Motion to authorize the bringing of a class action and to obtain the status of representatives

QUÉBEC CITY, April 4, 2014 /CNW/ - The law firm Siskinds, Desmeules, Avocats, s.e.n.c.r.l. has launched a class action against Tyco Healthcare Group Canada ULC, doing business under Covidien (hereinafter "Covidien") regarding its transvaginal mesh products.

Transvaginal mesh products (also referred to as pelvic mesh products, vaginal mesh, a "hammock", or a "sling") are used to treat stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in women.  These products are alleged to have high failure, injury, and complication rates, which could result in frequent and often debilitating re-operations and potentially cause severe and irreversible injuries, conditions and damages.

The Motion alleges that Covidien failed to adequately warn patients and physicians of the magnitude of the risk of serious side effects when using one of their transvaginal mesh products compared to alternative treatments.  Possible side effects include mesh erosion through the vaginal wall, infection, pain, bladder perforation, vaginal scarring, pain during sexual intercourse, and other problems which may lead to a significant decrease in quality of life due to discomfort and pain.  Caroline Perrault, a lawyer with Siskinds Desmeules, states, concerning the proceeding: "We believe Covidien will be required to explain to Canadians what it knew about the risks associated with its transvaginal mesh products and when it first became aware of those risks.  In this case, we are concerned with whether Canadians were adequately warned of the risks associated with using the products in question."

It is too early at this stage to quantify the number of potential class members, but it is anticipated that the amount is significant.  Canadians who have experienced adverse events from a transvaginal mesh product are encouraged to visit the web site www.classaction.ca, to write at email address: [email protected], or to call at: [phone] for further information.

SOURCE: Siskinds Desmeules s.e.n.c.r.l.

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