Pelvic organ prolapse is a common condition in women that may have disastrous consequences after surgery. Transvaginal mesh has long been utilized by surgeons to treat POP, and litigation has long overshadowed the devices’ usefulness. Read more to see if you should consult with the best personal injury lawyer Chicago.
What is pelvic organ prolapse?
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs when the muscles and ligaments that support the pelvic organs (the bladder, uterus, and rectum) weaken. They begin to sag, resulting in a bulge — or prolapse — in the vaginal region.
This may occur after childbirth, menopause, or a hysterectomy, but women with a family history of POP, those who are obese, or older women are also at risk. Since they put extra strain on the intra-abdominal region, asthma, and constipation may also induce a prolapse.
POP may be asymptomatic, meaning there are no physical signs or symptoms. Mild symptoms may include continual heaviness or increased pressure after exercising or standing all day.
Vaginal bleeding, soreness, trouble peeing or defecating, and pain during sexual intercourse are examples of severe symptoms.
Patients with severe instances may have tissue protrusions from their vaginas. Since POP may develop in conjunction with other pelvic floor diseases, medical practitioners will most likely screen for any other similar issues as well.
How do you fix pelvic prolapse?
Your doctor may initially propose pelvic floor physical therapy involving Kegel exercises. Squeezing and releasing the muscles used to keep in gas improves the muscles that support the pelvic organs.
Your doctor may also advise you to use a pessary device. The pessary is put into the vagina to support the prolapsed organs. It is generally custom-made for you and is detachable. Pessaries are constructed of silicone and available in a variety of forms.
Surgery is possible for women who are uncomfortable with the thought of wearing a pessary or have tried it and found it ineffective. Many surgical options depend on the location and degree of the prolapse and underlying health conditions.
A hysterectomy (the removal of the uterus) is often suggested for women with uterine prolapse. Women at high risk of recurring prolapse may have sacrocolpopexy, in which the surgeon operates via tiny incisions in the belly to realign the pelvic organs.
Transvaginal mesh disasters and issues
Although many women with transvaginal mesh have no issues, a small minority do. Transvaginal mesh complications might occur immediately after surgery or years later. Problems may vary from slight discomfort to incapacitating pain and even wrongful death cases. Others include:
· Irregular vaginal bleeding or discharge
· Discomfort during intercourse
· Pelvic pain or swelling
· Bladder and bowel issues
· Infection and incontinence
· Prickling sensation or acute stabbing pain in the vagina, which may grow worse with exercise
· Abdominal, buttock, or leg pain
While the general rate is low, surgery may be required to remove the mesh or treat other issues that may arise following mesh insertion. Nearly half of the women who had erosion from non-absorbable synthetic mesh required surgical removal of the mesh. When the mesh was removed, some individuals needed two or more procedures.
Why you can be compensated in a transvaginal mesh lawsuit
Many judgments against transvaginal mesh companies have come up with verdicts by juries throughout the last decade. A transvaginal mesh lawsuit may result in compensation for medical expenditures incurred due to medical malpractice or device failure.
A vaginal mesh lawsuit may also pay for the pain, suffering, and mental agony related to transvaginal mesh use, such as discomfort during intercourse, vaginal scars, deformity, and permanent harm.
Thousands of personal injury cases have been resolved by transvaginal mesh manufacturers with the help of personal injury lawyers.
By June 2017, mesh manufacturers had already paid billions of dollars due to product-related charges. Only Ethicon was successful in obtaining a defense verdict in personal injury litigation.
Meanwhile, at least 18 West Virginia MDL cases have been tried, settled, stayed, or dismissed. Transvaginal mesh injury victims have obtained damages totaling more than $49 million in ten of those high-profile instances.
Bard, Boston Scientific, and Ethicon lost some bellwether personal injury cases. Plaintiffs were awarded between $14.5 million in compensatory damages and $4 million in punitive damages (Boston Scientific), and $20 million (Ethicon).
What if you can’t afford a lawyer for your personal injury case?
When you suffer complications from transvaginal mesh implants, you may face considerable financial losses in addition to the physical and emotional pain of your injuries. You may be asking how you may seek justice if you cannot afford to employ an experienced personal injury attorney.
Thankfully, many Chicago personal injury attorneys experienced in handling personal injury cases will work on contingency. You only pay your lawyer if they get a settlement or judgment on your behalf.
What should I expect from my best personal injury lawyer Chicago?
Personal injury lawsuits may cause a financial and emotional burden for personal injury victims. Hiring a specialist is crucial. Here is what you should expect from your Chicago personal injury lawyer
· Know the Process of best personal injury lawyer Chicago
First, ask the law firm whether they understand personal injury law. The procedure may be complex, from filing the lawsuit to settling or going to trial. An experienced personal injury lawyer should know how long each stage will take.
You won’t know what to anticipate if a personal injury attorney doesn’t. Knowing the procedure helps your personal injury attorney establish reasonable expectations. This may avoid frustration and disappointment.
· Negotiate for You
Personal injury claims need negotiation. Negotiation helps law firms negotiate fair compensation with opposing counsel. It’s one of the simplest ways a personal injury lawyer in the Chicago area can assist represented victims in winning.
A smart attorney may achieve an out-of-court settlement before the court, saving both parties time and money. Both parties compromise in personal injury claims.
· Mediation Preparation
A lawyer explains mediation to prepare you. They will explain mediation and your role. Your attorney may also clarify mediation expectations, including whether a settlement will be achieved.
Your lawyer should prepare you for mediation to avoid blunders. Prepared parties are more likely to get along and have a successful meeting.
· They’ll Investigate
Representing a client requires investigation. To represent you well, personal injury attorneys must know all the facts. This involves knowing who caused the injuries and how.
· Trial Preparation
Preparation is essential for an experienced personal injury attorney. Before the trial, organize everything. The first stage is to gather medical records. Doctors and other medical experts who treated you for pelvic prolapse are crucial trial testimony.
Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney may make the difference between winning and losing.
