Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question about making a compensation claim for vaginal mesh implants? You can find the answers for the most common questions below...

Can I Change Solicitors To You?

This may depend on how far you are with the case, and the best thing to do is to contact the team for advice.

Can I Claim?

To find out if you are eligible to claim, please read our guidance here to or contact the team for help.

Costs And Charges?

We operate on a No Win No Fee basis and deduct up to 25% if the claim is successful to cover fees we are unable to recover from the opponent.

Hidden Fees?

There are no hidden fees.

How Much Compensation Will I Recieve?

How much compensation you receive will depend on the severity of the complications you have suffered, and the losses and expenses you may be entitled to claim for.

What Does A Group Action Mean?

A Group Action typically refers to a legal action where a number of victims are suffering as a result of a similar cause of action against the same (or the same group of) Defendant(s).

What Is A Group Litigation Order (GLO)?

A Group Litigation Order is an Order made (normally) in the High Court of Justice to bring a number of claims together into one case where the similar and substantive issues are determined for all the participants. To benefit from a GLO, you must have opted-in to participate.

How Long Will My Claim Take?

This can depend on the severity of the complications you suffer and whether the Defendant accepts liability or accepts to compromise your case. We are, unfortunately, unable to put a specific timeframe on cases, but we keep clients regularly updated with news of developments.

What Is Mesh Implant Surgery?

The mesh is usually inserted through the vagina or the abdomen. The mesh is a hammock cut to suit the shape of the patient that is designed to hold prolapsed organs in to stop them falling into the vaginal canal. Depending on which organs are prolapsed, a surgeon may place the mesh implant on the front, back or top of the vaginal wall.

Mesh implant surgery usually refers to slings and vaginal tapes used to treat conditions like pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

How Long Have Mesh Implants Been In Use?

They were used for hernia repairs in the 1950s, and for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) since the 1970s. Transvaginal mesh is supposed to permanently treat POP and SUI.

What Material Is Used To Manufacture A Mesh Implant?

Mesh implants are commonly made of polypropylene (a type of plastic used in the manufacture of some plastic drinks bottles) and other forms of synthetic plastic or polyester, with some made from multiple materials, including animal tissue.

There are non-absorbable synthetics that are designed to stay inside the body permanently; absorbable synthetic material that loses strength and degrades over time as a temporary treatment that allows tissue to grow at the site of the implant to strengthen weakened ligaments; biological implants made from animal tissue that usually degrade over time; and composite meshes which are a combination of all of the above.

Has The NHS Paused The Use Of Mesh Implants?

As of 10 July 2018, a national ‘pause’ has been placed on the NHS use of ‘surgical mesh/tape to treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and for urogynaecological prolapse where the mesh is inserted through the vaginal wall, and that this pause will take the form of a high vigilance restriction’.

Source: https://i.emlfiles4.com/cmpdoc/9/7/2/8/1/1/files/47633_mesh-letter-to-acute-ceos-and-mds.pdf

What Is No Win No Fee?

We offer No Win No Fee arrangements for Claimants who fit our eligibility criteria.

Can I Claim If I Live In Scotland, Northern Ireland Or The Republic Of Ireland?

Unfortunately, we are unable to help Claimants outside of England and Wales due to legal jurisdictional differences. We are therefore unable to help victims from Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

What Is A Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)?

Pelvic organ prolapse is where organs can fall or sag into the vaginal canal. This can be caused by the weakening of the pelvic muscles, which can stem from childbirth, hysterectomies and menopause. The most commonly prolapsed organ is the bladder, and other organs that can become prolapsed are the bowel, rectum or uterus.

Any Risks To Claiming?

Although we are unable to speak for other firms, we offer a ‘risk-free’ No Win No Fee arrangement for Claimants who fit our criteria.

What Is A Steering Committee?

The Steering Committee in an action is usually the group of law firms appointed by the Court to deal with the proceedings on behalf of the wider group of Claimants within a GLO.

What Is Stress Unitary Incontinence (SUI)?

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is where the bladder leads urine due to pressure increases on the bladder. SUI most often occurs during physical activity.

What Is Vaginal Vault Prolapse?

Vaginal vault prolapse is also a condition where mesh implants are used. This condition is caused by the vagina collapsing in on itself as a result of the removal of the uterus during a hysterectomy procedure.

Will I Go To Court?

The vast majority of cases settle outside of Court, and even where an action goes to Court, only a small number of Claimants involved in an action may need to attend. We are unable to guarantee either way.

Will I Win My Case?

We believe women who have suffered complications arising out of the use of vaginal mesh implants may be eligible to claim for compensation. We are unable to guarantee outcomes of cases, but we do offer No Win No Fee arrangements.