Hundreds of women who suffered medical complications as a result of surgical mesh implants are bringing a large-scale group action, co-ordinated by Wedlake Bell. Similar actions against manufacturer Johnson & Johnson have taken place in Scotland, the US and Australia. The implants, made of polypropylene, are used to treat pelvic organ prolapse, and are extremely difficult to remove. Complications complained of include chronic and life-altering pain, often preventing everyday activities such as walking and running. NHS Scotland suspended their use in 2014. Wedlake Bell is examining allegations that Johnson & Johnson failed properly to test the devices and played down the risk and high failure rate.
27 July 2017
Mesh litigation
MOVERS & SHAKERS
Slater Heelis—Probate & Court of Protection team
Slater Heelis brings Probate and Court of Protection expertise together with new dedicated team
Clarke Willmott—Antonia Power
Antonia Power joins Clarke Willmott in Taunton
Haynes Boone—Chris Acton
Chris Acton joins Haynes Boone as chair of UK derivatives platform
NEWS
Civil practitioners face changes spanning debt recovery, workplace harassment and possession claims, alongside guidance on insolvency challenges and children proceedings
Finding matrimonial wealth is as challenging as dividing it, as family disputes draw practitioners into asset tracing, offshore structures and insolvency
Agreement between opponents offers no guarantee that a court will approve a retrospective increase to a costs budget
Climate change belongs on every lawyer’s agenda, with risks extending far beyond environmental practice into commercial advice, litigation and access to justice
Workplace bullying and harassment can no longer be left solely to HR, as financial regulation scrutinises culture, character and fitness
Copyright © 2026 LexisNexis
