Judge Approves Class Action Against Covidien Over Hernia Mesh
A Scottish judge has permitted 84 patients to pursue group legal proceedings against Covidien LP for compensation related to hernia mesh implants. The ruling allows the case to proceed but does not decide negligence or damages.
France 24A judge at the Court of Session in Edinburgh has granted permission for 84 patients to bring group proceedings against Covidien LP over surgical mesh used in hernia repairs. Lady Haldane issued the ruling after an earlier hearing. The patients all received mesh products manufactured by the company.
Covidien had opposed the group action.
Astrid Smart KC argued that differences in mesh types, hernia conditions, and individual medical circumstances made a single proceeding unsuitable. Lady Haldane stated that the legal test at this stage required assessing whether the cases raised issues that were the same, similar, or related.
She noted that while the mesh products and hernia types varied, all were manufactured by Covidien. The proceedings will examine whether the company was negligent. The judgment does not determine negligence, product defects, or entitlement to damages.
Those questions will be addressed at a later stage.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
2 events- Recent hearing
Lady Haldane heard arguments at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.
1 sourceThe Bbc - Recent ruling
Lady Haldane granted permission for group proceedings against Covidien LP.
1 sourceThe Bbc
Potential Impact
- 01
The case will proceed to examine whether Covidien was negligent.
- 02
Individual claims for damages remain to be decided later.
Transparency Panel
Related Stories
France 24Zambia’s Kabwe Residents Sue Mining Company Over Lead Contamination
Children in Kabwe, Zambia, show blood lead levels above World Health Organization limits after decades of mining. An estimated 140,000 women and children have joined a class-action lawsuit against Anglo American South Africa Limited.
citizen.co.zaEbola Outbreak in Eastern DRC Kills at Least 240 Since Early May
The virus has spread from Ituri province into other eastern DRC regions and Uganda. Health workers report reduced international aid and limited local resources as they attempt to contain transmission.
manilatimes.netOutbreaks of hantavirus and Ebola prompt U.S. quarantine and travel measures
The U.S. government ordered quarantines after a hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship and imposed new traveler restrictions during an Ebola outbreak in Africa. Federal agencies stated that response operations continue despite recent staffing reductions at health agencies.