Vaginal Mesh Claims
NHS Mesh Compensation Claims
If you have undergone vaginal mesh treatment and feel that you may have suffered injury as a result, then please do not hesitate to contact our specialist medical negligence lawyers.
Call 020 7485 8811 today.
“Osbornes Law is an established firm which handles a breadth of complex and high-value clinical negligence matters.”
“Osbornes handles a wide range of high-value and complex clinical negligence cases, with particular expertise in birth injury, delayed cancer diagnosis, spinal injury, and fatal claims.”
Table of Contents
What is vaginal mesh?
Vaginal mesh, also known as transvaginal mesh, is a medical device designed to treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in women. Made from synthetic materials like polypropylene, these mesh implants are inserted through the vagina to provide support to the affected organs.
The goal of vaginal mesh implants is to offer a permanent solution for women suffering from SUI and POP. However, despite their intended benefits, these implants have been linked to numerous health complications, including chronic pain, vaginal scarring, and mesh erosion. These issues have led many women to seek legal recourse through vaginal mesh claims.
History of vaginal mesh use
The use of vaginal mesh dates back to the 1990s, when it was first introduced as a treatment for stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Initially, this type of mesh was used to treat abdominal hernias, but its application was later expanded to include transvaginal mesh procedures.
Over the years, various types of vaginal mesh have been developed, such as TVT (tension-free vaginal tape) and TVTO (tension-free vaginal obturator) mesh. Despite its widespread use, the safety and efficacy of vaginal mesh have been increasingly questioned, leading to numerous medical negligence claims and lawsuits.
These legal actions have highlighted the need for a thorough review of the risks associated with vaginal mesh implants.
What is vaginal mesh surgery?
A vaginal mesh, also known as TVT mesh or pelvic mesh, is simply a synthetic net-like material (made of polypropylene) that is used to replace weak connective tissues or ligaments, suspending the vagina and uterus.
It commonly treats pelvic organ prolapse (POP) by supporting the protruding pelvic organs. The mesh is implanted during a simple operation during which the vagina is opened at the vaginal wall, and the mesh is secured in place. The surgery is common in women aged over 50.
Why was vaginal mesh surgery commonly used?
Stress incontinence affects around 20% of women after childbirth or menopause, while pelvic organ prolapse can impact up to half of women who have had children. Vaginal mesh surgery became popular as a seemingly permanent solution for these conditions, initially demonstrating promising success rates.
Between April 2008 and March 2017:
- 100,516 patients underwent tape insertion for stress incontinence.
- 27,016 patients had mesh procedures for pelvic organ prolapse.
- 71,350 patients opted for non-mesh procedures.
Recognising problems and complications caused by mesh surgery
However, many patients experienced severe complications, including:
- Chronic pelvic, back, and leg pain
- Mesh erosion and extrusion
- Vaginal scarring
- Painful intercourse
- Bladder infections and perforations
- Bowel and nerve injuries
These complications were exacerbated by inadequate warnings given to patients about potential risks. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. A healthcare professional can diagnose the cause of your symptoms and recommend the best treatment. Early intervention is key to managing these complications and preventing further harm.
Regulatory action
In July 2018, following widespread concerns, the UK government paused vaginal mesh procedures pending review. Baroness Julia Cumberlege led the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety (IMMDS) review, resulting in the influential “First Do No Harm” report in July 2020. NICE guidelines were subsequently updated to restrict mesh use to exceptional cases under strict supervision, although complications continue to affect many women.
Recent data suggests a complication rate as high as 1 in 6 patients, with many women continuing to experience the long-term consequences of mesh complications and awaiting meaningful redress.
Importance of informed consent
Informed consent is a fundamental aspect of medical treatment, including vaginal mesh surgery. Patients have the right to be fully informed about the potential risks and benefits of a procedure and any alternative treatment options. If a healthcare provider fails to obtain informed consent, medical negligence may be considered.
In the case of vaginal mesh, many women have reported that they were not adequately informed of the potential risks associated with the procedure. This lack of informed consent has led to numerous medical negligence claims as patients seek justice for the harm they have endured. Ensuring informed consent is crucial to upholding patient rights and preventing medical negligence.
Who can make a vaginal mesh claim?
Any woman who has suffered complications from a vaginal mesh implant can potentially make a claim for compensation. This is the case whether surgery was performed by the NHS or a private hospital. Osbornes Law has successfully secured significant compensation in negligence claims against private healthcare providers and the NHS.
How long do I have to make a claim?
The time limit for making a vaginal mesh claim is three years is within three years of the date you could have reasonably known that your injury was a result of medical negligence. For example, the time period could start following a diagnosis by your GP that mesh is the cause of your problems. This means that, even if you underwent a mesh procedure some years ago and you are only now experiencing complications, you could still be eligible to make a vaginal mesh claim.
