The case, which began in 2012, has been described by the prosecution as the biggest class action concerning women's health in
The
Women have said that the pelvic implants - mesh or tape surgically placed to resolve pelvic floor damage such as that commonly caused during childbirth - have caused debilitating problems such as urinary incontinence, chronic pain, including during sex, infections and a significant psychological toll.
The court heard that three women who brought the class action -
The court judgment said one or more surgical procedures may be required to remove mesh that had eroded, and that "removal carried the risk of new complications or of aggravating existing complications."
"I found that the respondents were liable to compensate any applicant and/or group member who suffered an injury because of the defect for the amount of the loss and damage she sustained as a result of that injury," Judge
She granted the parties time to read the judgment and reach an agreement, and "each of the applicants will need to make an election as to whether she wishes to receive damages under the Trade Practices Act or at common law" before her final decision in February next year.
The compensation is expected to reach millions of dollars given that some 8,000 women are estimated to have been affected, according to Shine Lawyers, a legal firm representing the women in the case.
"It has been a long journey to get here through this legal process. We have fought hard to have these women's voices heard, as they've struggled with the chronic pain and complications from their mesh and tape implants," Shine Lawyers' Special Counsel for Class Actions
Thousands of women in
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