Boston Scientific Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuits (2010s),Settlements for medical device injuries

Boston Scientific Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuits (2010s): Understanding Settlements for Medical Device Injuries

The use of transvaginal mesh, a synthetic material implanted to treat pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women, became widespread in the 2000s and 2010s. However, this seemingly innovative solution led to a surge of complications, resulting in numerous lawsuits against manufacturers like Boston Scientific. This blog post delves into the complexities surrounding Boston Scientific transvaginal mesh lawsuits during the 2010s, exploring the settlements, legal outcomes, and the ongoing impact on women who suffered injuries.

The Rise and Fall of Transvaginal Mesh

Pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence are common conditions affecting millions of women, often due to weakened pelvic floor muscles from childbirth, aging, or other factors. Transvaginal mesh offered a seemingly straightforward surgical solution, providing support to weakened tissues. However, as early as 2011, the FDA issued safety alerts, indicating that serious complications associated with surgical mesh for POP were “not rare.” By 2019, the FDA ordered Boston Scientific and other manufacturers to remove all transvaginal POP mesh products from the market, deeming that they had failed to demonstrate a reasonable assurance of safety.

Common Injuries and Complications

Women who received Boston Scientific transvaginal mesh implants reported a range of debilitating complications, including:

  • Mesh Erosion: The mesh could erode through the vaginal wall, potentially damaging surrounding organs like the bladder, urethra, or bowel.
  • Chronic Pain: Persistent pelvic pain, lower back pain, and pain during intercourse were frequently reported.
  • Infection: The risk of infection was heightened due to the mesh’s placement through the vagina, a non-sterile environment.
  • Bleeding: Irregular vaginal bleeding and discharge were common symptoms.
  • Organ Perforation: The mesh could puncture or damage nearby organs.
  • Scarring: Scar tissue formation around the mesh could lead to pain and discomfort.
  • Recurrence of Prolapse or Incontinence: In some cases, the mesh failed to provide adequate support, leading to a return of the original condition.

These complications often necessitated multiple revision surgeries to remove or repair the damaged tissue, leading to significant physical and emotional distress for affected women.

Boston Scientific Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuits: A Timeline

The 2010s witnessed a surge in lawsuits against Boston Scientific and other mesh manufacturers. Plaintiffs alleged that the mesh products were defectively designed, that the companies failed to adequately warn about the risks, and that they misrepresented the safety and efficacy of the devices.

  • Early Lawsuits and Verdicts: As early as November 2014, juries began holding Boston Scientific liable for injuries caused by their mesh products. In one case, a New Jersey jury awarded four women a total of $18.5 million.
  • Multidistrict Litigation (MDL): Thousands of cases were consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Southern District of West Virginia, overseen by Judge Joseph Goodwin. This streamlined the legal process and facilitated settlements.
  • Settlements and Judgments: Boston Scientific faced numerous settlements and judgments throughout the decade. In April 2015, the company agreed to pay $119 million to settle nearly 3,000 transvaginal mesh lawsuits. In May 2015, a Delaware jury awarded one woman $100 million in damages.
  • Multistate Settlements: In 2021, Boston Scientific reached a $189 million settlement with 47 states and the District of Columbia to resolve allegations of deceptive marketing practices.

Settlement Amounts and Factors Influencing Compensation

Settlement amounts in Boston Scientific transvaginal mesh lawsuits varied significantly depending on the severity of the injuries, the extent of medical treatment required, and other individual circumstances.

  • Average Settlement Ranges: While it’s difficult to pinpoint an exact average, lawyers estimate that transvaginal mesh settlement amounts have ranged from $40,000 to $450,000.
  • Factors Affecting Settlement Value:
    • Severity of Injuries: More severe complications, such as organ damage or the need for multiple revision surgeries, typically resulted in higher settlements.
    • Medical Expenses: Compensation often included reimbursement for past and future medical costs.
    • Pain and Suffering: Plaintiffs could seek damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.
    • Lost Wages: If injuries prevented women from working, they could recover lost income.
  • Notable Settlements and Verdicts:
    • $26.7 million: Awarded to four women in Miami in November 2014.
    • $100 million: Awarded to a woman in Delaware in May 2015.
    • $119 million: Paid to settle almost 3,000 cases in April 2015.
    • $189 million: Multistate settlement with 47 states and the District of Columbia in 2021.

The Current Status of Boston Scientific Transvaginal Mesh Litigation

While the federal MDL was closed in 2021, individual lawsuits are still being filed in state courts. This indicates that women continue to experience complications from older implants, even years after the devices were removed from the market. As of December 2025, it’s estimated that manufacturers have paid over $8 billion in settlements and verdicts to resolve these cases, and the litigation continues.

What to Do If You’ve Been Injured

If you have received a Boston Scientific transvaginal mesh implant and are experiencing complications, it’s crucial to seek medical attention and consult with a qualified attorney. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights, assess the strength of your claim, and navigate the complexities of the litigation process.

Symptoms to Watch For:

  • Pelvic pain
  • Vaginal bleeding or discharge
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Urinary problems
  • Mesh erosion
  • Infection

Advice

  1. Seek Medical Attention: If you experience any symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.
  2. Consult with a Lawyer: A lawyer specializing in medical device litigation can evaluate your case and advise you on your legal options.
  3. Gather Medical Records: Collect all relevant medical records related to your mesh implant and any subsequent treatments.
  4. Document Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, pain levels, and any limitations they impose on your daily life.

Conclusion

The Boston Scientific transvaginal mesh lawsuits of the 2010s highlight the serious risks associated with medical devices and the importance of holding manufacturers accountable for patient safety. While settlements have provided some compensation to injured women, the physical and emotional toll of these complications can be long-lasting. If you or a loved one has been affected by a transvaginal mesh implant, seeking legal and medical assistance is essential to protect your rights and well-being.