The three years can slip by quickly, and delay increases the risk of losing vital evidence. Therefore, we recommend consulting a solicitor, ideally no later than 12-18 months after you became aware of negligence, to avoid the problems caused by delay and to give your claim the best chance of success.
How much compensation can I claim?
The amount of compensation can vary significantly depending on the extent of injury and its impact on your life. Compensation covers general damages for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity, and special damages for financial losses like lost earnings and medical expenses.
Do I have to pay to make a vaginal mesh claim?
Osbornes Law offer a No Win No Fee Agreement. We use the Law Society’s approved Conditional Fee Agreement. We guarantee that you will not have to pay anything if we are unsuccessful in obtaining compensation for you. If this happens, we are paid nothing. If your claim is successful, you may have to pay legal fees and expenses out of your compensation, but we guarantee that this will not exceed 25% of the compensation awarded.
Client case study
Our client, SG, experienced significant complications following TVT surgery. Among these complications, she experienced substantial pelvic pain. SG initially sought medical help for urinary symptoms and was advised to undergo TVT surgery. Unfortunately, post-surgery, she suffered a lack of movement in her left leg, among other complications. The case evolved into a civil claim against East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust. Read about the case here.
Continued concerns about vaginal mesh risks
Despite regulatory measures, concerns remain. Reports suggest the UK is becoming a key European market for pelvic mesh products, with ongoing research often failing to accurately represent associated risks. Dedicated support groups, such as Sling The Mesh, continue to advocate for patient safety.
How can Osbornes Law help me make a vaginal mesh claim?
Osbornes Law has helped many women make vaginal mesh claims. Our expert team of medical negligence solicitors will use their extensive legal knowledge to help you secure vaginal mesh compensation after suffering a mesh implant injury. We have a proven track record in handling successful medical negligence claims, ensuring our clients receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
It is important to get expert support after a medical negligence injury as soon as possible. If you have undergone vaginal mesh treatment and feel that you may have suffered injury as a result, then please do not hesitate to contact Josie Robinson, who specialises in vaginal mesh claims.
Contact us about a TVT Mesh Claim
Call us 020 7485 8811
For all new enquiries, please submit your details via the contact forms on our website. This will ensure your query reaches the right team and is handled promptly.
He also has a niche specialism in claims involving cauda equina syndrome.
Elline Demetriou is building a strong practice as a clinical negligence solicitor, handling a wide variety of cases including delayed diagnosis, surgical negligence and birth injuries.
Elline is always a pleasure to work with and always on top of complex cases.
Elline is a gifted lawyer and possesses a powerful combination of legal and medical skills, being tactically astute and having strong client care skills.
Elline is a delightful to work with and super reliable; you know she'll do a perfect job.
She advises on spinal injury claims.
Jodi Newton acts for clients on claims arising from negligent obstetric care, sepsis and delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Jodi is passionate and balances that with the ability to see the right way to run a case from her first involvement.
Jodi is very knowledgeable, gets outstanding results for her clients, and is always available when assistance is required.
Jodi is an absolute star.
Hugh has particular strength handling issues of causation and informed consent.
Hugh Johnson advises on claims regarding failures to diagnose and manage spinal injuries, as well as failings in psychiatric care.
He thinks outside the box and is always thinking a step ahead of his opponent.
Hugh is utterly charming, highly empathetic and a first rate lawyer. He always comes in with good observations.
Osbornes Law offers experience in obstetric and fatal claims as well as niche cauda equina cases.
The team has particular expertise in cases stemming from delays in diagnosis as well as surgical injury and wrongful birth claims.
Osbornes Law is an established firm which handles a breadth of complex and high-value clinical negligence matters.
They are a very tight team. They're very friendly, helpful and obtain excellent results for clients.
A quality firm of solicitors with excellence at all levels of the team.
They know the law inside out and proactively work with counsel to drive cases forward. They are a go-to for complex claims.
Ben Posford, head of catastrophic injury, is well-known for spinal cord and cauda equina claims, including high-profile fatality work.
Josie Robinson brings 20 years of experience to the team, with specialist insight into pelvic mesh claims and maternal death cases.
Elline Demetriou supports the team on catastrophic injury cases and has a growing caseload in maternity and care home negligence.
Elline Demetriou is an up and coming associate. She is thorough and empathetic, with great client care skills.
Nicholas Leahy leads the firm’s inquests work and has developed a specialism in stillbirth and surgical fatality claims.
Nicholas Leahy is a very impressive associate. He is sharp and gets to the crux of the case quickly.
Jodi Newton is a fierce advocate for her clients and a very genuine person. She cares about each case.
