On October 16, 2020, Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum announced that Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiary company Ethicon, Inc will pay $5.5 million as part of a settlement agreement for deceptive marketing of transvaginal mesh devices.
According to the Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ), Johnson & Johnson and Ethicon failed to disclose the dangerous complications that may arise from using the transvaginal mesh devices. By misrepresenting the safety of the devices, the two companies violated Oregon consumer protection laws. Currently, the Oregon DOJ estimates that at least 3,700 women in the state had the devices implanted without fully understanding the risks and benefits of the treatment.
Details of the Settlement Agreement
Of the $5.5 million detailed in the settlement agreement, the state of Oregon will receive $2 million. The remaining $3.5 million will be given to non-profit medical clinics that provide health services to women in the state. This includes community health centers, medical clinics, and local Planned Parenthood branches.
The settlement agreement bars Johnson & Johnson from making future deceptive statements regarding its transvaginal mesh devices. The company must also disclose any newly discovered risks associated with the product. Additionally, Johnson & Johnson has agreed to disclose their association with any research cited in promotional materials if it sponsored the study.
Other Recent Johnson & Johnson Settlements
The Oregon lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson is one of many the company has faced in recent years. In 2019, Johnson & Johnson and Ethicon paid over $115 million to settle claims with 41 states and the District of Columbia over consumer protection law violations regarding its transvaginal mesh devices. Similarly, Johnson& Johnson has faced other transvaginal mesh claims in California, Kentucky, and West Virginia. The company also agreed to pay over $100 million in settlements over claims that asbestos-contaminated talcum powder contributed to cancer development.
Contact an Experienced Product Liability Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one experienced an injury or complications after due to a faulty product or medical device, you may be able to receive compensation. The knowledgeable product liability attorneys at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy are experienced in holding negligent and reckless companies accountable. To speak to a member of our seasoned legal team, contact us today.