First $2 Million Bellwether Trial Verdict, Second Transvaginal Mesh Trial

As reported on Friday, the first bellwether trial against C. R. Bard, the manufacturer of Avaulta vaginal mesh, returned a $250,000 compensatory verdict last week, with an additional $1.75 million in punitive damages. Today, the second in the series of liability lawsuits began, with C. R. Bard once more the defendant. Nationwide more than 20,000 women have taken legal action against the makers of mesh products.

Queen accuses Bard of producing vaginal mesh that caused her serious injuries.

Wanda Queen has accused the device manufacturer or releasing a defective product and of failing to provide adequate warning of dangers and associated risks. These are the same charges brought by Donna Cisson in last week’s case. In that instance, the jury trial lasted 12 days.

Queen accuses Bard of producing vaginal mesh that caused her serious injuries when it was surgically implanted in 2008. She alleges that the device caused infection and pain, and has required six corrective surgeries. As such, she’s seeking compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages. Judge Joseph Goodwin, a federal judge for the Southern District of West Virginia, is once more hearing the case.

Thousands of women across the country have alleged that vaginal mesh is defective and has led to serious injuries. The FDA has estimated that around one third of the 200,000 women who had pelvic organ prolapse surgery in 2010 were treated using mesh, and the device remains approved for use despite the ongoing lawsuits. The outcome of bellwether trials, however, is often used as an indicator of settlement costs, and manufacturers are sure to take note if multiple trials find in the plaintiffs’ favor.

Queen’s transvaginal mesh trial continues.