Johnson & Johnson ordered to pay $2.6m over vaginal mesh implants

The organisation has been ordered by the federal court to pay $2.6m to three women who received faulty pelvic mesh implants.

The three lead applicants were named as Ann Sanders, Kathryn Gill and Diane Dawson. These women were part of a class action of more than 1,350 women who sued Johnson & Johnson and two subsidiaries including Ethicon.

The plastic implants were marketed as safe ways to reinforce the pelvic floor and address stress urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse. However, many women were left with chronic pain, acute pain during sex, damage to surrounding organs and other symptoms.

In November last year, Johnson & Johnson lost the court case over the surgical mesh. The company were described as negligent, and it was reported that compensation by Judge Katzmann would be awarded in early 2020.

Shine Lawyers brought forward the class action, and Jan Saddler from the organisation commented on the verdict: “We’re pleased with the result and encouraged by the compensation for the three lead applicants ordered today.

“Today is a significant step forward but there is still a way to go until all Australian women affected by these products receive compensation.”