Vaginal mesh negligence claims

If you have suffered serious complications following vaginal mesh treatment, you may be entitled to make a negligence claim. Our specialist team has already helped over 100 patients secure settlements and apologies - and we are here to help you too.

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Author

Christian Beadell

Partner and Head of Clinical Negligence

Last Updated

16th July 2026

Can I make a vaginal mesh negligence claim?

You may be able to make a vaginal mesh negligence claim if you’ve suffered complications following treatment involving a vaginal mesh implant – perhaps because it was inserted incorrectly, used in the wrong circumstances, or simply because you weren’t given adequate information about the risks. These injuries can have a significant impact on your life, and you deserve to be compensated so you can take steps to improve your wellbeing.

Vaginal mesh implants have been widely used across the UK to treat conditions like pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence. In some cases, there have been complications because the mesh was inserted incorrectly or used inappropriately – causing permanent damage. Common complications linked to negligence include urinary retention, bladder infections, pain during intercourse, bleeding and incontinence. The consequences for women living with these symptoms can be devastating.

In 2022, an independent review led to vaginal mesh implants being paused. However, it’s estimated that more than 100,000 women in the UK have already had a mesh fitted – and may be suffering complications that should have been avoided. If you’re one of them, it is worth speaking to us. Even if you’re unsure that negligence was involved, or if some time has passed since your procedure – we’ll talk you through your options.

Example of a vaginal mesh negligence claim

Imagine a woman treated for urinary incontinence using a vaginal mesh implant who later develops recurring bladder infections and urinary incontinence. Investigations show that the mesh was inserted incorrectly, and that she was not fully informed of the risks before surgery. Because the treatment fell below the standard reasonably expected, and caused her lasting harm, this could form the basis of a valid vaginal mesh negligence claim.

Related vaginal mesh negligence claims we support

Expertise you can trust

9/10 clients would recommend us
8,500+ clients settled outcomes in last two years
400+ specialists in our Medical Negligence team

What compensation can help with

Close-up of two pairs of hands gently holding each other

Rebuilding your life after a harmful mesh procedure.

The impact of mesh complications can reach every area of life. Many women we have supported have told us the complications affect their ability to work, connect with their partner and manage their usual tasks day-to-day. This is a significant impact, which is felt at every moment of the day. Compensation is intended to reflect that full picture – not just the immediate medical costs.

A successful vaginal mesh negligence claim may help fund:

Corrective surgery and further medical treatment
Physiotherapy and specialist rehabilitation
Psychological support and counselling
Loss of earnings, including future losses if your ability to work has been affected
Ongoing care and support costs
Pain and suffering, including the impact on your relationships and daily life
Travel and transport costs related to your treatment and recovery

Understanding the potential value

The value of a vaginal mesh negligence claim depends on the severity and long-term nature of the complications, the impact on your ability to work and care for yourself, and your ongoing treatment needs. Cases involving serious, long-term harm – such as chronic pain, repeated corrective procedures or significant loss of function – can result in substantial settlements. Our team has already secured settlements and formal apologies for clients in claims against both NHS Trusts and private surgeons. This is an ongoing group action, so more details on case outcomes will be released as they are available.

Understanding special and general damages

Compensation in vaginal mesh negligence claims is not just about recognising what went wrong. It is about making sure you have the financial support to access the treatment, care and adjustments you need – both now and in the future. Your settlement will cover two types of damages – general damages and special damages. General damages address the non-financial impact of your injury, including pain and suffering and the effect on your day-to-day life. Special damages cover the specific financial losses you can evidence, from medical treatment to lost income and travel expenses. Our team will make sure both are carefully calculated and properly reflected in your claim.

Specialist vaginal mesh negligence solicitors

Why choose Fletchers for your vaginal mesh negligence claim?

Vaginal mesh claims involve complex issues and are rarely straightforward. So it’s important to work with a team who has experience in handling cases like this. We will draw on our years of experience to guide you through the claims process, and get the compensation you deserve. We believe we are always stronger together, fighting as a group. When you join a group action like this one, your case benefits from the progress and investigations of everyone’s case in the group. You can also be assured that we are clinical negligence experts. We’ve been at the forefront of vaginal mesh claims in the UK throughout this investigation, and we combine legal expertise, clinical insight and genuine care to give every person we support the best possible chance of a successful outcome.

