Helping Those Injured by Defective Birth Control Devices
ParaGard®, the only copper intrauterine device (IUD) available in the United States, is often hailed as one of the most effective, hormone-free forms of birth control on the market.
Unfortunately, recent lawsuits have brought forth deep concerns about the safety of ParaGard® IUDs, alleging that the design of the product renders it dangerous. The ParaGard® IUD itself is a small T-shaped device made of plastic with copper wiring coiled around it. Without adequate warning to patients, the implant’s arms can break off inside the patient’s body, often requiring invasive procedures to extract these broken parts.
If you were subjected to invasive medical procedures and/or injured as a result of a ParaGard® IUD, our lawyers at Ashcraft & Gerel want to take on CooperSurgical, Inc. — the manufacturer of the copper IUD — on your behalf. We will fight to recover your rightful compensation and to hold CooperSurgical, Inc. accountable for failing to warn of the true risks associated with its product.
ParaGard® IUD Risks & Side Effects
The ParaGard® copper IUD has piqued the interest of many individuals throughout the country. While there are near-horror stories about the extreme pain associated with the device’s insertion and removal, many opt to undergo this pain for 10 years of non-hormonal birth control.Sadly, there are other risks and side effects to consider, such as:
- Bleeding/spotting in between menstruation
- Heavy cramping
- Heavy bleeding and intense menstrual pain
- Unintentional expulsion of the IUD from the uterus
- Irregular, foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Severe abdominal pain
- Sudden bleeding
- Pain during intercourse
- Worsening pelvic or abdominal pain/tenderness
Broken copper IUDs will often cause similar symptoms, which is why it is important to visit a medical professional if you start experiencing any of the above side effects. If a broken IUD remains unaddressed, it could lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infection of the pelvis, and premature birth, among others.
Removing a Broken ParaGard® IUD
As mentioned, the injury lawsuits focus on when a ParaGard® IUD breaks at the arm when removed or on its own prior to removal. Both cases can require surgical intervention, which often comes as an unpleasant surprise. Another common injury is when the arms remain stuck inside the uterus during pregnancy. This can lead to significant complications for the mother and the fetus.
The common surgeries used to remove a broken copper IUD arm are as follows:
- Hysteroscopy: A procedure in which a medical professional will use a thin tube with a light to examine the cervix and uterus. It is not usually painful, but it can feel very invasive to some people.
- Laparoscopy: For a diagnostic laparoscopy, a medical professional will insert a long, thin, lighted-tube into the abdomen through an incision in the abdominal wall.
- Laparotomy: Also called an exploratory laparotomy, this is a major abdominal surgery.
- Hysterectomy: A medical operation in which the uterus is removed from the body.
Generally, a medical professional will order an ultrasound of the area prior to surgery and administer anesthesia for major surgery. Every surgery comes with its own risks, and sadly, they can render a person unable to become pregnant or carry child in the future.
Who Is Legally Responsible for ParaGard® IUD Complications?
Product manufacturers have a legal obligation to warn consumers and/or patients of risks associated with their products. Therefore, you can hold CooperSurgical, Inc. accountable for the harm done to you by filing a product liability lawsuit with the help of a professional attorney.
If your case is resolved in your favor, the court and jury may deem you eligible to be compensated for damages related to the ParaGard® IUD injuries you suffered. For instance, you could be compensated for any required medical procedures and expenses, pain and suffering from having to undergo such trauma, lost wages due to time missed from work, and more.
It is recommended to work with a legal professional, as large corporations tend to have substantial amounts of money at their disposal, allowing them to hire expensive attorneys to squash your legal claim. A lawyer on your side can stand up against these corporations, as well as help you uncover evidence for your case.
Fighting for Safe Birth Control
Ashcraft & Gerel cares about the reproductive rights of all individuals, and we believe that those seeking birth control should be fully and adequately warned of any risks associated with the method they choose. Our award-winning attorneys will stand by your side during every step of the legal process, listening to the details of your case with an empathetic ear. We understand the trauma that can accompany ParaGard® IUD injuries and are committed to providing caring legal counsel to our clients. You can trust us to fight tooth and nail for your rights.
