Paragard Class Action Lawsuits Ongoing
Paragard ® is currently involved in a class action defective medical device lawsuit that claims the company misled consumers regarding the risks associated with its contraceptive device. The lawsuit alleges that the companies producing the medical device did not adequately inform users of the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, which can lead to infertility and other health issues. In addition, the suit states that the company failed to disclose important safety information about the device’s migration through the uterus and potential for perforation of other organs.
Arms Can Break in Defective Medical Device, Causing Serious Injuries
Teva Pharmaceuticals and Cooper Companies both manufactured Paragard. However, The Cooper Companies bought out Teva’s contraceptive device in 2017. Lawsuits against the companies allege the contraceptive device is defective. In addition, patients and physicians were not warned about the substantial risk of the IUD breaking during removal even though the device was marketed as being easy to remove. Plaintiff lawsuits also allege the device’s arms were not stability tested before it was marketed and distributed. By performing proper stability tests, the design defect might have been detected and corrected.
Many Women Harmed by Defective Medical Device
The initial lawsuit was filed in September 2019 by two women who experienced severe complications after using Paragard’s contraceptive device. Since then, more than 2,000 women have joined the suit alleging similar experiences with serious health consequences due to using Paragard’s product. The lawsuit is ongoing and a settlement has yet to be reached.
Dangers of the Intrauterine Device Removal
If physicians or medical assistants attempt to remove the device, the arm of the medical device may fracture. In some cases, the arm becomes embedded in the cervix or uterus. The missing piece is then located and retrieved using invasive procedures, such as:
- Laparoscopy, which can cause injury to the bladder or bowel as well as bleeding
- Hysteroscopy, which is removal of the womb
At the end of August 2022, plaintiffs who were part of the Paragard multi-district litigation class action lawsuit. The plaintiffs were asked to submit certain discovery documents in 2022 in response to the judge presiding over the multidistrict litigation. As the case moves forward, this is a crucial step.
Bellwether Trials Not Yet Scheduled
Bellwether trials have not been scheduled or a process for choosing which cases will proceed has not yet been announced. It is not possible to predict when any Paragard lawsuit will be resolved, but the process is likely to take time.
The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for contraceptive devices and their regulation throughout the United States and other countries. All parties involved await further developments in this case, which will remain ongoing over the coming months.
Olinde Law Firm
The Olinde Law Firm can help you if you suffered an injury due to a defective medical device such as Paragard. Contact us for a free review of your case at 1-800-587-1889 or locally in the New Orleans area at 504-587-1440. You can also reach us online. We fight hard for your rights to recover compensation for your injuries.