If you suffered an injury from a defective Paragard IUD, contact Tamaki Law immediately. We can review your case and determine whether you qualify for a mass tort lawsuit against the manufacturer.
An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small plastic device shaped like the letter T. It is a form of birth control inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider.
Paragard is effective at preventing pregnancy by stopping sperm from fertilizing eggs. It has become a popular choice of IUD because it doesn’t contain hormones and can stay in the uterus for up to ten years. You can have it removed at any time within ten years in your doctor’s office.
Unfortunately, the Paragard manufacturer, Teva Pharmaceuticals, did not disclose the risk of the device fracturing or becoming stuck during removal. It can cause serious injuries to the uterine wall and nearby internal organs when pieces break off in the body. The manufacturer failed to warn consumers of the dangers they face while using the product.
You have a right to pursue a mass tort lawsuit against Teva Pharmaceuticals and hold them liable for not warning you of the risks of their product. Tamaki Law is ready to represent you in your case and help you recover the compensation you’re entitled to. Call us at (800) 801-9564 for your free consultation with one of our Paragard IUD mass tort attorneys to learn more about your legal options.
Common Injuries That Occur Due to a Defective Paragard IUD
Paragard contains a serious defect that can lead to a range of complications. Although the manufacturer marketed the device as easy and quick to remove, pieces can break off and cause internal injuries. This happens when the arms of the IUD fracture during removal instead of folding as intended.
The most common complications resulting from the Paragard defect include:
- Migration of the device – The IUD can perforate the uterine wall and migrate to the pelvic area or an organ nearby.
- Perforated cervix or uterus – Fractured pieces can puncture the uterus or cervix and cause damage.
- Traveling pieces – During removal, the arms can break off and become lodged in internal organs or migrate to other areas of the body.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) – PID is an infection of the reproductive organs. It can cause pain, abnormal or heavy discharge, and fever and chills.
- Infertility – Untreated PID could lead to infertility.
- Infections – Any bacteria on the device could travel to the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries after insertion, causing an infection.
Additional injuries and complications while using Paragard include:
- Device embedded in the uterine wall
- Invasive surgery required to remove the stuck or broken device
- Copper wire breaking off the IUD and staying in the body, leading to injury and inflammation
- Severe abdominal pain and heavy bleeding during menstruation
- Internal scarring
- Pain during intercourse
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Cramping and spotting between periods
Many women require surgery to remove the fractured pieces of the device and repair damage to tissue and organs. The cost of surgery and ongoing treatment can become a significant burden on anyone’s finances. Teva Pharmaceuticals should be held accountable for not providing adequate warning labels regarding the risks of their IUD.
Recalls for Paragard Devices
Most Paragard lots are still on the market. In 2014, Teva Pharmaceuticals recalled two lots of their device. However, it wasn’t due to the defect causing breakage. Instead, the recall involved issues with sterility.
Since 2013, Teva filed reports with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) involving problems users claimed to have while using Paragard. More than 3,000 reports included device breakage. Nearly 2,000 involved serious complications from breakage events, and more than 100 included reports of hospitalization or life-threatening complications.
Despite these reported incidents, the FDA has not issued a recall for any Paragard IUD lots remaining on the market.
Compensation for Paragard Injuries
Tamaki Law could represent you in a mass tort lawsuit against the manufacturer of Paragard IUD. A mass tort lawsuit consolidates separate cases into a single legal action against one individual or company. Every plaintiff named in the filing must have similar injuries caused by one defendant’s negligence.
If you’re eligible to join a mass tort case, you could pursue compensation for the losses you suffered, such as:
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disability or disfigurement
- Inconvenience
If you experienced an adverse reaction or sustained injuries during the removal of Paragard, call Tamaki Law to discuss your case. We will investigate what happened, review the evidence, and determine whether you can join a mass tort lawsuit against Teva Pharmaceuticals.
Parties You Can Hold Liable for Your Injury
Besides seeking compensation from the manufacturer in a mass tort case, you could hold other parties liable for your injury. Your doctor could be responsible if they knew about the dangers associated with Paragard but inserted the device anyway.
Suppliers and distributors could also be liable for knowingly providing defective devices to the public. Although they are not responsible for the defect, they contributed to the problem by continuing to supply consumers with the product despite the known risks.
Contact Us
At Tamaki Law, we have over 25 years of experience representing injured clients in Washington. Our Paragard IUD mass tort attorneys believe in advocating for people harmed by the negligent actions of large companies. We’re not afraid to litigate cases in court and fight for justice.
Our track record of success shows the level of dedication and experience we bring to every case we take. Multiple prestigious organizations have recognized us for our work with awards, such as Super Lawyer, Trial Lawyer of the Year, and Rising Star.
We consider the unique circumstances of each injury and create a strategy to try to reach the best possible outcome. Our legal team will remain by your side to provide the guidance and support you need to get through this devastating experience.
If you suffered injuries from a defective Paragard IUD, call Tamaki Law at (800) 801-9564 for your free consultation. Let us help you get on the road to recovery.