Couple Sues Ethicon Over Wife’s Vaginal Mesh Injuries

As the number of vaginal mesh  lawsuits against manufacturers continues to grow, a new trend is emerging that shows vaginal mesh injuries don’t just affect the women implanted with the defective device — they also affect their spouse. In addition to hundreds of vaginal mesh injury lawsuits filed by women, many lawsuits are being filed on behalf of couples. While the wife seeks compensation for her injuries and medical expenses, the husband can also seek compensation for loss of consortium — or loss of spousal affection, companionship and/or sexual relations. Recently, a California couple was awarded a $5.5 million vaginal mesh lawsuit settlement for the wife’s injuries. Of that amount, $500,000 was awarded to her husband who alleged his wife’s defective Avaulta Mesh device ruined their love life. The landmark decision has opened the door to other couples seeking compensation for the wife’s vaginal mesh side effects. One such lawsuit was recently filed by Kentucky residents Melissa and John Wooten. According to their transvaginal mesh lawsuit, Melissa was implanted with an Ethicon vaginal mesh device on June 15, 2007. Shortly after, she experienced painful vaginal mesh side effects, including bowel problems, bleeding, infections, pain and urinary problems. Melissa accuses Ethicon of not only developing a defective device, but of also knowing its vaginal mesh devices were flawed and intentionally failing to warn the public. The couple’s Ethicon vaginal mesh lawsuit is seeking compensation for Melissa’s pain and suffering, medical expenses and lost wages, as well as for John’s loss of consortium.