The Paragard IUD has been sold in stores since the 1970s as a viable contraceptive that can offer protection for up to ten years. But lately, there have been several reports from women complaining of defects and severe complications.
While the medical community has been going back and forth regarding the efficacy and possible shortcomings of the device, you can’t ignore the growing number of women who have suffered from its use. It’s not surprising then that these women are turning to Paragard lawsuit lawyers to get justice.
Contents
What is Paragard?
The Paragard IUD (Intrauterine Device) was created as a device that would provide long-term birth control without hormonal effects. This was a big deal in the 1960s due to most alternatives causing hormone imbalance, which they still do today.
The device is a small t-shaped frame made of plastic that is inserted into the uterus. A thin copper wire is coiled all around the device, covering it. The copper is meant to cause an inflammatory reaction that is toxic to sperm and eggs but claims to cause no additional toxicity in the body. The device claims to work as an effective contraceptive for up to 10 years.
Side Effects
The safety information for the Paragard IUD states the following possible side effects:
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Life-threatening infection
- Pelvic inflammations leading to infection
- Embedment or attaching to the walls of the uterus
- Perforation
- Partial or complete expulsion
- Changes in menstrual bleeding
- Post-removal side effects
The information also states that people with certain pre-existing conditions should avoid using the device. What it doesn’t state is the simple fact that the device is prone to breakage upon removal. This is a huge problem as this simple oversight has led to multiple complications among thousands of women.
What Went Wrong?
The Paragard IUD, despite its multitude of complications, was always advertised as a safe and long-term form of contraception that any woman who was in good health could use with little to no complications.
All that changed when many women started coming forward in the early 2000s with the complaint that the device broke while it was being removed. This is a serious issue as the device, when broken, would leave behind pieces in the uterus that would require a surgical procedure for removal.
In many cases, the broken arm caused complications such as infections, bleeding, and perforations of the uterine wall. What’s worse is that the surgery to remove the broken arm leads to other problems, including the arm migrating to other organs and even losing the ability to deliver a child vaginally.
What Are My Options
A study published in 2015 studied the potential side effects of the Paragard and concluded that the device should not have been sold as a generally risk-free device, and it should have come with warnings regarding the high potential of breakage.
The study also found that the chances of the device breaking were much higher in women who used the same device for 6-10 years, which is the period the device is supposed to stay problem-free.
In the last decade, almost 3000 reports have been received by the FDA regarding complications during removal. The fact that the Paragard was sold without thoroughly informing people about the potential complications shows negligence on the part of the device manufacturer, who, in this case, is Teva Pharmaceuticals.
How To Find The Right Lawyer
Your first instinct would be to start looking for lawyers in the field of medical malpractice but don’t stop there. There is a vast number of firms and lawyers who specialize in medical equipment defects, and many of these lawyers have successfully cleared settlements with Teva Pharmaceuticals. But if you’re looking for the right Paragard lawsuit lawyers, then keep the following in mind:
- find lawyers or firms that have extensive experience with medical device defect cases
- approach firms that have consistently cleared settlements in cases where the manufacturer was at fault
- it’s not advisable to go with individual lawyers as settlement claims with big companies require a dedicated team and considerable capital
- firms or lawyers who have won against Teva pharmaceuticals in this specific claim will have an obvious advantage
- firms that have a track record of taking up cases involving women victims are more likely to fight your case with the dedication you require
Conclusion
If you or someone you know has suffered complications from the use of the Paragard IUD, don’t hesitate; reach out to an attorney who has experience with your type of case. You can seek compensation for your medical bills, and the pain and suffering the ordeal may have caused you.
