FAQ: What Are the Long-Term Effects of Paragard IUD Injury?

What Is the Paragard IUD?

The Paragard intrauterine device (IUD) is a hormone-free contraceptive option that countless women have trusted for years.

Also known as the Copper T 380A, it’s a small, T-shaped device inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy.

The Paragard IUD has been a popular choice for those who prefer non-hormonal contraception.

The Paragard IUD device includes a copper wire wrapped around its arms and stem.

Copper is toxic to sperm, which makes it unable to fertilize an egg.

Copper ions also prevent fertilized eggs from attaching to the uterine wall and growing into an embryo.

Since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the IUD device in 1984, its manufacturers, Teva Pharmaceuticals and Cooper Surgical, Inc., advertised it as a safe, reversible, and over 99% effective birth control method that can prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years.

However, recent reports and studies have shown that the Paragard IUD may have short- and long-term side effects and complications for many women.

Injuries and complications can range from physical pain and discomfort to serious reproductive health issues.

How do Paragard Injuries Occur?

Paragard injuries primarily occur in two critical scenarios: during the removal process and due to in-situ migration of the device.

When the Paragard IUD is being removed, its plastic arms, which are designed to flex upward, can become rigid over time.

This can lead to the device fracturing or breaking, particularly at the arms, during the extraction process.

As a result, sharp fragments of the device may become lodged in the uterine wall or other reproductive organs, causing severe pain, injuries, and requiring surgical removal.

The Paragard IUD is also potentially prone to migration within the body.

When an IUD migrates, it poses a serious risk of perforating the uterine wall or cervix, potentially leading to internal injuries.

IUD migration can increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy, a dangerous condition where a fertilized egg implants on the outside of the uterus, typically in the fallopian tubes.

Potential Long-Term Effects of Paragard IUD Injury

Paragard complications and injuries can have lasting effects on a person’s health and well-being.

If the Paragard IUD breaks, fractures, or migrates during removal or usage, it can cause various long-term effects, some of which may be co-occurring or permanent.

Side effects may vary based on individual circumstances and the nature of the complication:

• Chronic Pain and Discomfort
• Scarring and Adhesions
• Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
• Infection and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
• Perforation of Organs and Tissues
• Ectopic Pregnancy
• Infertility

Chronic Pain and Discomfort

Paragard complications can cause chronic pain and discomfort.

Pain can be localized in the pelvic area or spread to other parts of the body.

Pain may also worsen over time, impacting a person’s daily activities and overall quality of life.

Scarring and Adhesions

Paragard migration or breakage can cause internal scarring and adhesions, leading to further complications.

Scars can not only cause discomfort and pain but also interfere with the functioning of reproductive organs.

In some cases, scarring and adhesions may also lead to infertility or difficulty conceiving.

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

While the Paragard IUD is not supposed to affect menstrual cycles, some women report experiencing heavier and more extended periods after getting the device inserted.

In some cases, excessive bleeding can also lead to iron deficiency anemia or other health complications.

Bleeding can also lead to chronic malaise, fatigue, weakness, and other physical discomforts.

Infection and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Paragard complications can also result in infections, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a severe infection of the female reproductive organs.

Pelvic inflammatory disease can cause inflammation and scarring of the pelvic tissue, leading to pain and long-term health problems.

If left untreated, PID may even lead to infertility and other serious health complications.

Perforation of Organs and Tissues

The Paragard IUD device can perforate or puncture organs and tissues surrounding the uterus.

Organ perforation could possibly occur during the insertion, migration, or removal of an intrauterine device.

Perforation can disrupt the functioning of organs and tissues, leading to further health complications.

Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition where the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube.

The use of a Paragard IUD can increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy if conception occurs while the device is still in use.

This condition requires immediate medical attention to prevent further complications.

Infertility

In some cases, Paragard complications might lead to permanent damage to the reproductive organs, resulting in infertility.

This complication may occur due to scarring, infection, or other long-term effects of the device’s migration or breakage.

Infertility can have significant emotional and psychological impacts on individuals or couples using this contraceptive method with plans for future pregnancies.

Whether the side effects are mild or severe, they can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life.

To prevent further long-term effects, it is crucial to seek medical attention right away if you experience Paragard complications or injuries.

Additionally, it is essential to consult with a legal professional if you have experienced serious injuries from the use of the Paragard IUD device and explore potential options for compensation for your pain and suffering.

Emotional and Psychological Pain

The emotional and psychological impacts of Paragard injuries can be profound and enduring, deeply affecting individuals’ mental health and well-being.

Experiencing chronic pain, infertility, or other serious complications can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and a sense of loss, particularly in cases affecting reproductive health.

The stress and uncertainty of undergoing surgery to remove IUD fragments and the possibility of long-term health consequences can significantly impact one’s quality of life and emotional well-being.

