A multinational medical firm has been found guilty of failing to tell patients the risks involved in having its surgical mesh implanted, giving New Zealand sufferers hope of compensation.
A jury at the Atlantic City Superior Court in the United States last month found the Johnson & Johnson product itself was not defective, but awarded Linda Gross US$3.35 million in compensation and US$7.76m punitive damages.
While investigating the use of surgical mesh in this country, the Herald on Sunday has spoken to many New Zealanders who say they have suffered serious internal injuries or discomfort after having various meshes inserted during surgery, usually for vaginal prolapse or hernias.
One patient, 61-year-old Jacqui Scott, says she is suffering from complications from the mesh and is outraged her doctors used the controversial product.