Surgical Mesh Implant Compensation Claims

Surgical mesh implants are medical devices used to reinforce weakened or damaged tissue. They are commonly associated with hernia repair and pelvic procedures, including surgery for pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence. The mesh acts as a scaffold, allowing new tissue to grow and integrate with the existing tissue.

While most surgeries pass without issue, some patients experience serious complications, including chronic pelvic or abdominal pain, inflammation, infection, erosion into surrounding tissue, nerve injury, organ damage, bladder or bowel symptoms, and repeated urinary infections. In more severe cases, removal or revision surgery may be required, and the effects can be life-changing.

In circumstances where the failure of the mesh is due to medical error, it may be possible to bring a compensation claim.

Bringing a claim for surgical mesh implant negligence

At McCarthy + Co Solicitors LLP, our team has more than 30 years of experience helping people across Ireland seek fair compensation following substandard medical care. Our medical negligence team is led by John McCarthy, who has extensive experience bringing these types of cases. John also assisted over a hundred women affected by the PIP breast implant scandal, and he brings that same focus, care, and determination to cases involving mesh implants.

Surgical mesh claims can arise in several different situations. Below are common scenarios where there may be grounds to bring a claim.

• Inadequate consent and advice – You were not given clear information about the potential risks, likely outcomes, alternatives, and what to expect during recovery, so you could not make a properly informed decision.
• Mesh used when it was not clinically appropriate – Mesh was recommended or implanted when non mesh options, conservative treatments, or a different surgical approach should have been considered for your circumstances.
• Poor surgical technique during implantation – The mesh was placed incorrectly, tension was excessive, nearby structures were damaged, or preventable complications arose due to substandard surgical practice.
• Failure to recognise and investigate symptoms promptly – Your concerns were dismissed, or warning signs were not properly assessed, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment of complications such as erosion, infection, nerve injury, or organ involvement.
• Delayed referral to an appropriate specialist – You were not referred in a timely way for specialist assessment, imaging, or management, including consideration of removal or revision surgery when indicated.
• Inadequate follow up and aftercare – Post operative monitoring was insufficient, follow up appointments were not arranged appropriately, or complications were not managed to an acceptable standard.
• Poor record keeping and missing implant details – The type of mesh, batch information, operation notes, or consent documentation are incomplete, inaccurate, or missing, which can indicate broader failings in your care.
• Defective mesh product – The device itself may have been unsafe or unsuitable due to design issues, manufacturing defects, or inadequate warnings, which may give rise to a product liability claim, as well as a medical negligence claim, depending on the circumstances.

If you are unsure whether your experience meets the legal threshold, we can review the details with you and explain the options available.

How we build your case

Mesh cases are often complex, particularly where symptoms develop over time. Our role is to investigate what happened, identify whether your care fell below an acceptable standard, and establish a clear link between any negligence or defect and the harm you have suffered.

We can obtain and review your medical records, consent documentation, and operative notes, confirm the implant details where possible, and arrange independent expert medical opinion when needed. We will then advise you on the strength of the case, the likely route to progress it, and the next steps.

Speak to a solicitor in confidence

If you believe you have been harmed following a surgical mesh procedure, you can arrange a confidential consultation with our team. Simply complete our online enquiry form, or call us, and a member of our support team will be in touch.