement amount due to the unique circumstances of each case, some trends have emerged:
- Individual Settlements: Lawyers estimate that transvaginal mesh settlement amounts may range between $150,000 to over $400,000, depending on the circumstances of each case.
- Severity of Injuries: Settlements for successful vaginal mesh injury lawsuits are generally expected to fall between $40,000 and $450,000, depending on the severity of injuries, medical expenses, and other case details.
- High-Profile Verdicts: High-profile jury verdicts can significantly exceed these averages, with some cases resulting in awards of millions of dollars.
The Role of Multidistrict Litigation (MDL)
Many transvaginal mesh lawsuits were consolidated into multidistrict litigations (MDLs) in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia, overseen by Judge Joseph Goodwin. These MDLs were designed to streamline the litigation process and promote efficiency. While the MDLs have largely concluded, individual cases continue to be filed in state courts.
Current Status of Transvaginal Mesh Litigation
As of September 2025, about 95% of transvaginal mesh lawsuits have been resolved through settlements or jury verdicts. It’s estimated that manufacturers have paid more than $8 billion in settlements and verdicts to resolve these cases, and the litigation continues. Despite mass settlements in the federal MDLs, new transvaginal mesh cases are still being filed in state courts across the country. Many of these are targeting Coloplast and Boston Scientific over newer injuries or recent surgeries. Settlements in standalone cases are trending higher than those processed through the MDLs. Average settlements for strong claims continue to fall between $40,000 and $450,000, better numbers than what you saw in the MDL.
Advice for Women Affected by Transvaginal Mesh
If you have experienced complications from a Boston Scientific transvaginal mesh implant, consider the following:
- Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize your health and seek medical care from a qualified physician.
- Consult with a Lawyer: Contact a personal injury lawyer experienced in medical device litigation to discuss your legal options.
- Gather Medical Records: Collect all relevant medical records, including implantation and revision surgery records, to support your claim.
- Understand Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with your legal rights and the statute of limitations in your state.
The Importance of Legal Representation
Navigating the complexities of medical device litigation can be daunting. An experienced attorney can help you:
- Investigate your claim
- Gather evidence
- Negotiate with the manufacturer
- Represent you in court, if necessary
Conclusion
The Boston Scientific transvaginal mesh lawsuits highlight the serious risks associated with medical devices and the importance of holding manufacturers accountable for their actions. While significant settlements have been reached, the fight for justice continues for many women who have suffered life-altering injuries. If you believe you have been harmed by a transvaginal mesh implant, seeking legal advice is a crucial step in protecting your rights and pursuing the compensation you deserve.