Hernia Mesh

Surgical mesh is used in many hernia repairs to strengthen the weak spot and lower the chance the hernia comes back. Some people later develop mesh migration, shrinkage, infection or bowel problems that need more surgery. Thousands of federal hernia mesh cases are coordinated in multidistrict litigation. A hernia mesh lawyer looks at the specific product and what doctors found.

How mesh is used in hernia repair

A hernia happens when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in muscle or connective tissue. Common types include inguinal (inner groin), femoral (upper thigh and outer groin), incisional (through an old surgical scar), ventral, umbilical (belly button) and hiatal hernias. As many as one million hernia repairs are done each year in the U.S.1

Hernias tend to come back, and surgeons often use mesh to strengthen the repair and lower that chance1. Repairs can be done through small incisions (laparoscopic or robot-assisted) or through one larger incision (open repair).

Types of hernia mesh

Mesh can be synthetic or made from animal tissue. Synthetic mesh may be absorbable, non-absorbable or a mix. Non-absorbable mesh stays in the body indefinitely, though it may degrade over time. Absorbable mesh loses strength as the body absorbs it1. Some products add coatings or layers meant to keep the mesh from sticking to the bowel. The exact product matters, because claims are about a specific mesh, not hernia mesh in general.

Hernia mesh complications

The FDA lists the most common problems after hernia repair, with or without mesh1:

• Pain
• Infection
• Hernia recurrence
• Adhesions, scar-like tissue that sticks tissues together
• Bowel obstruction
• Bleeding
• Fistula, an abnormal connection between organs or vessels
• Seroma, a fluid build-up at the surgical site
• Perforation, a hole in nearby tissue or an organ

With mesh, the FDA adds two mesh-specific events: the mesh moving out of place (migration) and the mesh shrinking (contraction), which may be linked to the complications above1.

Hernia mesh litigation

Several groups of federal hernia mesh cases have been sent to single judges for pretrial work as multidistrict litigation (MDL). An MDL coordinates similar cases; it is not a class action, a verdict or a settlement2. The JPML's Nov. 2, 2026 report lists these hernia mesh MDLs3:

These numbers show filed federal cases, not how often any product fails. An MDL also says nothing about whether a particular person's mesh caused a particular injury. Whether new claims about a product can still be brought depends on the product, the dates and any settlement terms.

Who may have a hernia mesh claim

• Mesh removal or revision surgery, with findings about the mesh
• Mesh that migrated, shrank, folded or broke apart on imaging or at surgery
• Bowel obstruction, perforation or fistula tied to the mesh
• Chronic infection that required removing the mesh
• Lasting pain or activity limits documented after mesh complications

A review also asks which product was used, its material and coating, where it was placed, how it was fixed in place, and when problems began.

Who may be responsible

An investigation may look at the company that designed and made the specific mesh, based on its material, coatings, instructions and any recall. Surgical technique and post-surgery care are separate questions reviewed under medical malpractice rules.

Filing deadlines for hernia mesh lawsuits

Deadlines depend on your state and on when you learned of the injury and its possible cause. Examples:

• Arizona: generally two years for personal injury and wrongful death4.
• California: two years for injury to or death of a person caused by another's wrongful act or neglect5.
• New York: three years for personal injury6, with a separate rule that runs from discovery for injuries caused by the latent effects of exposure to a substance in the body7.
• Texas: two years for personal injury and wrongful death8, and most product liability claims must be brought within 15 years of the product's sale9.

When the clock starts can depend on when a person knew, or should have known, about the injury and its possible cause. Rules for minors, wrongful death and claims against public hospitals can differ. A device that was part of an earlier settlement can raise its own questions. Ask a medical device attorney to check the rules for your state early, before records are lost.

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Records that help a hernia mesh review

Records worth gathering

First repair

• Operative report
• Implant sticker or log with the mesh name and lot
• Hernia type and location

Complications

• CT or other imaging
• Cultures if there was infection
• Revision or removal operative report and pathology

Impact

• Bowel surgery records
• Pain management records
• Work or activity restrictions

What happens after you contact CBW Law

How a review works

1. Tell us what happened

   Share what you remember about the mesh, the problem and the treatment that followed. You do not need every record first.

2. We identify the device

   We work to confirm the maker, model and lot or serial number, and whether any recall or safety notice covers it.

3. We gather records

   With your permission, we request operative reports, imaging, device data and other records from your providers.

4. We explain what we see

   We tell you what the records show, what questions remain and what options may be open, including deadlines.

Hernia repairs can have complications even when the mesh works as designed. A claim depends on what doctors found about the mesh itself.

Plain English

Medical, Health & Insurance

Terms you may see in a hernia mesh case.

Hernia terms

Inguinal hernia

A hernia in the inner groin1.

Incisional hernia

A hernia through a scar from earlier abdominal surgery.

Mesh terms

Migration

Mesh moving from where it was placed.

Contraction

Mesh shrinking after it is implanted.

Adhesion

Scar-like tissue that sticks organs or tissues together.

Complications

Bowel obstruction

A blockage of the small or large intestine.

Seroma

Fluid that collects at the surgical site.

Questions

Hernia mesh lawsuit questions

Short answers to the questions people ask first.

Does hernia recurrence mean the mesh failed?

Not necessarily. Hernias can come back with or without mesh. A hernia mesh lawyer looks for findings about the mesh itself.

Can hernia mesh problems show up years later?

Yes, some problems are found long after surgery. Imaging and any revision surgery help show what happened.

Do the FDA's pelvic mesh actions apply to hernia mesh?

No. The 2019 order covered mesh for transvaginal prolapse repair, a different product and use.

Why is the revision report important?

It describes what the surgeon saw, such as migration, shrinkage, adhesions or damage to the bowel, and what was removed.

Is there a class action for hernia mesh?

The large federal hernia mesh cases are multidistrict litigation, which coordinates individual cases. They are not class actions.

Do I need a hernia mesh lawyer if my mesh hasn't been removed?

Removal isn't required for a review. A hernia mesh attorney can look at your imaging and symptoms.

How do I find out which mesh I have?

The operative report and implant log usually name the product. We can help request them.

How long do I have to file a hernia mesh lawsuit?

It depends on your state and on when you learned about the injury and its possible link to the mesh.

Should I have my mesh removed?

That is a medical decision for you and your surgeon.

What does it cost to contact CBW Law?

Telling us your story costs nothing, and contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Tell Us Your Story

If hernia mesh led to pain, infection or more surgery, a hernia mesh attorney can review what happened.

Tell us what happened. CBW Law will review your information and explain what we see. Submitting information does not establish an attorney-client relationship or guarantee representation.

Tell Us Your Story →Call (800) 476-2416

This page is general information about hernia mesh. It is not legal or medical advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. A complication, recurrence or removal surgery does not, by itself, establish that mesh was defective or that anyone is legally responsible. Laws and deadlines differ by state, and no outcome can be promised.