A hernia mesh lawyer should have extensive experience in medical device litigation, product liability and mass torts. You can schedule a free consultation with a personal injury law firm that specializes in defective medical device cases. Many firms handle hernia mesh lawsuits on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay legal fees only if you win your case.
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As of November 2025, there were a total of 26,497 hernia mesh lawsuits in the four MDLs:
Atrium C-QUR:
MDL 2753 in the U.S. District Court of New Hampshire. Chief Judge Landya B. McCafferty presiding. 363 pending Atrium lawsuits.
Covidien:
MDL 3029 in the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts. Senior District Judge Patti B. Saris presiding. 2,201 pending Covidien lawsuits.
Davol/Bard:
MDL 2846 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. Judge Edmund A. Sargus Jr. presiding. 23,932 pending Davol/Bard lawsuits.
Ethicon Physiomesh:
MDL 2782 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. Senior District Judge Richard W. Story presiding. 1 pending Ethicon lawsuits.
How To Choose a Hernia Mesh Lawyer
An integral part of hiring a hernia mesh law firm is conducting your own vetting process. Hernia mesh lawyers should have negotiation and trial experience as well as vast resources to tackle large medical device companies.
Hernia mesh lawsuits are often costly to litigate because of the complex science involved in proving that defective hernia mesh caused an injury. This requires a good deal of discovery as well as securing the best medical experts and the resources to litigate cases over several years. So, make sure the firm you hire has access to enough resources to properly litigate your claim.
It’s also important to ask about any fees before signing a contract with a firm. Most hernia mesh lawyers represent injured clients on a contingency fee basis. That means they don’t get paid unless they can secure a jury verdict or settlement for their clients. Many attorneys charge no upfront fees, but how they structure the cost can vary.
Consider these questions during your initial consultation with a hernia mesh lawyer:
Do you specialize in litigation for hernia defect surgeries and procedures?
What is your experience with multidistrict litigation or personal injury cases?
How do you structure your legal fees? Do you work on contingency?
Will I need to travel to work with you?
What is your knowledge level concerning hernia mesh placements and possible complications?
A local attorney at a small firm may not always be the best choice to litigate a hernia mesh claim. The top firms representing hernia mesh clients are large, national law firms with extensive experience in multidistrict litigation (MDL) and mass torts. Lawyers at national firms have state and federal litigation experience as well. Having that level of expertise on your side when facing a defendant with access to extensive legal resources is vital for winning a hernia mesh case.
The advantage of hiring a large national firm is that they can represent clients from all over the country and have vast resources and extensive experience in handling medical device claims such as hernia mesh claims. They often have access to a large network of hernia mesh medical experts and researchers. This allows them to make a solid case for why poorly designed hernia mesh led to complications and additional surgeries and companies failed to warn patients.
Qualities of a Top Hernia Mesh Lawyer
A skilled hernia mesh attorney has integrity, trial experience and a history of securing fair compensation for their clients. They must know how to find evidence to prove liability and be well-versed in the medical science of defective hernia mesh. The top hernia mesh lawyers will review your case during a free consultation and explain the compensation you may be entitled to.
Attributes of top hernia mesh lawyers include:
Credibility and Reputation
One benefit of working with a national law firm is access to reputable attorneys in good standing with the National Bar Association and the State Bar. Read online reviews to establish a track record and see how former clients rated their experience with the firm.
Demonstrable Expertise
Attorneys handling hernia mesh lawsuits have experience in mass tort, personal injury and product liability. Attorneys with leadership experience in multidistrict litigation, or cases consolidated into federal litigation, are ideal since a large portion of hernia mesh lawsuits are in MDLs.
Fee Transparency
An honest hernia mesh law firm will address the legal fee structure up front, including the contingency component.
Excellent Communication
Top attorneys combine friendly support with objective representation. They are approachable and communicative, keeping you informed throughout the legal process.
Experience in Hernia Mesh Lawsuits
They should be capable of demonstrating their knowledge of hernia mesh recalls and defective medical devices, and be able to answer your questions.
A top attorney will address their qualifications directly. Look for statistics on verdicts and settlements won, years in practice and bar association membership in good standing. Have they spent significant time in trial and battling large medical devices or pharmaceutical companies with vast legal resources? Do they have testimonials from clients?
“We have handled over a thousand hernia mesh claims, so we are well positioned to investigate and potentially litigate your claim,” explained Moshe Horn, award-winning mass torts and product liability lawyer with Simmons Hanly Conroy. These attributes are trust signals that an attorney has the experience to handle your claim.
“We have handled over a thousand hernia mesh claims, so we are well positioned to investigate and potentially litigate your claim.”
Do You Qualify for a Hernia Mesh Lawsuit?
