Johnson & Johnson Agrees to Pay $120 Million to Settle Thousands of Ethicon Transvaginal Mesh Claims
Johnson & Johnson, a manufacturer of Ethicon brand transvaginal mesh products, has agreed to pay $120 million to settle the first 2,000 to 3,000 lawsuits filed against it alleging that the products caused the plaintiffs severe injuries and damages. This is the first time that Johnson & Johnson has entered into a settlement encompassing a substantial number of cases regarding the Ethicon product. In the past, it has settled a few cases on a one-at-a-time basis. Until now, the manufacturer has mostly declined opportunities to negotiate with plaintiffs and their counsel as well as the numerous other device manufacturers involved in transvaginal mesh disputes.
Transvaginal mesh products are designed to treat a number of conditions, including pelvic organ prolapse. The plaintiffs’ claims largely contend, however, that the products resulted in severe organ damage, constant pain, and other devastating injuries. In some cases, the transvaginal mesh device shrank after being implanted, resulting in severe pain and injuries. In June 2012, Johnson & Johnson agreed to remove some of its product lines from the market.