NJ Court Hands Down $33 Million Verdict Against Bard

A state court jury in New Jersey has handed down a $33 million verdict against C.R. Bard in a product liability lawsuit involving its allegedly defective pelvic mesh implants. Numerous pelvic-mesh related lawsuits are consolidated in the state, according to Courtroom View Network (CVN). The Bergen County jury awarded $23 million in compensatory damages to plaintiff Mary McGinnis and $10 million to her husband Thomas McGinnis. A second phase of the trial to determine punitive damages is ongoing.

Jurors reportedly determined Bard’s Avaulta and Align transvaginal mesh implants, which McGinnis received to treat her bladder prolapse and stress incontinence, have a defective design and left her with chronic pain. Bard maintained that its products were extensively tested, and that McGinnis’ ailments resulted from other medical issues, according to CVN.