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

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

The largest medical device MDL 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: October 1, 2026
15 min read
JPML Data Verified
6 sources cited

Key Takeaways

  • Over 23,300 cases pending — the largest medical device MDL and the #2 MDL overall, behind J&J talc
  • A global settlement framework was announced by BD (Bard's parent) in 2024 — reported to cover ~38,000 claims — so the litigation is now largely in settlement administration. BD said it was defending about 7,090 hernia claims as of June 30, 2026, with no trials scheduled
  • 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)
23,324
Pending Actions
1M+
Annual U.S. Repairs
10-15%
Complication Rate
#1
Largest Medical Device MDL

Key Facts (October 2026)

Pending Actions 23,324+ cases in federal MDL
Total Actions Filed 25,217+ 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 Global settlement framework (BD, 2024); reported ~38,000 claims; Qualified Settlement Fund created by CMO 56; Intensive Settlement Process sessions begin on or about Jan. 4, 2027
Claims BD Is Defending About 7,090 as of June 30, 2026 (BD 10-Q); no trials currently scheduled
Parent Company BD (Becton Dickinson) acquired Bard in 2017
Can You Still File? Yes, new cases still being accepted

Case Resolution Progress

The largest medical device MDL, now largely in settlement administration. BD (Bard's parent) announced a global settlement framework in 2024, reported to cover roughly 38,000 claims; the very high pending count reflects claims parked on the docket during claim review and payment through a Qualified Settlement Fund — not active pretrial litigation. About 777 cases have been resolved since January 2025.

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
Jun 26
23,573
Jul 26
23,382
Aug 26
23,321
Sep 26
23,316
Oct 26
23,324

Source: JPML MDL Statistics Reports, January 2025-October 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 23,324 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's parent) announced a global settlement framework in 2024, reported to cover roughly 38,000 claims. BD's October 2, 2024 announcement kept the terms confidential and said only that the amount is within its reserve; no payout grid has been published. Two court orders set up the process. Case Management Order 55 (November 21, 2024) appointed Special Masters Ellen K. Reisman and John Jackson and created an Intensive Settlement Process (ISP) for unresolved claims, with sessions beginning on or about January 4, 2027 and a June 1, 2029 opt-out checkpoint. CMO 56 (December 16, 2024) created the Qualified Settlement Fund. In its quarterly report filed August 6, 2026, BD said it was defending about 7,090 hernia claims as of June 30, 2026, and that there are no trials currently scheduled.
Is it too late to file a claim?
The MDL is still active with over 23,324 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

6 official sources cited

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

• U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio — MDL-2846 docket, including Case Management Orders 55 (Nov. 21, 2024) and 56 (Dec. 16, 2024)

• Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) — Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 (filed August 6, 2026)

• BD press release on hernia settlement agreements (October 2, 2024)

• FDA Medical Device Database — Hernia mesh adverse event reports

• American Hernia Society guidelines and research

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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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