Lawyers: Second wave of claims in US paves way for thousands of Scots cases
Experts say the medical device scandal affects so many people, it is set to make Scottish legal history as the biggest civil action ever presented in court.
With 10,000 operations a year and medical experts acknowledging up to 30% suffering complications, solicitors acting for patients here say new litigation in the US paves the way for actions here.
Lindsay Bruce of Lefevres Solicitors said: “Because of the sheer volume of hernia mesh procedures, we expect this action may eventually have up to 10 times the number of injured patients than those in the pelvic mesh action.
“As hernia mesh is made of the same material, we realised it was very likely those patients would also be at risk of similarly serious complications.
“But it has only been with the recent acknowledgement by medical experts of those complications and forthcoming litigation in the US that we are able to move towards legal action in Scotland.
“We are preparing several dozen cases initially, and are keeping our options open as to which route we pursue.”
Ms Bruce said hernia mesh victims suffered what she described as “life-changing injuries”.
She said: “Their stories are extremely harrowing. Many have endured being repeatedly fobbed off and sent from pillar to post when they try to ascertain whether mesh is a cause of their suffering.”
Patrick Mcguire, senior partner at Thompsons Solicitors said: “We’ve spent decades fighting some of the worst medical scandals such as PIP implants, faulty heart valves and metal on metal hip replacements but the sheer number of patients suffering complications means hernia mesh will be the biggest claim of this type.
“We never forget at the heart of every single case is a person who has suffered pain, life-changing injuries, loss of organs, and the debilitating effects which leave them unable to work or be the person they once were.
“That is why we sincerely hope the government will take swift action to prevent a repeat of the long, drawn-out pelvic mesh scandal.”