The typical California woman is self-conscious about some things. Many times, these issues have to do with medical or bodily concerns. As a result of these concerns, many women have sought treatment for such issues and even undergone surgical procedures to correct them. However, these procedures are not always effective and at times have caused consumer protection concerns.
In 2007, a woman underwent a surgical procedure to place a TVT-Secur mesh insert in an effort to alleviate her problems with bladder incontinence. Rather than help her, the insert caused ongoing pain and increased problems with her bladder problem. The woman was subjected to numerous surgeries in an effort to remove the eroding mesh insert.
As the maker of the TVT-Secur mesh insert, Johnson & Johnson has faced several lawsuits with a total value of approximately $35 million. Additionally, several claims have been settled out of court. In this most recent case, the woman has been awarded $20 million, $17.5 of which the jury specified for punitive damages in the case.
There are always risks associated with surgical procedures. However, when a company develops a product, tests it and then places it on the market, the general public is led to believe that it is safe to use. California consumers often research products and ask questions prior to undergoing these types of procedures; however, sometimes all the facts are not known at the time. When one becomes the victim of a consumer protection issue and suffers as a result, there may be legal options available.
Source: bloomberg.com, “J&J to Pay $20 Million in Vaginal-Mesh Case as Other Trials Loom“, Jef Feeley, April 28, 2017