Settlements Being Negotiated·23,700+ people have filed

Had hernia surgery? The mesh they put inside you might be making you sick.

You went in for a routine surgery. Now you're dealing with chronic pain, infections, or worse.

vs. C.R. Bard / Davolvs. Becton Dickinson

The story

Hernia repair is one of the most common surgeries in America — about a million per year. In most cases, surgeons use a synthetic mesh to patch the hernia, rather than stitching the tissue directly. It was supposed to reduce recovery time and prevent the hernia from coming back.

For thousands of patients, it did the opposite. The mesh devices — particularly those made by C.R. Bard and its subsidiary Davol — began failing inside patients' bodies.

The mesh eroded through tissue, migrated from its original position, caused severe chronic infections, and created adhesions that fused organs together. Patients who went in for a routine 45-minute surgery found themselves in years-long cycles of follow-up surgeries, antibiotic treatments, and debilitating pain. The lawsuits allege that manufacturers rushed products to market without adequate testing, used materials that the body rejects, and failed to warn surgeons and patients about known failure rates.

“Patients describe pain so severe they can't work, can't exercise, and can barely get through the day. Some have had three, four, or five additional surgeries trying to fix the problems caused by the original mesh.”

Reports from affected people

Health problems linked to this

●Mesh erosion — the mesh wears through tissue

●Chronic, debilitating pain at the surgery site

●Serious infection requiring treatment

●Mesh migration — the device moves from where it was placed

●Bowel obstruction or bowel perforation

●Adhesion — organs fuse together around the mesh

●Fistula — abnormal connection between organs

●Hernia recurrence despite mesh repair

●Need for additional corrective surgeries

Who's affected

✓You had hernia repair surgery that used a mesh implant

✓You experienced serious complications from the mesh

✓You needed additional surgeries, hospitalization, or ongoing treatment because of the mesh

Probably doesn't apply if

✕Hernia repair without mesh (suture-only repair)

✕Normal post-surgical discomfort that resolved within the expected recovery period

What you'd need to file

1Surgical records showing mesh implantation (including the brand/model if possible)

2Medical records documenting complications

3Records of follow-up surgeries or treatments

Timeline

2000s

Mesh becomes standard for hernia repair

Synthetic mesh is adopted as the go-to approach for hernia surgery, replacing traditional suture repair.

2014

FDA reclassifies surgical mesh

The FDA moves hernia mesh to a higher-risk category, requiring more safety data.

2017

Lawsuits consolidated

Thousands of cases against C.R. Bard are combined into a federal proceeding in Ohio.

2023-2025

Over 23,000 cases pending

One of the largest medical device litigations in the country. Some manufacturers begin settlement talks.

2026

Settlement negotiations continue

Ongoing talks could lead to a global resolution for affected patients.

People are asking

How do I know what kind of mesh I have?

Your surgical records should list the specific device. Ask your surgeon's office or request your medical records from the hospital where you had the procedure.

I had hernia surgery years ago and feel fine. Should I be concerned?

If you're not experiencing symptoms, there's generally no reason to worry. However, mesh complications can appear years after surgery. If you notice new pain, swelling, or other issues at the surgery site, see your doctor.

Can the mesh be removed?

In some cases, yes — but mesh removal surgery is complex and carries its own risks. Your doctor can advise whether removal is appropriate for your situation.

Named products & brands

Bard VentralexBard PerFix PlugBard 3DMaxC.R. Bard ComposixDavol hernia mesh productsVarious surgical mesh implants

Could this affect you?

Quick check · 30 seconds

1.Did you have hernia repair surgery that used a mesh implant?

2.Did you experience serious complications like chronic pain, infection, or mesh erosion?

3.Did you need additional surgeries or medical treatment because of the mesh?

Not legal advice. Informal screening only.

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Heads up: This is not legal advice. We're not lawyers. This is educational info to help you understand what's going on. Talk to an actual attorney about your situation.