There is a huge issue going on with the ParaGard IUD, and we must talk about it before it is too late for any other user out there. See, this ParaGard IUD Lawsuit has now become a serious matter in the country, and that’s how it should be because there are real issues with the device, and in many cases, it has caused severe injuries to the women using them. So, let’s go over some details here first.
What Exactly Is the ParaGard IUD?
The ParaGard IUD has been in existence for many years. It was first developed and manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals and is now under the ownership of CooperSurgical. There are no hormones in it, unlike other IUDs. Instead, copper is wound around it, and sperm are prevented from completing their task of reaching an egg.
The device offers 10 years of contraception. But here is the problem: The plastic arms become brittle with time. So, before removal, they may snap under force during removal. This has caused many serious complications in these women.
In 2019, recalling ParaGard meant warning consumers of an inherent breaking issue. Injuries had already been suffered by the women affected before such warnings were issued; signs of warning had appeared since early on with the device. Yet ParaGard has largely been left on the market in spite of the problems.
What Do the Lawsuits Claim?
The lawsuits focus on two main points:
- Design Problems: The arms of the ParaGard IUD are not flexible enough, which makes them prone to breaking.
- Inadequate Warnings: Neither patients nor doctors were properly warned about the risks.
Women who filed lawsuits say the device caused injuries such as:
- Organ damage
- Infections
- Infertility
The need for surgery, including hysterectomies
And sure enough, as it has been seen already, these injuries have had a lasting impact on women’s health and quality of life.
How Did the Lawsuits Begin?
Cases began to appear on the scene as women were reporting that their ParaGard IUDs had broken in 2017-2018. By 2020, so many claims had been filed that they were consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in Georgia.
Here’s a quick timeline:
- 2017-2018: First lawsuits filed
- 2019: FDA added a warning about breakage
- 2020: Cases grouped into MDL
- 2022: Nearly 1,000 breakage reports submitted to the FDA in one year
- 2023-2024: Trial dates scheduled but delayed
- 2025: More than 3,500 lawsuits are pending
- 2026: The Braxton lawsuit will be the first Braxton trial to be held in January. Ms. Braxton’s equipment stopped working in 2019, and she alleges that it led to irreversible reproductive harm.
Current Status of the Lawsuits
By September 2025, all of the trials will remain pending, with none going to settlement. One or more trials are expected in early 2026. In the meantime, by contrast, Teva and CooperSurgical continue their opposition to the claims. Mediation is currently underway between both parties, with the intent to explore a settlement. However, nothing concrete has come out of it yet.
Possible Compensation
Well, how much could these matters be worth? Although the agreements have never been reached, cases similar in nature have been used by the attorneys to estimate possible settlement ranges:
- Severe injuries (such as infertility or hysterectomy): $100,000-$380,000
- Moderate injuries (painful but not permanent): $40,000-$75,000
- Minor injuries (short-term complications or quick surgery): $10,000-$30,000
The amounts above are purely estimated. Should it go on trial, it remains to be seen exactly how much each company would probably have to pay. Either way, much will depend on whether the companies are willing to settle.
Real Cases from Women
Several women have already come forward with their experiences:
- Georgia Bowers (2017): Her ParaGard broke during removal, leaving a piece inside her body.
- Carley Tredway (2018): She had to undergo a hysteroscopy to remove a broken piece.
- Braxton (2019): Her ParaGard snapped and caused permanent damage. Her case is the first set for trial in 2026.
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