Jodi Newton is fantastic. She's detail orientated and a really capable head of birth and paediatric negligence. She's a joy to work with.
Jodi Newton is particularly noted for her work on cerebral palsy and maternal injury claims.
Osbornes handles a wide range of high-value and complex clinical negligence cases, with particular expertise in birth injury, delayed cancer diagnosis, spinal injury, and fatal claims.
I am always happy to get instructions from Osbornes. They have excellent quality work, the team knows exactly what they are doing and are a real pleasure to work with. Excellent legal knowledge.
The team has excellent leadership and provide an above and beyond service for their clients.
A close knit team with excellent knowledge and technical acumen across the board.
You get a real sense that they care about clients and each other, working together to get the best results.
The team works very well together as they are genuinely kind and friendly people.
Hugh's technical knowledge is superb.
He is excellent with very complex cases and their nuances.
I am very confident with Hugh representing me and always value his expertise and advice. He's always many steps ahead.
He is a master tactician and so on the ball; not a single thing goes under his radar. He really understands the medical side and is always thinking about how to achieve the best outcome for clients.
Hugh Johnson is fiendishly intelligent, with a laser sharp focus on the issues that matter.
Josie Robinson- very experienced, caring and professional. Excellent.
Elline Demetriou is one to watch for the future. She is determined and thoughtful, with a real dedication to her clients.
She is very tough, a real fighter, and drives a hard bargain for her clients. She has good judgment, and a good sense of the strengths and weaknesses of a case.
Jodi Newton is a passionate, hard-working and committed partner. She is excellent with clients, and gives absolutely 100% to all of her cases.
Nicholas Leahy - understands client needs very well, very responsive and proactive.
Jodi is very experienced and knowledgeable
It is a pleasure to work with Jodi. She has an excellent understanding of the issues and provides a good service.
Osbornes are always professional and diligent in respect of their clients.
Osbornes has an excellent depth of experience across the team.
Across the board, they are all a pleasure to work with. They always keep a pragmatic head and all have an eye on the best outcome for the client.
Jodi Newton - very hands on, gives every case her heart and soul
Jodi Newton is rapidly becoming the go-to partner for cerebral palsy cases. She has the determination to fight for her clients and is involved in some of the biggest cases at the moment.
Nicholas Leahy is a very safe pair of hands and really compassionate with clients. I expect great things from him in future.
Small but very effective and experienced team so every client benefits from the personal touch but also highly skilled litigation know-how. Capability of the team means they can handle all aspects of very complex cases as well as straightforward matters.
Ben Posford typically operates in the team’s spinal cord and cauda equina syndrome litigation.
Jodi Newton holds over 20 years of experience in birth and surgical injury cases, including those pertaining to cerebral palsy, negligent treatment of sepsis, and negligent A&E treatment.
The team frequently represents claimants in complex cognitive and spinal injury disputes, involving hypertensions, spinal fractures, as well as inadequate treatment of heart and blood diseases.
The team handles a host of complex maternal claims, including cognitive injuries as a result of delayed birth treatments, cerebral palsy, and vaginal mesh litigation.
Josie Robinson is fantastic with clients, very commercial and hugely experienced. Opponents respect her and she gets great results.
Osbornes is a very respected firm in the marketplace.
They handle really complex cases very well
The clinical negligence team are knowledgeable and professional in their approach and demonstrate a high level of skill in litigation work.
Osbornes Law offers experience in obstetric and fatal claims as well as niche cauda equina cases.
Osbornes Law is an established firm which handles a breadth of complex and high-value clinical negligence matters.
Jodi is really tenacious; she demands the best results and manages to secure them. She's got real drive and energy.
Jodi is passionate about what she does and is a good lawyer.
Jodi is very astute and compassionate.
Jodi Newton is passionate about her work and is a really creative lawyer, always trying to find practical and innovative solutions to problems encountered.
Jodi Newton is knowledgeable and well regarded.
Jodi Newton has specific expertise regarding birth negligence cases, including those which involve cerebral palsy and Erb’s palsy injuries.
Osbornes has a skilled team of solicitors advising clients on a wide range of clinical negligence matters.
Hard working, approachable, good knowledge of clinical negligence and clients’ specific conditions
A joy to work with and always 100% client focused at all times.
The clinical negligence team at Osbornes is much lauded for its ability to ‘represent the diverse range of London-based clients
“The team is very quick and efficient in responding."
"Obsbornes Law is always client-focused and works tirelessly to obtain the best outcomes for clients."
Ben Posford leads the catastrophic injury team and regularly represents claimants in neurological injury and fatal accident claims. He also has a niche specialism in claims involving cauda equina syndrome.
Jodi Newton acts for clients on claims arising from negligent obstetric care, sepsis and delays in diagnosis and treatment. She also advises on spinal injury claims.
