BD Reaches Settlement in Hernia Mesh Cases
BD (Becton, Dickinson, and Company), a global leader in medical technology, has announced a significant settlement resolving the majority of its hernia mesh litigation. The confidential settlement agreement addresses cases from both Rhode Island consolidated litigation and the federal multidistrict litigation in Ohio.
5 Key Points
- Settlement Covers Majority of Hernia Mesh Lawsuits: The settlement resolves most hernia mesh lawsuits against BD.
- No Admission of Liability: BD has not admitted any liability or wrongdoing in relation to the settled cases.
- Confidential Settlement Amount: Although the settlement terms are confidential, the settlement falls within BD’s existing product litigation reserve.
- Multi-Year Payment Plan: The settlement will be paid out over several years, aligning with BD’s financial goals and capital allocation strategy.
- Future Defense of Unsettled Cases: BD will continue to defend itself in any remaining hernia mesh lawsuits not covered by this settlement.
Settlement Details
BD has reached a confidential agreement to resolve most of its hernia mesh litigation. The settlement encompasses both state and federal cases, including those consolidated in Rhode Island and Ohio. While the financial details of the settlement are not publicly disclosed, BD has confirmed that the total amount is included in the company’s existing litigation reserve.
The settlement is structured to be paid over multiple years and aligns with BD’s cash flow and capital strategy. This ensures that the company’s financial goals remain intact while eliminating uncertainty regarding these settled cases.
No Admission of Liability
Despite the settlement, BD has made it clear that there is no admission of liability or wrongdoing in connection with these lawsuits. The company maintains its confidence in the design and safety of its hernia mesh products, which it states provide significant clinical benefits despite inherent risks.
Ongoing Litigation
Though the majority of cases have been resolved, BD will continue to vigorously defend itself in the remaining hernia mesh lawsuits that were not included in this settlement. The company sees the settlement as a strategic move to reduce litigation uncertainty while protecting its financial stability.
Commitment to Patient Safety
BD continues to prioritize patient safety and product quality. The company emphasizes that all implantable medical devices have inherent risks but also deliver important clinical benefits. BD ensures that physicians have the information they need to make informed decisions about the risks and benefits of hernia mesh devices for their patients.