You may qualify for compensation if you experienced hernia mesh complications and needed additional surgery to remove and repair faulty mesh. The most efficient way to assess your eligibility is through a free consultation with an experienced hernia mesh lawyer.
“You can expect to be asked when and where you had your mesh implant and removal surgery,” said attorney Moshe Horn of award-winning national law firm Simmons Hanly Conroy. “We’ll also ask if it is possible for you to obtain the medical records for your surgeries and treatment.”
If you lost a loved one because of hernia mesh complications, you may also qualify to file a wrongful death suit against hernia mesh manufacturers.
Specific qualifications may include:
You had hernia mesh surgery on or after Jan. 1, 2006.
Your physician or surgeon evaluated you for complications and recommended revision surgery to replace or remove the defective hernia mesh.
You developed severe pain and complications after receiving your mesh, such as bowel perforations, infections or intestinal blockage.
You are unable to receive revision surgery recommended by a doctor because you continue to experience ongoing complications.
Depending on the state where you live, the statute of limitations to file a product liability injury claim can be as little as one year. So, it’s important to speak to an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your right to file a claim.
So far, four major hernia mesh manufacturers have been involved in lawsuits: Ethicon, Atrium, Covidien and C.R. Bard. Ethicon and Atrium have agreed to confidential hernia mesh settlements. As of November 2025, there are 26,497 total hernia mesh lawsuits pending across federal litigation.
In February 2024, Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. canceled the fourth C.R. Bard MDL bellwether test trial after one win for the defense and two wins for the plaintiffs. He has since ordered both sides to mediation in hopes of reaching a global settlement.
This timing varies from state to state. Laws in your area might give you more or less time to act, depending on when you discovered your injury. Always consult an attorney as soon as possible, because missing a deadline could stop your hernia mesh case before it starts.
Evidence Checklist: What To Gather Early
Before you talk to a hernia mesh attorney, try to gather as much evidence as you can about your injuries and how they may relate to your hernia repair. This checklist can give you ideas of records to look for.
Hernia Mesh Injury Checklist
Correspondence with health authorities, like the FDA, regarding adverse reactions to the mesh.
Details of post-surgery complications, like recurrence, perforation, migration or infection.
Doctors’ opinions linking the mesh to your injuries.
Documentation of the hernia mesh manufacturer, including labels, hospital records and medical bills.
Imaging studies, like X-rays and MRIs, that show issues like mesh migration.
Medical records of your hernia repair surgery with mesh.
Personal records, such as pain diaries or photos of your injury.
Records of any follow-up or revision surgeries.
Witness testimonies from doctors or family about your symptoms.
Collecting this information will help show a clear link between your hernia surgery and your injuries. This connection is important for building a strong case if you decide to take legal action.
Compensation and What Affects Value
When people are involved in a hernia mesh MDL, they may receive different amounts of compensation in a settlement. This is because settlements measure each person’s situation and the severity of their injuries individually or in groups.
Some important factors that can affect how much money you receive include:
How severe your injuries are.
How your injuries affect your daily life.
Specific details about your case, such as whether you need surgery or how badly you were hurt.
The location where the case is tried.
The medical bills you have to pay.
The pain and suffering you experience.
These and other factors help determine the final settlement amount for each person involved.
Expert and Patient Perspectives
Drugwatch Analysis (November 2025)
If you’re considering hiring a hernia mesh lawyer, now is a critical time to act. Each of the four MDLs is maturing and following distinct paths.
The number of active lawsuits against Covidien has risen to over 2,000, making it a good moment to explore your legal options as settlements are discussed into early 2026. Upcoming test trials in February and July 2026 will significantly influence potential payouts, so having a knowledgeable lawyer can help protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
For Bard cases, a large settlement fund is already available, but new cases continue to arise. This creates additional opportunities for legal action. Meanwhile, Ethicon and Atrium cases are being settled quietly for smaller amounts, highlighting the importance of prompt legal advice.
If you believe you’ve suffered due to hernia mesh, Drugwatch can connect you with an experienced hernia mesh lawyer right away. They can help you understand deadlines and the current settlement landscape, ensuring you don’t miss out on possible recovery opportunities.
Trent B. Miracle, Esq.
Mass Torts and Product Liability Attorney
Legal Perspective from Trent B. Miracle, Mass Torts and Product Liability Attorney
“This particular litigation is fairly broad-ranging. Typically, when we’re talking about [a] defective product, we’re talking about one manufacturer. We’re talking about one location for this lawsuit. There were several defective products manufactured by multiple defendants, and there are litigations ongoing in multiple locations. There are several MDLs. There are numerous state court litigations ongoing in this particular case.
Given the multiple manufacturers [and] the various different litigations out there, we need to find out from potential clients which particular product was used on them. So if you want to contact us and talk to us about whether you’ve got a potential case, it’s easy enough [to find that information]. We can obtain your surgical records, and we’ll be able to identify specifically which hernia mesh product you had used during your procedure. And from there, we can determine which litigation we would go down.”
