Bard Hernia Mesh Lawsuit Update 2026, $1 Billion Settlement Approved, 23,728 Cases Pending—Claim Deadlines, Eligibility & Payouts
Becton, Dickinson and Company agreed to pay over $1 billion to settle approximately 38,000 Bard hernia mesh lawsuits in October 2024. As of February 2026, 23,728 cases remain pending in MDL-2846, with settlement payments continuing to process while new claims still arrive at the Southern District of Ohio court.
What Is the Bard Hernia Mesh Lawsuit About?
The Bard hernia mesh litigation involves thousands of product liability lawsuits against C.R. Bard, Inc., Davol, Inc., and parent company Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD). Plaintiffs allege that polypropylene mesh devices manufactured by Bard caused serious complications including mesh migration, infection, organ perforation, adhesions, chronic pain, and hernia recurrence requiring additional revision surgery.
The lawsuits were consolidated into multidistrict litigation MDL-2846 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio under Judge Edmund A. Sargus. The centralized proceeding was established to efficiently handle thousands of similar claims alleging Bard’s hernia mesh products were defectively designed and that the company failed to adequately warn patients and surgeons about known risks.
According to court documents, Bard mesh products at issue include the 3DMax, Ventralex, PerFix Plug, Composix, Kugel Patch, and other polypropylene-based mesh devices implanted during hernia repair surgeries between the 1990s and 2020s.
What Are the Legal Claims Against Bard?
Plaintiffs assert multiple product liability claims under state law. Design defect claims allege Bard’s polypropylene mesh breaks down inside the body, causing tissue damage, adhesions where internal organs stick together, and mesh migration requiring removal surgery.
Manufacturing defect claims argue Bard failed to properly test and quality-control its mesh products before selling them to hospitals and surgeons. Failure to warn claims allege Bard knew about serious complication risks but continued marketing mesh as safe without adequately informing medical professionals or patients.
Additional claims include negligence, breach of warranty, and fraud. Some cases seek punitive damages, asking courts to punish Bard for allegedly prioritizing profits over patient safety despite internal knowledge of mesh failure rates.
What Is the Settlement Status as of February 2026?
In October 2024, BD announced a global settlement agreement covering approximately 38,000 Bard hernia mesh claims. While the exact settlement amount remains confidential, legal experts estimate total payouts could exceed $1 billion based on case volume and prior mesh settlements.
The settlement received court approval and established a Qualified Settlement Fund (QSF) managed by Orion Settlement Solutions. Individual settlement amounts vary based on injury severity, number of revision surgeries, and specific complications experienced. The settlement offers three payout tiers: quick-pay option 1 for minimal complications, quick-pay option 2 for moderate injuries, and traditional pay for severe cases requiring extensive documentation review.
As of February 2026, settlement checks are being distributed on a rolling basis. Current Bard accountholders are receiving direct account credits or mailed checks depending on their payment election. The claims review process continues for thousands of pending cases.
Who Is Eligible to File a Bard Hernia Mesh Claim?
Eligibility requires proof of Bard mesh implantation and documented complications. Qualifying injuries include mesh migration requiring removal surgery, organ perforation or adhesions, chronic pain lasting months or years after mesh implantation, infection at the surgical site, hernia recurrence after mesh repair, bowel obstruction caused by mesh, and nerve damage from mesh placement.
To file a claim, plaintiffs must provide medical records documenting the original hernia repair surgery, proof the mesh device was manufactured by Bard (surgical operative notes, device labels, medical bills), records of complications and revision surgeries, and ongoing treatment documentation for mesh-related injuries.
Patients who received mesh from other manufacturers like Covidien, Atrium, or Ethicon are not eligible for the Bard settlement but may have separate claims in other MDLs. Check surgical records to identify your specific mesh brand and manufacturer.
What Are the Critical Deadlines?
The original deadline to submit medical records and documentation for the Bard settlement was March 17, 2025. However, due to technical issues with the online document upload portal, this deadline has been extended. Check with your attorney or the settlement administrator for current submission deadlines.
New lawsuits continue to be filed and transferred into MDL-2846. Throughout November and December 2025, courts across the country transferred additional cases into the Ohio litigation. Patients who recently discovered mesh complications may still have time to file claims depending on their state’s statute of limitations for product liability cases.
Statutes of limitations vary by state but typically range from two to four years from the date you discovered or should have discovered the mesh-related injury. Consult a products liability attorney immediately if you experienced complications, as missing the deadline permanently bars your claim.
How Much Could Settlement Payments Be?
