Women can now file claims to receive restitution for surgical mesh, AG Ferguson says

Attorney General Bob Ferguson on Wednesday announced that around 45,000 women in Washington can now file claims to receive their share of a $9.9 million recovery against Johnson & Johnson.

Last April, Ferguson announced the recovery as a result of his 2016 lawsuit against the company for failing to disclose serious risks of its surgical mesh devices.

Ferguson was the first state attorney general to file a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson over the mesh devices.

In the lawsuit, Ferguson asserted Johnson & Johnson violated Washington’s Consumer Protection Act by “failing to include several serious, life-altering risks associated with its surgical mesh devices in materials for patients and doctors."

Ferguson explained some of the women with the mesh devices experienced chronic pain, pain with sexual intercourse and numerous urinary issues.

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Ferguson said all women who received transvaginal mesh implants in the state are eligible to receive funds from the recovery even if; they already received money from another mesh lawsuit; if a company other than Johnson & Johnson manufactured their surgical mesh device; whether they do not know what company manufactured their surgical mesh device; or if the device has not yet caused any health complications or monetary loss.

Click here to file a free claim. Claims must be submitted on or before June 11.

Ferguson reminds those interesting in filing a claim to not submit any medical records or other implant documentation.

“We are now providing millions of dollars in relief to all women who received these devices in Washington,” Ferguson said. “No amount of money will ever be enough to make women whole if they were injured by Johnson & Johnson’s surgical mesh products. But I deeply hope that it helps provide a measure of justice.”

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Ferguson explained that his office does not have information on the patients who received the mesh because medical information is protected under law. However, he estimates about 45,000 Washington women had the devices implanted.

After announcing the $9.9 million recovery, Ferguson explained that one Washington woman has suffered chronic urinary tract infections, constant lower back pain and cramps in the back of her leg as a result of Johnson & Johnson’s mesh device.

Another woman in Washington underwent three surgeries to partially remove the mesh to treat her incontinence and frequent pain, Ferguson said.

Those who previously submitted their contact information to the Washington Attorney General’s Office will receive a claims form in the mail, and must submit the form to the claims administrator by June 11, 2020, Ferguson said.

Click here for more information. You can also email info@WAAGMeshSettlement.com or call 1-855-460-1526.

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