"She is really wonderful in sensitively handling clients in extreme situations and is a real fighter."
"Jodi Newton is approachable and always has the client's best interest at heart."
‘They are ambitious for their clients and expect high standards from all who work with them.’
"Osbornes somehow combine the accessibility of a local firm, with the professional standards of a national or city outfit."
"I’ve been hugely impressed by Jodi Newton – she’s truly passionate about her cases and her clients, a real fighter and a star in the making."
"Jodi Newton has carved out a niche specialism in cerebral palsy and serious claims arising out of childbirth. She is so committed to her clients and their claims that she always gains and deserves their respect. A true specialist."
"Osbornes, is described as having ‘superb judgement and a medical knowledge that is second to none."
"Ben Posford’s particular expertise in this area focuses upon cauda equina claims, of which he is an undisputed powerhouse."
"Jodi Newton is a tenacious and intelligent fee earner. She fights tooth and nail for her clients and gains their trust and respect from the outset."
"Nicholas Leahy works extremely hard and understands the commercial sensitivities of clinical negligence litigation."
"Her persistence, perspicacity, determination and efficiency are simply outstanding, as are her legal, analytical and negotiating skills."
They are an excellent firm who achieve fantastic outcomes for their clients. They are also very prominent in injuries to those travelling to or from Europe. Multiple languages are spoken by the team.
This firm is responsive and efficient. Their rapidity in dealing with complications or hiccups is excellent.
Jodi Newton is brilliant – a very capable, experienced and empathetic solicitor who has experience of handling high value and complicated cases. I am working with her on a cerebral palsy case at the moment, in which she has obtained an admission of liability and a substantial interim payment. A first class addition to the team.
Really great clinical negligence practice, staffed by experienced practitioners who know how NHS Trusts work. They also build great rapport with clients.’
The team at Osbornes was recently strengthened by the arrival of 'experienced and empathetic' associate Jodi Newton. She joins a department noted for its expertise in delayed diagnosis and wrongful birth claims.
A stand-out solicitor with a huge track record of successful clinical negligence work. She is forensic in her attention to detail, but also sees the broad sweep of strategic considerations”.
Excellent service from Osbornes throughout on a difficult clinical negligence claim. Nicholas Leahy who handled the claim was responsive and professional throughout, while also providing pragmatic advice and clear drafting.
Working with Osbornes Law was the best decision I could have made. Nick was really attentive to my issue and did a very thorough job. He truly made the process headache free! Highly recommend them.
Nick Leahy has been my Solicitor throughout this journey and has been absolutely amazing; kind, approachable and extremely supportive... Through some dogged determination by Nick we achieved our goal without having to go to trial. I cannot thank Nick, Stephanie and all of the team at Osbornes highly enough for achieving a very favourable settlement, the outcome of which will make a huge difference to myself and my family.
“The stand-out solicitor is Jodi Newton, who has a huge track record of successful clinical negligence work. She is forensic in her attention to detail, but also sees the broad sweep of strategic considerations”.
"An excellent firm which achieves fantastic outcomes for clients."
Osbornes provides a very intimate and personal client service which is increasingly rare in this sector.
The lawyers in the team are highly experienced and will drive cases very hard on behalf of their clients.
"An exceptional outfit. They take on difficult cases, fight hard and win."
"Offers specialist expertise in cauda equina syndrome cases."
"Osbornes often handles claims valued at over £1m, particularly relating to severe brain and spinal cord injuries and niche areas such as cauda equina syndrome and cycling accidents."
"The team were extremely professional in putting my needs first. There was a joined-up approach to catering for the client, and all lawyers involved were briefed and constructive."
Quite simply excellent, with a highly competent and well-rounded team. They understand complex medical litigation and have been our lifesavers, and we will always owe them our immense gratitude.
News & InsightsVIEW ALL
14.12.2022Successful settlement for negligent care during kidney transplant...
Claimant v Royal Free London NHS Trust Osbornes have reached a settlement agreement on behalf of a Claimant who brought...
Read more
14.4.2022Settlement for Failed Fibroid Surgery
Jodi Newton was instructed in a claim against London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust where our client suffered serious...
Read more
23.3.2022Claim for Injury to Ulnar Nerve During Bowel...
Claim against Luton & Dunstable University Hospital Osbornes Law was instructed in a claim against Luton & Dunstable University Hospital...
Read more- 25.1.2022
Serious Injury Following TVT Surgery
Case Summary Our client, SG, attended her GP in December 2015, complaining of urinary symptoms, including leaking when she laughed or...
Read more - 12.11.2014
When is Cataract Surgery Negligent?
Preventing Cataract Surgery Negligence Losing your eyesight is a life-changing experience. When preparing for surgery to save your eyesight, you...
Read more
