For individuals harmed by the Paragard IUD, their day in court is getting closer despite delays. Paragard, a small plastic device wrapped in copper, was meant to provide up to a decade of reliable contraception for women. However, Paragard IUD lawsuits allege design defects that have led to serious harm. Reports tell of the Paragard fracturing and breaking upon removal, leading to emergency surgeries to retrieve the shattered pieces. Recently, the court has pushed back the first Paragard IUD trial, originally scheduled for March 2024, to October of the same year. The outcome of this “test” trial could significantly impact future cases and lead to potential settlements in Paragard IUD lawsuits.
The Paragard IUD is a small, T-shaped device wrapped in copper due to this material’s contraceptive properties. The idea behind it seemed straightforward: a long-lasting and reversible contraceptive option that offered women up to ten years of effective birth control.
Instead of a worry-free birth control method, many experienced unexpected complications and serious health issues. Paragard IUD lawsuits claim that the device has design flaws that could lead to it breaking apart during removal attempts. Patients report experiencing chronic pain, vaginal bleeding, infections, infertility, and organ damage due to fractured Paragard devices.
These frightening complications resulted in hundreds of individuals filing lawsuits against CooperSurgical, Inc. Eventually, a Paragard IUD multidistrict litigation (MDL) was formed to put all cases before one judge. The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia was chosen as the central hub for handling Paragard IUD lawsuits, with Judge Leigh Martin May in charge of the MDL.
Judge May established a bellwether trial program consisting of a small group of representative cases from the larger pool of Paragard IUD lawsuits. The goal is to use these bellwether trials as a sort of testing ground, allowing both parties to gauge how juries are likely to react to certain evidence and expert witness testimony. The outcomes of these trials can set important precedents and influence future negotiations.
Originally, the court scheduled the first Paragard bellwether trial to commence in early 2024. However, as with many lawsuits, timelines can shift. On August 29, Judge May issued an amended scheduling order that pushed the first bellwether trial from its initial date in March 2024 to October 2024, a six-month delay. The order did not offer a reason for the delay.
Despite the delay in the first Paragard IUD trial, lawsuits are still ongoing for those who have suffered due to this contraceptive device’s alleged design flaws. At The Lake Law Firm, we understand the frustration and pain that individuals have experienced. Contact us today at (888) 525-3529 if Paragard IUD harmed you or a loved one.