Vaginal Mesh Claims

A vaginal mesh is a medical implant typically made of synthetic materials and used to support weakened or damaged tissue in the pelvic area. It is often used in women to treat conditions such as pelvic organ prolapse or stress urinary incontinence that are caused by childbirth, ageing or physical strain.

However, if the mesh is faulty or poorly implanted, it can lead to life-changing complications, such as chronic pain, infections, erosion and organ perforation.

If you or a loved one suffered vaginal mesh complications due to medical negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering.

Do not hesitate to call 0800 470 0474 today or request a call back to find out if you have a valid vaginal mesh claim. A friendly legal adviser will offer you a free case assessment with no obligation to proceed.

Find out if you can claim

Call 0800 470 0474 now or request a call back below:

Call me back

By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy. With no win no fee you typically pay 25% of your compensation if your claim is successful, but the fee can vary. Termination fees may apply if you fail to co-operate with your solicitor.

Table of Contents

• What is a vaginal mesh?
• Possible complications of a vaginal mesh implant
• Am I entitled to make a vaginal mesh claim?
• How do I claim compensation for medical negligence?
• Evidence needed to support a vaginal mesh compensation claim
• What types of negligence could lead to vaginal mesh compensation?
• Can I make a claim against the NHS for vaginal mesh complications?
• How long do I have to start a medical negligence claim?
• How much compensation can I claim for a vaginal mesh injury?
• Can I claim for vaginal mesh surgery negligence on a No Win No Fee basis?

What is a vaginal mesh?

A vaginal mesh implant, also called a transvaginal mesh, is a medical device used to address conditions such as stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in women. These issues typically arise when the pelvic floor muscles and tissues weaken and shift from their usual position, often due to childbirth, surgery or ageing. The mesh helps reconstruct these tissues and support the bladder and urethra.

The meshes were first introduced to the UK in the mid-1990s and are typically made from synthetic materials such as polypropylene or polyester. They can also be made from materials such as polyglactin, which can be absorbed and incorporated by the body to strengthen the ligaments in the pelvic region.

These implants can be placed in several ways through the vaginal route to manage the patient’s condition properly and are permanent.

While most cases of vaginal mesh implants are successful, complications can arise in up to 9.37% of patients, some of which are devastating. These are detailed in the section below.

Possible complications of a vaginal mesh implant

There are three main types of vaginal mesh implants used to treat incontinence: Tension-free Vaginal Tape (TVT), Tension-free Vaginal Transobturator Tape (TVT-O) and Transobturator Tape (TOT). In addition, Transvaginal Mesh (TVM) implants are used to treat prolapse.

If any of these meshes are poorly inserted or you are not a good candidate for this intervention, several complications can arise, including:

• Vaginal scarring or erosion.
• Mesh erosion or protrusion into the urethra or bladder.
• Pelvic and bladder infection, sometimes requiring removal of the mesh.
• Perforation of nearby organs like the bladder or intestines.
• Chronic pain in the pelvic area, abdomen, back or legs.
• Excessive bleeding or discharge.
• Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse.
• Urinary incontinence or other urinary tract issues.
• Recurrent pelvic organ prolapses.
• Emotional and psychological problems, such as anxiety and depression.
• Difficulty or inability to walk.
• Nerve damage, leading to numbness, weakness or pain.

If you have experienced any complications due to your implant, do not hesitate to contact a medical negligence solicitor to find out if you could be entitled to vaginal mesh compensation.

Am I entitled to make a vaginal mesh claim?

If you developed complications following a vaginal mesh implant, you might be entitled to seek compensation for your pain and suffering. The easiest way to find out if you are able to claim is through a free consultation with a legal adviser. They will take on your case if the following can be proven:

• A duty of care. All healthcare providers, as well as those who manufacture and distribute vaginal meshes, have a legal duty to prioritise patient safety. They must meet all safety standards and act according to the guidelines offered by regulatory bodies such as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
• A breach of duty. If a medical professional fails to meet the expected standard of care, this constitutes a breach of duty. Examples include not obtaining informed consent, using poor materials or failing to diagnose complications. Manufacturers can also be liable for compensation if they sell faulty or substandard vaginal meshes that cause injuries to patients.
• Causation. This means establishing that the breach of duty directly caused your injuries or worsened your condition. Medical records, expert witness testimony, and device documentation can all help prove causation.
• Damages. These include the pain, suffering and financial losses resulting from the breach of duty. Financial documents, witness statements and your testimony can support your claim for damages.

How do I claim compensation for medical negligence?

If you want to claim for vaginal mesh negligence, the first thing you should do is contact a personal injury solicitor, which you can do by calling 0800 470 0474 or using our online claim form. They will discuss your case with you during a free initial consultation and let you know whether you are eligible for compensation and your chances of success.

If they take on your case, they will offer you a no win no fee service and help you gather all the evidence you need to support your claim, which is detailed in the section below.

Your solicitor will calculate how much compensation you are entitled to and send a letter of claim to the defendant to inform them of your intentions. If they admit liability, you can negotiate a settlement. However, your solicitor will also be ready to argue your case in court if the defendant disputes liability. If your case is successful, the last step of the claims process will be receiving your compensation.

Evidence needed to support a vaginal mesh compensation claim

You will need as much evidence as possible to make a successful medical negligence claim for a negligently performed mesh implant surgery. This must prove what happened, who was at fault, the damages it has caused you and how these have affected your life.

