More than 20 million hernias are estimated to be repaired every year around the world. Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most common operations in general surgery in the United States. Complications, however, do occur and hernia perioperative complications have resulted in patient death.

A significant amount of litigation has occurred from injury involving hernia diagnosis and treatment, some cases resulting in large damage awards. Hernia mesh injury lawsuits have been wending their way through the courts.

Strain, stress, lifting, and carrying are significant factors in the development of a hernia. Hernia impacts employees and many others, requiring employers and risk managers to implement programs to prevent hernia occurrence.

Attorneys, physicians, insurers, employers, risk managers, hernia mesh manufacturers, and other potential parties to litigation need to understand the types of litigation issues that may arise in connection with the diagnosis or treatment of hernia, such as in hernia repair surgery.

Arbitration or mediation may be required by contract or statute, may be mandated by the court or, in some circumstances, may be the appropriate method for a negotiated resolution.

The following are reasons why the attorney, physician, insurer, employer, or risk manager would want to reach settlement, and not take the action to trial.

The following are reasons why the attorney, physician, insurer, employer, or risk manager would want to take the action to trial.

How much have juries awarded and what settlements have been reached recently in cases involving hernias?

This section provides detailed medical information on the different types of hernia, diagnosis and testing, treatment, untreated hernia complications, and surgical complications. Also discussed is the patient’s prognosis and ability to work.

Provided is a listing of law and medical resources for further information on hernias.