A Massachusetts-based medical device company was ordered to pay $73 million to a woman who received permanent injuries after being implanted with one of their devices.
Martha Salazar, 42, of Texas, was awarded $23 million in compensatory damages and $50 million in punitive damages in a lawsuit filed against Boston Scientific, manufacturers of the Obtryx bladder sling. The mesh sling is used to treat mild urine leakage, but in Salazar’s case, the device only caused further damage, according to the suit.
Salazar suffered extensive internal injuries after being implanted with the Obtryx sling, resulting in severe pain and a lost ability to walk or sit normally. According to the lawsuit, the damage required Salazar to undergo four major surgeries and 42 additional procedures to repair.
The jury found that Boston Scientific acted with “gross negligence” and failed to warn doctors and patients of the potential risks. According to reports, evidence was presented during the trial that included an internal email from a Boston Scientific executive, directing sales representatives to prevent doctors from seeing the results of a company study that questioned the safety of the devices.
The lawsuit initially requested a settlement of $14 million for Salazar. Upon learning that the Obtryx bladder sling was defective and that the manufacturer had not warned physicians or patients, the jury raised the compensatory award to $23 million.
Boston Scientific is currently facing approximately 23,000 additional lawsuits related to its transvaginal mesh devices. In a statement to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, the company denied liability for Salazar’s injuries and plans to appeal, stating that Salazar failed to show the device is “unreasonably dangerous.”
If you or a loved one has suffered from pain or complications caused by a transvaginal mesh implant, you may be eligible for financial compensation.
The national trial lawyers of Flood Law Group LLP are available to investigate potential lawsuits on behalf of women who have suffered severe injuries and discomfort after being implanted with transvaginal mesh products. To find out if you qualify for compensation, contact us today.
