An intrauterine device is a small device inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. Many hail the IUD as one of the most effective long-term birth control methods. The IUD is not only widely available but requires little to no effort as it lasts years. Various brands offer hormonal IUDs that block sperm, but women can also choose a hormone-free IUD called Paragard. However, several patients have experienced severe health complications due to the Paragard IUD. An IUD should be a simple device with minimal obstacles, but Paragard lawsuits allege that many patients required surgery to remove the defective birth control device. Speak with one of our trusted attorneys today to learn more about how a Paragard lawsuit can benefit you.
Our law firm is currently handling lawsuits on behalf of individuals who have suffered injury as a result of malfunctioning Paragard IUD devices. Lawsuits against the manufacturer of Paragard claim that women who received the non-hormonal IUD have experienced serious injury and had to undergo surgeries to remove fractured pieces of the devices.
Paragard is a tiny plastic intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) that prevents pregnancy for up to ten years. An IUD is a small T-shaped device used for birth control. It is the only nonhormonal copper IUD available in the United States. Healthcare providers insert this device into the uterus where it remains to stop pregnancy. Paragard is made out of flexible plastic wrapped with a thin layer of copper. The copper produces a reaction that is toxic to sperm and eggs. Once a medical professional removes Paragard, a woman can become pregnant again. The company advertised Paragard as an easily removable, safe, and effective alternative to hormonal IUDs.
Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd was the original manufacturer of Paragard, but in 2017, Teva Pharmaceuticals sold Paragard to CooperSurgical, Inc for $1.1 billion.
The FDA approved ParaGard in 1984. Over the last thirty years, thousands of women used ParaGard as contraception. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration described multiple incidents of IUD removal failure including the following:
Despite hundreds of reported ParaGard removal complications, the FDA has issued no recall.
Although marketed as easily removable, Paragard removal can produce certain complications. The IUD may break apart or fracture when a healthcare provider attempts to take it out of the uterus. CooperSurgical claims that Paragard removal only takes a few minutes during a routine office visit. In the manufacturer’s instructions, the arms of Paragard should fold up when removed. A string is attached at the end of the IUD. When healthcare providers pull this string, the Paragard should slide out fully intact. But, Paragard can become less flexible and increasingly brittle over time. When someone pulls the string, the arms of the IUD fragment in the uterus.
Paragard devices that fracture during removal may leave pieces embedded in the uterine wall. This fracturing can result in:
Unfortunately, many women have endured surgical intervention to remove the remaining pieces of the device. Furthermore, invasive procedures such as hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, and laparotomy may be necessary.
Paragard IUD lawsuits have been consolidated in the Northern District of Georgia. Voluntary reports to the FDA Adverse Events Reporting System indicate that between 2013 and 2021, there have been 3,186 reports of device breakage with 1,910 of the events deemed serious. Of the 3,186 reports, 102 required hospitalizations for life-threatening complications. One Minnesota plaintiff who received a Paragard IUD in 2017, claims that the device broke apart and doctors had to carefully retrieve it in pieces. The woman sustained serious injuries and alleges that she was not warned of the risk of the device fracturing.
As of August 2023, 3,055 Paragard IUD lawsuits are pending in MDL-2974. Judge Leigh Martin May, overseeing the Paragard IUD MDL, scheduled the first Paragard bellwether trial for October 2024.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries after receiving a Paragard IUD, you may recover compensation for any or all of the following:
Plaintiffs argue that Teva Pharmaceuticals and CooperSurgical knew about the dangers associated with the Paragard IUD. Yet, these companies chose to keep healthcare providers and patients in the dark regarding the device’s fracturing risk. Claims against Teva Pharmaceuticals and CooperSurgical allege that the companies did not provide an adequate warning to consumers regarding the Paragard IUD. FDA reports highlight that this seemingly harmless plastic IUD has caused numerous patients to resort to surgery to remedy the painful and hazardous complications linked to the birth control device.
The Lake Law Firm was founded by Edward J. Lake, Esq., a personal injury lawyer for over 25 years. Our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to seeking justice on behalf of those who have suffered injury or death due to the negligence of others. Our experienced attorneys handle many different types of pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, and other defective products. The lawyers in our firm have helped collect millions of dollars for their clients. The Lake Law Firm will advocate for you and your rights. Please contact us for a free confidential case evaluation.
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