One of the best methods of contraception is using intrauterine devices (IUDs). There are several IUDs available in the market, and among them is the Paragard IUD.
The Paragard IUD is a birth control device that’s inserted into the uterus and can be left in place for up to 10 years. It contains hormones that prevent pregnancy and are released slowly over time. The Paragard family of IUDs is part of a larger group called Liletta—a type of intrauterine device (IUD).
In this article, we’ll explain the Paragard IUD lawsuit, its implications for women’s health, and everything else you need to know.
Table of Contents
The Paragard IUD: What Is It?
The Paragard IUD is a form of long-acting birth control that can be left in place for up to ten years. It’s a small, T-shaped device made of copper and plastic, which is inserted into your uterus by a doctor or other medical professional.
The copper in the Paragard IUD acts as an effective spermicide. It kills any sperm that come into contact with it before they can fertilize an egg. The plastic makes sure that the device stays put once implanted into your uterus.
The benefits include no daily dosing or refills needed. Moreover, it is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. Data shows that less than 1% of women who use Paragard will get pregnant in the 1st year of normal use.
Additionally, it also helps lower the risk of ectopic pregnancies compared to other forms of long-term contraception. They last between 3-10 years, depending on how well you follow instructions regarding removal/replacement schedule.
The Emergence of the Paragard IUD Lawsuit
While Paragard has been very useful for women looking to prevent unwanted pregnancies, there are some health concerns around it. According to TorHoerman Law, there are chances that due to ineffective packaging, Paragard IUDs may break down while being removed. This can lead to numerous damages, such as injury while removing, device breakage within the body, etc.
All such complications can lead to health concerns like internal bleeding, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, perforation of the cervix, organ damage, etc. Due to all such health problems, many individuals who faced health issues due to IUDs filed lawsuits against Teva Pharmaceuticals.
The number of cases increased to the extent that multidistrict litigation 2974 was formed in 2020 to consolidate all those cases. In September 2023, as many as 2,147 cases are still pending in the Paragard IUD MDL. The plaintiffs seek compensation for their health and the resulting financial problems they have faced. In October 2023, 52 fresh cases were added.
The Paragard IUD lawsuit settlement amounts have not been decided yet. However, they are expected to range anywhere between $10,000 to $400,000. The amounts can vary widely based on the damages an individual has suffered.
The most severely affected might get $100,000 – $200,000 as compensation. On the other hand, the ones with moderate complications might get $25,000 – $75,000, and others lower than the above. These are estimates which may change according to the outcomes of the trials.
Legal Implications
As you may have noticed, the law is a complicated thing. It can be difficult to understand and even more difficult to navigate if you don’t have a lawyer on your side. If you’re considering filing a lawsuit against Teva Pharmaceuticals, you must have someone who knows what they’re doing by your side.
Here are some of the potential legal implications:
- Product liability lawsuits: Many of the Paragard lawsuits fell under product liability claims. This means that the device was defective and that its manufacturer failed to adequately warn about the potential risks associated with it. Plaintiffs may seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- Wrongful death claims: In some instances, Paragard complications have led to severe injuries or death. In such cases, wrongful death claims might be filed by the surviving family members to seek compensation for their loss.
- Class action or mass tort: Some lawsuits might be consolidated into a class action or mass tort litigation if multiple individuals file similar claims against the manufacturer. This can streamline the legal process and make it more efficient for both plaintiffs and defendants.
- FDA regulatory implications: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) closely monitors medical devices like the Paragard IUD. Lawsuits and safety concerns can trigger regulatory actions or warnings related to the device, which may impact future sales and use.
- Insurance claims: If individuals have suffered injuries or complications from the Paragard IUD, they may file insurance claims to cover their medical expenses. Insurance companies may, in turn, seek reimbursement from the manufacturer or other liable parties.
- Legal remedies: Depending on the specifics of a case, legal remedies may include compensatory damages (e.g., medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering), punitive damages, and, in extreme cases, criminal charges if gross negligence or misconduct is proven.
The Future of Paragard IUD and Women’s Health
The Paragard IUD is a popular and effective form of birth control. It’s also been linked to serious health problems in women who have used the device. But what will happen to this device now? Will it be pulled from the market, or will women continue to use it despite the risks?
The future of the Paragard IUD depends on two things:
- What happens at FDA hearings
- Whether other manufacturers step up with safer alternatives for women who want long-term protection against pregnancy
If these hearings result in a ban on all copper-based IUDs, many women would lose access to one of their most effective forms of birth control. However, the market for Paragard IUDs has been constantly strong in the past years. This is true despite the ongoing lawsuits.
The long-acting contraception market saw a 10.3% decline from 2019 to 2020. However, post-pandemic, sales of IUDs like Paragard increased by 16% in the 1st quarter of 2021. This shows that women are still willing to take chances, as Paragard IUDs are very effective.
Conclusion
The Paragard IUD lawsuits bring to light the importance of women’s health and the pursuit of legal justice. Women deserve to make informed choices about their contraception options, and manufacturers must ensure that potential risks are communicated.
These lawsuits serve as a reminder that safety and accountability should always be top priorities in the healthcare industry. As the legal proceedings continue, both healthcare providers and women themselves must remain vigilant and informed.

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