Paragard Lawyer | Legal Claims for Defective Non-Hormonal IUDs

Paragard is a non-hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) used for long-term birth control. An IUD is a paperclip-sized device placed in the uterus to prevent conception. Paragard is made from plastic, shaped like a “T,” and sheathed in copper coils. It works by continuously releasing small amounts of copper to create an acidic environment in the uterus, preventing sperm implementation with a high rate of success. The bottom of the IUD is connected to two monofilament strands for a simple, non-surgical removal process.

Paragard has been produced by two major producers, Teva Pharmaceuticals and more recently Cooper Scientific. The IUD has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 1984. However, over 1,600 reports of complications have been filed since 2010. If you or a loved one experienced complications after getting this IUD, you should speak with an attorney who has handled defective medical device cases. A Paragard lawyer at Charles E. Boyk Law Offices can help you determine whether you have a valid case.

Is Paragard Safe?

Paragard works differently than other intrauterine devices, as it prevents pregnancy by changing the environment of the uterus with copper wire instead of releasing hormones. Despite this difference, it can present similar symptoms to other IUDs, such as ectopic pregnancy and irregular spotting. Other possible complications include:

IUD Breakage upon removal
IUD migration
IUD embedding in the uterus
IUD expulsion or falling out of place
Inflammation from copper
Perforation of the uterine wall
Infection or abscess
Scarring or damage to other organs

Most of the issues associated with Paragard happen during removal. While the product is designed to be removed non-surgically, the arms have the potential to break during removal. The broken arm(s) is then a retained fragment in the body, causing additional damages. The invasive surgeries done to remove these fragments can be dangerous to future family planning.

Possible Treatments

Any treatment is based on the severity of the issue. In the case of a retained fragment, the process begins minimally invasive. If the fragment cannot be removed or located a more invasive procedure is required.

In any case of a failed removal, the first step is finding and removing the broken IUD. If this cannot be done successfully, a series of more invasive medical procedures are required to prevent damages.

Hysteroscopy: an examination of the uterus with a scope
Laparoscopy: an examination of the abdomen through a small incision
Laparotomy: a surgical incision of the abdomen
Hysterectomy: an operation to remove the uterus

If you had to undergo one of these procedures due to a Paragard complication, a dedicated lawyer can help you seek compensation for your losses.

Filing a Lawsuit for Paragard Complications

Currently, cases being filed in the Paragard Lawsuit include the following claims:

Defective Design: A major problem associated with Paragard is arm breakage. In these cases, the plastic “T” breaks at the joint creating instead an “L” shape and the potential issue of a retained fragment in the uterus.
Manufacturing Defect: Any issue associated with the manufacturing practices or quality control with the product.
Failure to Warn/Improper Labeling: Any faults in the labeling or on implant instructions for the doctor.
Negligence: Cooper Scientific and Teva Pharmaceuticals violated the duty of care owed to the consumer by mislabeling and producing faulty IUDs.

Because Cooper acquired Paragard from Teva and has been producing the device since 2017, the defendant in your case will be dependent on your IUD implementation date.

Litigation Updates

In September 2020, a multidistrict litigation (MDL) was established in the Northern District of Georgia, under Judge Leigh Martin (In Re: Paragard IUD Products Liability Litigation). To learn more about the possibilities for your Paragard lawsuit, reach out to a knowledgeable attorney today.

Similar Lawsuits for Hormonal IUDs

In 2019, the manufacturer of Mirena, a hormonal based IUD, offered a final settlement of $12.2 million after facing similar lawsuits to the Paragard manufacturers. Mirena used hormones to alter the mucosal membrane preventing pregnancy but became dangerous when said IUD migrated inside the body. There were about 4,600 settled organ perforation cases in the Mirena litigation. If you suffered damages due to an IUD similar to Paragard, speak with a lawyer in your area as soon as possible.

Contact a Paragard Attorney Right Away

Medical devices are supposed to make the user’s life easier. Unfortunately, that has not been the case with Paragard. This defective medical device has caused severe complications for thousands of people.

If you or someone you know was harmed after using this IUD, call a Paragard lawyer today. Contact our firm to schedule a consultation and discuss your legal options.