What Is the Paragard Lawsuit?

Countless women came forward with adverse reports of injuries and complications because their Paragard broke during removal.

Women across the country are now taking legal action against the manufacturers of the Paragard IUD for adverse health effects.

Paragard lawsuits seek compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial hardships experienced by those who have suffered due to Paragard complications.

The intrauterine device’s former and present manufacturers, Teva Pharmaceuticals and Cooper Surgical Inc., are the defendants in these Paragard lawsuits.

Plaintiffs allege that the manufacturers were aware of the potential risks associated with their product but failed to warn healthcare professionals and patients adequately.

Paragard IUD defect lawsuits also allege that the birth control device’s design was inherently flawed, making it more likely to fracture, migrate, or break during removal.

The United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) consolidated the new Paragard IUD lawsuits into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) to streamline the legal process.

What is the Paragard MDL?

Paragard lawsuits are being consolidated into a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL), a legal process where individual cases with similar legal issues are grouped together in one court, streamlining the discovery phase and pre-trial proceedings while preserving the unique details of each case for individual trials or settlements.

The Paragard MDL (MDL 2974) is ongoing in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.

There are more than two thousand Paragard cases currently pending in the MDL.

Paragard MDL Judge Leigh Martin May scheduled the Paragard bellwether trial for October 28, 2024.

What are Paragard Lawsuit Settlement Amounts?

The Paragard litigation is still in its early stages, so the global Paragard settlement amount is yet to be determined.

Paragard IUD lawyers are actively pursuing compensation for their clients’ losses and estimate the eventual Paragard settlement amounts to be between $10,000 and $400,000.

Settlement estimates are merely projections based on prior mass tort cases involving dangerous medical devices, and are by no means a guarantee of compensation in the Paragard IUD Lawsuit.

For more information on the Paragard IUD Lawsuits and to find out if you qualify, contact our law firm or use the chatbot on this page.

An experienced Paragard lawyer can help you assess the damages in your case.

Do You Qualify for the Paragard Lawsuit?

The Paragard IUD device has been linked to severe injuries, and those who have been effected are taking action to seek justice and compensation for what they have been through.

Paragard lawyers are currently accepting new clients for lawsuits filed against Teva Pharmaceuticals and Cooper Surgical.

If you or a loved one have suffered injuries due to a Paragard IUD device, you may be eligible to file a Paragard Lawsuit.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation and to get in touch with a Paragard Lawyer.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify to file a Paragard Lawsuit instantly.

The help of a personal injury lawyer can be invaluable, as they will focus on the success of your Paragard case while you focus on what’s most important: your recovery.

An experienced Paragard lawyer will help you navigate the legal process, gather the necessary evidence, and assess the damages you may be entitled to.

Gathering Evidence for Paragard IUD Lawsuits

The strength and outcome of Paragard lawsuits rely on the evidence presented, as it substantiates the claims of injury and manufacturer negligence.

An experienced Paragard lawyer will help you gather evidence for your case.

To support your Paragard lawsuit claim, gather relevant evidence, including:

• Medical records detailing your IUD insertion or removal and any complications that occurred
• Records of any follow-up medical treatments or surgeries related to the Paragard IUD complications
• Documentation of the emotional and financial impact of the complications, including lost wages, medical bills, and emotional distress
• Any communication with healthcare professionals discussing the Paragard IUD and its potential risks
• Any other evidence related to your Paragard IUD and subsequent medical treatment

Assessing Damages for Paragard Lawsuits

Damages are the spectrum of losses resulting from an incident or injury.

Paragard injuries are frequently serious, necessitating surgical removal and causing serious injuries.

The repercussions of Paragard injuries and their complications extend well beyond the immediate physical harm and recovery period.

Your Paragard lawyer will work with you to assess the damages you may be entitled to.

Possible damages in Paragard IUD Lawsuits may include:

• Medical Bills: Compensation for any costs associated with treating complications or injuries
• Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to Paragard complications
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the emotional distress and physical pain you endured
• Future Medical Expenses: If the complications have long-term health effects, you may be entitled to compensation for future medical expenses.

Ultimately, each case is unique, and the damages you may be entitled to depend on the specific circumstances of your situation.

TorHoerman Law: Your Paragard IUD Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries or complications due to the Paragard IUD, you need an experienced legal team on your side.

TorHoerman Law is here to help.

With a proven track record of handling complex pharmaceutical and medical device cases, our Paragard lawyers are dedicated to pursuing justice.

We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that Paragard complications can take, and we are committed to helping you seek the compensation you deserve.

Our Paragard lawyers will guide you through the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected.

Contact TorHoerman Law today for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Paragard IUD lawsuit instantly.