Jury Awards Pa. Couple $80 Million in Ethicon Prolift Pelvic Mesh Case

PHILADELPHIA — A Pennsylvania jury has awarded a couple $80 million on their claims that the 2008 implantation of an Ethicon transvaginal mesh device caused them to suffer complications and severe permanent injuries.

The verdict, which includes $50 million in punitive damages, was handed down against Ethicon Inc. and its parent company, Johnson & Johnson, on May 17. Judge Daniel Anders of the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas presided over the trial, which began on May 9.

Pennsylvania resident Patricia Mesigian was implanted with Ethicon’s Gynecare Prolift polypropylene pelvic mesh device on Sept. 25, 2008, to treat incontinence and …