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Paragard® Quick Facts
Paragard® is an intrauterine device (IUD) that provides non-hormonal birth control. It is currently the subject of hundreds of lawsuits. In some women, Paragard® embedded, migrated and/or fractured, resulting in pain, suffering and additional medical procedures. If you experienced complications after using Paragard®, you may be eligible for compensation from its manufacturers. Understanding Paragard®
What Is Paragard®?
Paragard® is an intrauterine device (IUD) that provides non-hormonal birth control. It is currently the subject of hundreds of lawsuits. Paragard® is made of the following materials:
- A t-shaped piece of plastic made of polyethylene and barium sulfate
- Copper wires wrapped around the vertical and horizontal arms of the t-shaped plastic
- Polyethylene (plastic) threads tied through the end of the vertical component to allow for easy location and removal
According to manufacturers, Paragard® can safely prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years. The device is also supposed to be removable and reversible at any time after placement. Consumers may know Paragard® as the non-hormonal or copper IUD. It was originally approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1984.
Why Are People Filing Paragard® Lawsuits?
Paragard® is marketed as a safe contraceptive. It’s advertised to be effective, hormone-free and easily reversible. But, many women have found the birth control device breaks upon removal. This means it may leave behind fragments in the uterus. These fragments have caused serious injuries and resulted in:
- Additional medical and/or surgical procedures, including hysterectomy, laparoscopy and hysteroscopy
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional anguish
- Additional healthcare costs
Women who experienced these Paragard® complications are now suing the device manufacturers for their injuries.
Paragard® breakage isn’t the only issue women face. In some cases, Paragard® migrated from the uterus or implanted in the uterine wall or other tissues. When this happened, women experienced injuries and endured additional medical procedures. In some cases, these injuries also affected a woman’s fertility.
Warnings on the Paragard® IUD Label |
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Women are filing lawsuits because a device that was supposed to be safe actually harmed them.
Paragard® Lawsuit Overview
After experiencing painful and unexpected Paragard® side effects, women are suing the device manufacturers. Many of these lawsuits make similar claims regarding adverse events caused by Paragard® long-term birth control.
Paragard® Lawsuit Claims |
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Paragard® Multidistrict Litigation
The United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) consolidated Paragard® lawsuits in December 2020. This action formed multidistrict litigation 2974 (MDL 2974), Paragard IUD Products Liability Litigation. Judge Leigh Martin May is overseeing these cases in the Northern District of Georgia.
As of April 2021, more than 150 Paragard® lawsuits are pending in MDL 2974.
Paragard® Lawsuit: Georgia Bowers
Georgia Bowers had a Paragard® IUD placed in January 2017. At the time, she considered herself a young and healthy woman. She chose Paragard® because it was a reversible form of birth control that would allow her to have children in the future.
Bowers attempted to have the device removed in September 2017. After following the manufacturer’s removal instructions, her healthcare provider was able to remove a portion of the IUD. But, one arm broke off and was left in Bowers’ body.
Bowers’ physician later attempted to remove the remaining piece of the IUD. That attempt failed. Bowers is suing Paragard’s® manufacturers for injuries, pain, suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement and a number of other injuries. Her case is still pending as of April 2021.
Paragard® Lawsuit: Beth Parker
Beth Parker started Paragard® IUD contraception in 2008. She also chose Paragard® because it was reversible and would allow her to have children at a later date.
Parker attempted to have the IUD removed in May 2018. But, her healthcare provider could only retrieve a portion of the device. One arm of the device was left behind in Parker’s body.
In June 2018, Parker underwent a procedure to remove the remaining arm of the device. Parker’s physician was unable to retrieve the missing device arm.
After an ultrasound procedure to locate the device, Parker’s physician was finally able to retrieve the broken piece in August 2018. This experience caused Ms. Parker substantial injuries including pain, suffering, mental anguish, medical bills and additional financial losses.
Parker is suing Paragard® manufacturers for these injuries. Her case is still pending as of April 2021.