Expertise you can rely on

Specialist medical negligence and group action solicitors with decades of combined experience in mesh claims
Over 100 vaginal mesh negligence claims already successfully settled
Experience acting against both NHS trusts and private surgeons, securing compensation and formal apologies
Ranked as leaders in this field – Legal 500 Directory recognises Fletchers as specialists who give a personal service to their clients
Dedicated group actions team with the infrastructure to manage complex multi-party litigation effectively
Also supporting clients affected by the closure of Fortitude Law who need advice on their mesh claim options
Free Case Assessment so you can understand your options without any obligation
No win, no fee, so you can pursue your claim without financial risk

You're not alone

We understand what you’re going through.

We know that living with complications from a vaginal mesh implant can affect you deeply. You’re likely to experience chronic pain, bladder problems and pain during intercourse. These issues can feel deep-rooted and personal. Many women tell us they spent years managing the symptoms before they felt ready to seek legal advice, or before they understood that negligence might have played a role.

We also know that the financial pressure can be significant. Time away from work, the cost of private treatment, and the practical challenges of managing serious symptoms all add up. But you’re not the only person to have been in this position. We are actively supporting other women who have found themselves managing the same challenges – and we can support you through this too.

When you join the group action, you’ll benefit from the wider efficiencies and investigations we carry out as part of a wider group. We’ll gather the evidence, work out who is responsible and handle every part of the process. We promised to keep you informed at every stage, and fight for an outcome that reflects what happened to you.

FAQs about vaginal mesh negligence claims

How long does a vaginal mesh negligence claim take?

The length of time a claim takes depends on its complexity, the number of defendants involved and whether your case is brought as part of a group action. Group actions can involve additional procedural steps – such as applying for a Group Litigation Order – which can extend the timeline. Once the process starts, you may also benefit from efficiencies by acting as part of a wider group. We’ll give you a realistic picture of what to expect from the outset, and keep you updated throughout.

What is the process for making a vaginal mesh negligence claim?

When you contact us, we’ll start with a free Case Assessment to understand what happened, listen to what you want to achieve and assess whether you have a valid claim. If we identify that you have a legitimate case, we’ll begin an investigation – gathering medical records, identifying who is responsible and assessing the extent of your injuries.

In a group action, some of this work is shared across all claimants, which can create efficiencies. We’ll apply to the Court to formally notify them of the claim, and if appropriate we’ll apply for a Group Litigation Order. We’ll then negotiate with the defendants to seek a settlement that reflects the full impact of your injuries. Once a settlement is agreed, we’ll arrange for your compensation to be paid.

What evidence is needed for a vaginal mesh negligence claim?

Key evidence typically includes your medical records, details of the treatment you received and the symptoms or complications you have experienced. We’ll gather much of this on your behalf. It is also helpful to keep a record of how your symptoms affect your daily life, your work and your relationships – this helps demonstrate the full impact of what you have been through.

Can I claim if I am not sure whether negligence was involved?

Yes – uncertainty is very common, and you do not need to have reached a firm conclusion before speaking to us. Part of our job is to investigate what happened and advise you honestly on whether a negligence claim is likely to succeed. We’ll never encourage you to proceed with a claim we do not believe in.

Can I still claim if it happened some time ago?

In most cases, you have three years from the date you became aware – or should reasonably have become aware – that negligence may have caused your injury. This is known as the limitation period. There are exceptions, and the rules can be complex, so it is always worth speaking to us even if time has passed since your procedure or since your symptoms began.

What is a Group Litigation Order?

A Group Litigation Order (GLO) is a court order that allows a large number of similar claims to be managed together. It can make the process more efficient and means that legal arguments which apply to all claimants only need to be resolved once. Our dedicated group actions team has experience managing group litigation of this kind and will guide you through what this means for your case.

What support will I receive during my claim?

From your first contact with us, our focus is on making the process feel as clear and manageable as possible. We’ll keep you informed at every stage, explain things in plain language and make sure you always know what is happening and what comes next. Where appropriate, we’ll also look to secure interim payments to help cover urgent costs during the claim, so you do not have to wait until the end of the process to access the support you need.

What is a mesh implant?

A surgical mesh implant is the use of a net-like material, that is implanted into the body, with the intention of supporting weak and damaged tissue.