Becton Dickinson Settles Majority of Hernia Lawsuits

Becton Dickinson & Co. has reached a settlement to resolve approximately 38,000 lawsuits related to its hernia repair mesh, marking a significant development in a protracted litigation process that has spanned nearly two decades. The settlement, which the company announced without disclosing specific financial terms, aligns with its existing litigation reserves of $1.7 billion. Although Becton continues to assert the safety of its products and does not admit to any wrongdoing, it aims to eliminate uncertainty surrounding ongoing litigation. Payments from the settlement will be distributed over several years, with the first expected before the end of 2024. The settlement involves a coordinated effort between state and federal courts, allowing a streamlined claims process for plaintiffs. Becton Dickinson retains the right to defend itself against any claims from individuals opting out of the agreement.