Individual settlement amounts depend on multiple factors including injury severity, number of revision surgeries required, permanent damage or disability caused by mesh, lost wages and medical expenses, and whether you accept a quick-pay option versus traditional review.
Based on prior hernia mesh settlements and jury verdicts, reported compensation ranges widely. Quick-pay option 1 for minimal documented complications may pay several thousand dollars. Quick-pay option 2 for moderate injuries requiring one revision surgery could range from $20,000 to $75,000. Traditional pay for severe cases with multiple surgeries, permanent injuries, or significant medical expenses may exceed $100,000 to $200,000 or more.
For comparison, previous Bard hernia mesh jury verdicts include a $4.8 million award to a Hawaii man who needed revision surgery after Ventralex mesh implantation, and $500,000 to a Maine man implanted with PerFix Plug mesh. Settlement amounts are typically lower than verdict amounts but provide guaranteed compensation without trial risk.
Where to File a Claim or Get More Information
Contact the settlement administrator Orion Settlement Solutions for claim filing instructions and required documentation. Your attorney can help navigate the submission process and ensure all necessary medical records are included.
The official MDL-2846 case docket is available through PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) at pacer.uscourts.gov. Monitor the Southern District of Ohio website at ohsd.uscourts.gov for case updates and court orders.
Legal news outlets including AboutLawsuits.com, Law360, and Lawsuit Information Center provide ongoing coverage of Bard hernia mesh settlement developments and deadline updates. Similar medical device lawsuits demonstrate how product liability litigation proceeds through settlement negotiations.
Should You Consult an Attorney?
Hernia mesh lawsuits involve complex medical and legal issues requiring experienced product liability counsel. Attorneys handle all aspects of claim filing including gathering medical records from multiple providers, proving causation between mesh and complications, negotiating with settlement administrators, and representing your interests in court if settlement negotiations fail.
Most hernia mesh attorneys work on contingency fee arrangements—you pay no upfront costs and attorneys receive a percentage (typically 25-33%) of your settlement or verdict only if you recover compensation. Free case evaluations allow you to discuss your specific situation without financial obligation.
The National Trial Lawyers Association and American Association for Justice maintain referral services connecting injured patients with qualified product liability attorneys. State bar associations also offer lawyer referral programs to find local counsel experienced in medical device litigation.
FAQs
What is the Bard hernia mesh lawsuit about?
The lawsuit alleges Bard’s polypropylene mesh products were defectively designed and caused serious complications including migration, infection, organ perforation, and adhesions. Approximately 38,000 cases settled in October 2024, with 23,728 still pending as of February 2026.
Who is eligible to file a Bard hernia mesh claim?
Patients implanted with Bard mesh products (3DMax, Ventralex, PerFix Plug, Composix, Kugel Patch) who experienced complications like mesh migration, infection, chronic pain, hernia recurrence, or required revision surgery qualify. Medical records proving mesh implantation and complications are required.
What is the deadline to file a Bard hernia mesh claim?
The original March 17, 2025 documentation deadline was extended due to technical issues. New lawsuits continue to be filed based on state statutes of limitations (typically 2-4 years from injury discovery). Consult an attorney immediately to preserve your rights.
What documentation do I need to file a claim?
Required documents include surgical operative notes from hernia repair, proof of Bard mesh device (surgical records, device labels), medical records showing complications, revision surgery records if applicable, and ongoing treatment documentation. Attorneys help gather all necessary records.
What is the current Bard hernia mesh settlement status?
BD’s October 2024 settlement covering 38,000 cases is approved with a Qualified Settlement Fund established. Orion Settlement Solutions is processing claims and distributing payments on a rolling basis. Total payouts may exceed $1 billion.
How much could I receive from the settlement?
Payment amounts vary widely based on injury severity. Quick-pay option 1 may pay several thousand dollars, quick-pay option 2 could range $20,000-$75,000, and traditional pay for severe cases may exceed $100,000-$200,000. Prior jury verdicts ranged from $500,000 to $4.8 million.
Where can I find more information or file a claim?
Contact Orion Settlement Solutions (settlement administrator) or consult a product liability attorney for claim filing. Monitor the MDL-2846 docket through PACER and check AboutLawsuits.com, Law360 for updates. Free case evaluations available from hernia mesh attorneys.
Last Updated: February 13, 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the Bard hernia mesh lawsuit and settlement and does not constitute legal advice.
Need Legal Help? Contact a product liability attorney for a free case evaluation to determine your eligibility and potential compensation.
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About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
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