Real Story from Shelly
(She asked Drugwatch not to use her last name) Her mother, Nancy, underwent two emergency surgeries after her hernia mesh failed, causing a life-threatening bowel obstruction.
“The mesh had kind of wadded up in a ball, and the doctor referred to it as like a badminton birdie. We had to get her cleared by cardiologists for surgery because she’s got congestive heart failure that we found in 2017. At that time, her heart was only functioning at 15% and she’s up to 50% now, so the cardiologist cleared her to be able to have this surgery.
Thank goodness we had gone in when we did, because your colon can only live so long if it’s kinked. It could die, worse yet, my mother could have died. The doctor was pretty certain that it was the mesh that caused the whole problem.
If anybody has had hernia surgery at all, they should probably be looking out for these kinds of issues that might come up. Even many years later. When things start, especially abdominal pain, cramping, nausea, vomiting and being unable to eat, don’t think it’s just a bug. Make sure not to ignore it and get it checked.”
Recent updates on hernia mesh lawsuits show that companies like Bard and Covidien have paid significant settlements to affected individuals. Despite recalling several unsafe products, thousands of ongoing lawsuits remain. Many plaintiffs have won favorable court decisions, resulting in substantial compensation as they seek justice.
Many people have won hernia mesh lawsuits through jury decisions or private settlements, with some payouts exceeding $4 million. For example, a Rhode Island jury awarded $4.8 million against C.R. Bard. Other awards have ranged from $255,000 to $500,000. Additionally, C.R. Bard's parent company, Becton, Dickinson and Company, set aside $1.7 billion to address ongoing legal claims.
Multiple hernia mesh multidistrict litigations (MDLs) exist, but there is no hernia mesh class action lawsuit. You may still be able to join an active MDL, but your eligibility depends on which mesh product you received and your state's statute of limitations.
If you had hernia repair surgery with a mesh implant and then experienced serious issues like infections, pain, or organ damage that required more surgery, you may qualify for a hernia mesh lawsuit. Keep your medical records as proof and consult a lawyer to see if you meet the eligibility requirements, as these can vary by state. Remember to act before your state’s deadline!
Awards have typically ranged from $255,000 to $500,000, though some have been much higher. However, hernia mesh lawsuit payouts depend on injury severity, medical expenses, evidence strength, mesh type and state laws. More serious injuries and stronger evidence typically lead to higher compensation.
Hernia mesh lawsuits can take a considerable amount of time to settle, typically ranging from one to several years. The duration depends on the case’s complexity, the strength of the evidence, and the openness of the mesh manufacturer to reach an agreement. Other factors can also impact the time it takes to resolve these lawsuits, such as court system delays and the process of handling multiple cases simultaneously.
Yes. If you're considering filing a hernia mesh lawsuit, be aware that there are time limits known as statutes of limitations. These can vary from one to six years depending on where you live. This period typically begins when you first experience a hernia mesh injury or become aware of its connection to the hernia mesh. It's essential to consult a lawyer to understand the specific deadlines for your case.
Hernia mesh lawyers typically work on a contingency basis. That means you owe them nothing unless they win your case. You should ask any attorney you speak with to explain their contingency fees and other costs associated with your particular case before hiring them.
Hernia mesh cases are complex, requiring the input of medical and expert witnesses. You should choose a hernia mesh lawyer who is experienced in medical device cases. Drugwatch partners with leading attorneys and law firms around the United States. We can help connect you with an experienced hernia mesh attorney who best suits your particular case.
Timeline: How a Hernia Mesh Case Progresses
Joining a hernia mesh MDL or filing an individual hernia mesh lawsuit can help people who have been harmed, but they work in different ways.
An MDL combines many similar cases before one federal judge, making the process more efficient. This approach enables the sharing of evidence and can lead to settlements that address multiple injuries.
In contrast, individual lawsuits are handled separately in state courts. These cases can be settled through discussions or taken to trial.
Comparing Settlement Timelines
MDL Timeline:
Filing Your Lawsuit → Case Consolidation → Discovery (both sides exchange information & gather evidence) → Bellwether Trials (test trials) → Settlement Negotiations → Claim Review (claims by insurers, legal fees) → Judge’s Approval → Payment
Individual Lawsuit Timeline:
Filing Your Lawsuit → Discovery → Settlement Negotiations or Trial → Payment
MDLs can take several years to establish due to the coordination required, but they provide consistent outcomes for those affected. Individual lawsuits are usually resolved more quickly — within one to three years — but lack the benefits of working together as a group.
Please seek the advice of a medical professional before making health care decisions.
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“We have handled over a thousand hernia mesh claims, so we are well positioned to investigate and potentially litigate your claim.”