The types of evidence you could use to support your claim include:

• Detailed medical records from consultations, surgery and follow-ups regarding your symptoms and the complications experienced;
• Expert testimony from specialists who can determine whether the expected standard of care was breached and how this has affected you;
• Diagnostic images from ultrasounds, X-rays or MRIs can show the extent of your vaginal mesh injury;
• Your testimony regarding the pain levels and symptoms you experienced and how these have affected your daily life;
• Information about the specific mesh product used can help support a claim related to a faulty product;
• Witness statements from friends and family who saw the impact of the mesh implant surgery on your life;
• A copy of an official complaint you made with the hospital or doctor who treated you;
• You also need proof of financial losses and expenses related to the injury, such as prescriptions, additional surgeries or wages lost due to time off work.

During your initial consultation, your solicitor will review all the evidence you have. If you need further proof to support your case, they will help you collate it to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

What types of negligence could lead to vaginal mesh compensation?

Several types of negligence could lead to a vaginal mesh compensation claim, including:

• Failure to obtain informed consent. Before undergoing a vaginal mesh implant procedure, your doctor must fully inform you of potential risks, complications and alternative treatment options. If they have failed to do so and you experience issues following vaginal mesh surgery, you could qualify for compensation.
• Product defects. You may also experience complications due to a defective mesh, such as one that contains substandard materials or design defects. These can lead to mesh erosion or tearing and may entitle you to pursue a product liability claim. Several brands of mesh manufacturers have been involved in UK lawsuits, including Pinnacle, Prolift, TVT Secur and Gynecare.
• Lack of treatment choice. According to the NICE guidelines, your doctor must offer you three months of pelvic muscle training before the use of vaginal mesh. If your doctor skipped this step, you could be entitled to claim compensation.
• Surgical mistakes. Errors during the insertion of the mesh, such as incorrect positioning, can lead to complications like organ perforation or nerve damage, which can be grounds for a compensation claim.
• Poor follow-up. If your doctor has failed to diagnose or address complications from the mesh in a timely manner, leading to the worsening of your condition, they may be liable for compensation.

If you suffered due to any of these or other types of clinical negligence, an experienced solicitor could help you make a mesh claim and receive financial compensation for your losses.

Can I make a claim against the NHS for vaginal mesh complications?

The National Health Service (NHS) typically offers a high standard of care, including for vaginal mesh implants. However, when negligence or a breach of duty occurs, the results can be devastating for patients and their loved ones.

As seen above, the complications of a negligent mesh implant can have a long-lasting physical, mental and financial impact. Patients are entitled to make a medical negligence claim for compensation if this happens.

A claim against the NHS can be brought without any feelings of guilt or embarrassment. All such legal cases are handled by NHS Resolution, an independent agency of the Department of Health and Social Care. This organisation handles all personal injury cases against the NHS and is funded by annual contributions from each NHS Trust.

If you make a successful claim for a negligent mesh implant, your compensation will be paid by NHS Resolution and will not affect the fund allocated for patient care. Moreover, your case could help improve patient care and prevent similar mesh injuries in the future.

You may also be able to make a claim if you received private medical care. Just like the National Health Service, private practitioners must hold valid insurance against personal injuries to patients, which will cover any compensation they may be entitled to receive.

How long do I have to start a medical negligence claim?

Under the Limitation Act 1980, you have three years to make a claim starting from the date of your vaginal mesh surgery. Alternatively, the three-year time limit could begin on the date you first experienced complications that were linked to negligent surgery, known as the date of knowledge.

If you miss this deadline, your case will be statute-barred, and you will lose your right to claim for compensation. Seeking legal advice at the earliest time will prevent this and help your solicitor gather the necessary evidence to build a solid case.

An exception to this three-year rule applies if the injured party does not have the mental capacity to handle legal proceedings. This could be due to the post-traumatic stress (PTSD) caused by the negligent surgery or a pre-existing condition such as depression or Alzheimer’s disease. In this case, there is no claim limitation date, and a litigation friend can start a claim on their behalf at any time.

How much compensation can I claim for a vaginal mesh injury?

The amount of compensation you could receive for a negligent mesh procedure will depend on the specific ways in which it has affected your life. Your settlement award will be calculated based on two types of damages that your solicitor will carefully consider to ensure you are fully compensated:

General damages cover the physical injury and its subjective impact on your life. This takes into account:

• Physical pain and distress
• Emotional and mental suffering
• Loss of companionship
• Reduced quality of life
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of amenities, such as the ability to engage in previously enjoyed activities

Special damages cover financial losses and out-of-pocket expenses incurred due to the pelvic mesh negligence, such as:

• Loss of earnings during recovery or long-term
• Private corrective treatments and other medical expenses
• Care costs during recovery or long-term
• Travel expenses to and from medical appointments
• Any other related expenses that are deemed reasonable

There is no set compensation award for general damages. This is based on historical cases and the guidelines from the Judicial College and could be:

• Up to £50,000 for chronic pain caused by a negligent vaginal mesh procedure
• Up to £112,000 for severe injuries to the bladder
• Up to £119,00 for loss of bowel function

Can I claim for vaginal mesh surgery negligence on a No Win No Fee basis?

The no win no fee agreement, also known as a conditional fee agreement, is the preferred way of funding a personal injury claim. If you have a valid case, your solicitor will work under this arrangement, and they will not ask you for any upfront fees.

If your claim is successful and you receive compensation, you will pay your solicitor a success fee. This fee is capped at 25% of your general damages and past financial losses. If you lose, you do not have to pay them anything.

Furthermore, your solicitor can also take out After the Event (ATE) insurance on your behalf. This type of insurance covers all the costs and expenses incurred during litigation, so you are not left out of pocket if you lose the claim. These include expert witness reports, court fees, travel costs and the defendant’s solicitors.

To find out if you can claim compensation for vaginal mesh problems, call 0800 470 0474 for a free consultation or enter your details here to request a call back.

Last edited on 11th Feb 2025

With over 15 years’ experience in the legal sector, Nicholas Tate (LLB Hons, LLM in Health Law) has extensive experience across all areas of personal injury and medical negligence claims.