The Paragard lawsuit involves thousands of plaintiffs filing product liability claims against Teva Pharmaceuticals and CooperSurgical, manufacturers of the Paragard copper intrauterine device (IUD). The litigation focuses on allegations that the Paragard IUD has a design defect causing the device to break during removal, leaving fragments embedded in women’s bodies and resulting in serious injuries such as organ damage, infertility, chronic pain, and infection.
Paragard Lawsuit
Since the consolidation of federal lawsuits into multidistrict litigation (MDL No. 2974) in the Northern District of Georgia, over 3,500 lawsuits have been filed by women who suffered adverse events related to Paragard. The first bellwether trial is scheduled to begin in January 2026 as courts continue discovery and expert depositions.
Key issues in the litigation include whether the design and manufacturing of Paragard were defective, whether the companies failed to provide adequate warnings about risks of breakage and complications, and whether the plaintiffs’ injuries were caused by the device.
Legal Claims and Allegations
Plaintiffs assert claims of defective product design, failure to warn, negligence, breach of warranty, and punitive damages against Teva and CooperSurgical. Central to their case is the contention that stronger, clearer warnings about the risk of device breakage could have influenced patients’ and doctors’ decisions.
Defendants maintain that Paragard is safe and effective when used as intended and dispute causation and defect allegations.
Impact and Litigation Updates
The Paragard litigation is significant both for the number of cases and its potential impact on the medical device industry, particularly involving non-hormonal contraceptives. The outcomes of bellwether trials will influence possible settlements and future claims processing.
Many plaintiffs have suffered physical and emotional harm from complications requiring surgical intervention after device breakage. Support organizations and legal representatives continue to assist affected women in pursuing their claims.
Conclusion
The Paragard lawsuit highlights the critical importance of thorough medical device safety evaluations, transparent risk communication, and manufacturing quality control. With trials scheduled and growing awareness, the litigation serves as a significant case study in product liability and consumer protection law.
Women affected by Paragard-related injuries are encouraged to consult experienced attorneys to explore their legal options and seek compensation.
