HOUSTON — Matthews & Associates and Freese & Goss are scheduled to jointly try the first American Medical Systems transvaginal mesh case in the United States, in a Houston courtroom in February 2013.

A two-week trial is scheduled for Harris County District Court, where a judge granted preferential docket status to the case involving a 68-year-old Houston woman who developed problems after being implanted with transvaginal mesh. Such status puts the case at the head of the cue, meaning that this case is likely to go forward and be tried as scheduled, beginning Feb. 25.

The mesh caused  the then 64-year-old woman severe pain and had to be surgically removed less than two years later. She continues to experience  pain and emotional problems stemming from her injuries.

Between 30-50 percent of women will experience POP (Pelvic Organ Prolapse) in their lifetimes. More than 300,000 POP  surgeries are performed each year, about one-third of them with mesh. Despite that large number,  the FDA has announced it could find no benefit for women placing the mesh as compared to not placing it.

Bellwether Trial Crucial to many cases

“The bellwether trial in Houston is important to both plaintiffs and the defense for the same reason Ms. Scott’s trial was important in Bakersfield,” said attorney David Matthews.  “Besides giving our own client a chance to have her day in court, this trial will also help place a value on other cases involving women who have suffered transvaginal mesh injuries.”

by Matthews & Associates