When surgeons repair a hernia, they often use a medical device called hernia mesh to strengthen weak tissue. One of the most widely used manufacturers, C.R. Bard (now part of Becton Dickinson), has faced thousands of lawsuits from patients who suffered serious complications after surgery.

What Went Wrong

Many patients claim Bard's mesh products were defectively designed or improperly labeled, leading to painful and sometimes permanent injuries. Reported complications include:

• Chronic pain and inflammation

• Infection or abscess formation

• Mesh migration or shrinkage

• Bowel obstruction or organ perforation • Need for revision surgery

Where the Litigation Stands

Tens of thousands of Bard hernia mesh lawsuits were consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in federal court in Ohio. In late 2024, Bard's parent company announced a global settlement resolving roughly 38,000 claims, after several plaintiffs won multi-million-dollar jury verdicts.

What Victims Should Know

If you had hernia repair surgery and later developed complications, your mesh may have been a Bard product. It's important to:

1. Get your medical records to identify the mesh brand used.

2. Consult a personal injury attorney familiar with medical device litigation.

3. Act quickly, as filing deadlines can vary by state.

Bottom Line

Bard hernia mesh cases highlight the serious risks defective medical devices can pose — and the importance of holding manufacturers accountable.