Medical Device MDL-2846 Open - Limited • Southern District of Ohio

Hernia Mesh Lawsuit (Davol/C.R. Bard)

One of the largest medical device MDLs in the federal court system. Plaintiffs allege that polypropylene hernia mesh products caused serious complications including chronic pain, mesh migration, organ perforation, and infections requiring additional surgeries.

Last Updated: May 1, 2026
15 min read
JPML Data Verified
4 sources cited

Key Takeaways

  • Over 23,600 cases pending — the #2 largest medical device MDL
  • Over 1 million hernia mesh repairs performed annually in the U.S.
  • Reported complication rate of 10-15% for polypropylene mesh
  • Allegations include chronic pain, mesh migration, and organ perforation
  • Defendants include Davol, C.R. Bard, and BD (Becton Dickinson)
23,703
Pending Actions
1M+
Annual U.S. Repairs
10-15%
Complication Rate
#2
Largest Medical Device MDL

Key Facts (May 2026)

Pending Actions 23,703+ cases in federal MDL
Total Actions Filed 25,149+ cases
Defendants Davol Inc., C.R. Bard Inc., BD (Becton Dickinson)
Presiding Judge Hon. Edmund A. Sargus Jr. (S.D. Ohio)
MDL Created August 2018
Settlement Status Thousands of cases reportedly settled
Parent Company BD (Becton Dickinson) acquired Bard in 2017
Can You Still File? Yes, new cases still being accepted

Case Resolution Progress

One of the largest medical device MDLs showing steady resolution. 398 cases have been resolved in 2025 through settlements and court dispositions.

Jan 25
24,101
Feb 25
24,102
Mar 25
24,083
Apr 25
24,080
May 25
24,078
Jun 25
24,074
Jul 25
24,050
Aug 25
24,029
Sep 25
24,026
Oct 25
24,004
Nov 25
23,932
Dec 25
23,818
Jan 26
23,749
Feb 26
23,728
Mar 26
23,695
Apr 26
23,693
May 26
23,703

Source: JPML MDL Statistics Reports, January 2025-May 2026

1 What Is This Lawsuit About?

Hernia mesh is a surgical implant used to reinforce weakened tissue during hernia repair surgery. Approximately one million hernia repairs are performed in the United States each year, with the vast majority using mesh. This MDL consolidates cases against Davol Inc. and C.R. Bard Inc. (now owned by BD/Becton Dickinson).

Plaintiffs allege that polypropylene mesh products are defectively designed and can cause serious complications. The material can shrink, degrade, and trigger chronic inflammation. Many patients require painful revision surgeries to remove mesh that has adhered to organs or caused infections.

The Problem with Polypropylene: Unlike materials that dissolve safely over time, polypropylene is permanent and can degrade in the body, causing chronic inflammation and foreign body reactions that lead to ongoing complications.

2 Complications Linked to Hernia Mesh

Plaintiffs in this MDL allege they suffered serious complications from Bard/Davol hernia mesh products:

Mesh Failure

  • Mesh shrinkage and contraction
  • Migration from original implant site
  • Hernia recurrence requiring additional surgery

Organ & Tissue Damage

  • Bowel or bladder perforation
  • Adhesion to organs and surrounding tissue
  • Fistula formation

Chronic Pain

  • Persistent groin or abdominal pain
  • Nerve damage and entrapment
  • Limited mobility and reduced quality of life

Infection

  • Chronic infection at mesh site
  • Abscess formation
  • Sepsis in severe cases

3 Products Involved

This MDL covers various Bard/Davol hernia mesh products, including but not limited to:

  • Bard 3DMax Mesh
  • Bard Ventralex
  • Bard Ventralight ST
  • Bard PerFix Plug
  • Bard Composix
  • Bard Sepramesh
  • Bard Kugel Mesh
  • Other polypropylene mesh products

Note: This MDL specifically covers Bard/Davol products. Other hernia mesh manufacturers (Ethicon, Atrium, Covidien) have separate MDLs or litigation.

4 Do You Qualify for Compensation?

You may be eligible to file a claim if you meet these criteria:

Eligibility Requirements

  • Had hernia repair surgery using a Bard or Davol mesh product
  • Experienced complications such as chronic pain, infection, mesh migration, or organ damage
  • Required revision surgery to remove, repair, or replace the mesh
  • Have medical records documenting your mesh implant and subsequent complications
New Cases Still Being Filed: The MDL is still active with over 23,703 pending cases. Statutes of limitations vary by state but often run from when you discovered or should have discovered the injury.

5 Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have Bard mesh?
Your surgical records and operative report will identify the specific mesh product used. Request these records from the hospital or surgical center where your procedure was performed. The records should include the manufacturer name and product model.
What settlements have been reached?
BD/Bard has reportedly settled thousands of hernia mesh cases. Individual settlement amounts vary significantly based on the severity of injuries, number of revision surgeries required, and other factors. Specific settlement terms are typically confidential, but cases requiring multiple surgeries with documented complications tend to receive higher compensation.
Is it too late to file a claim?
The MDL is still active with over 23,703 pending cases. Statutes of limitations vary by state and typically run from when you discovered (or should have discovered) your injury was caused by the mesh. If you recently experienced complications or learned they're mesh-related, you may still be within the filing deadline. Consult with an attorney promptly.
Do I need revision surgery to file?
While revision surgery often strengthens a claim, it's not always required. If you're experiencing chronic pain, infection, or other documented complications from your hernia mesh, you may still have a viable claim. The key factors are documentation of the Bard/Davol mesh implant and medical evidence of ongoing complications.
How long do hernia mesh cases take?
Case timelines vary widely. Some cases have settled relatively quickly once filed, while others may take years, particularly if they go to trial. The MDL process helps streamline pre-trial procedures for many cases at once. Your attorney can provide a better estimate based on your specific circumstances.

Sources & References

4 official sources cited

• Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) — Official MDL statistics

• U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio — MDL-2846 docket

• FDA Medical Device Database — Hernia mesh adverse event reports

• American Hernia Society guidelines and research

Attorney Advertising. The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by accessing or using this content.

Every case is unique, and results depend on the specific facts and circumstances involved. Past settlement amounts and case outcomes do not guarantee similar results in your case. If you believe you have a legal claim, you should consult with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction who can evaluate your specific situation.

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