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Johnson & Johnson must pay a Pennsylvania woman $57 million.
Ella Ebaugh, 51, was forced to undergo three surgeries after the mesh eroded into her urethra.
Vaginal mesh, also known as pelvic mesh, is implanted into women who suffer with pelvic organ prolapse or urinary problems by surgeons.
Ms Ebaugh was awarded her pay out after a jury in Philadelphia found that Johnson & Johnson had been negligent and its product – a mesh implant – was defectively designed, CBS News reports.
She was fitted with Johnson & Johnson’s Ethicon vaginal mesh to treat urinary incontinence after having five children.
Ms Ebaugh described the immense pain: ‘I’m in excruciating pain. When I’m standing it hurts, when I’m sitting it hurts. ‘I will suffer for the rest of my life. ‘My urethra is mangled. I feel like I’m on fire, you know, down there.’ Despite three surgeries to remove the implant, part of it remains.
Ms Ebaugh’s isn’t alone, Johnson & Johnson now face more than 1,000 lawsuits from women who say they are experiencing problems.
Johnson & Johnson stopped selling four of its mesh inserts five years ago, though medical experts still claim vaginal implants are safe and effective for women with urinary problems.
Ethicon plans to appeal the court’s decision.
Agencies/Canadajournal
