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Written By: Robert King, Esq.
The Paragard IUD Lawsuit Is An Active Lawsuit
See If You Qualify!

Thousands of women have filed lawsuits against the maker of Paragard, a hormone-free intrauterine device (IUD) used for preventing pregnancy. The copper device has been used for decades, receiving approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1984. However, Paragard carries the risk of serious side effects, including perforation of the uterus, migration of the device, infertility, and infection.

Lawsuits allege that the manufacturer, CooperSurgical, knew or should have known about the risks associated with the device and failed to warn patients and providers about the potential for harm. Individuals who have suffered physical or mental harm after using Paragard IUD may be eligible to file a lawsuit and receive compensation. Lawsuit settlements can help cover short- and long-term costs associated with Paragard-related injuries.

This page will discuss why people are filing Paragard IUD lawsuits, how a lawyer can help, and who may be eligible for a settlement.

How A Paragard Lawyer Can Help Your Case

Women who experienced injuries after having a Paragard IUD inserted may be able to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer of the device. However, without the help of a qualified attorney, affected individuals may not get the compensation they deserve. An experienced attorney can help women understand if they are eligible to file a lawsuit, help them file a lawsuit, and advocate for them throughout the legal process.

When retaining an attorney to represent your Paragard case, it is imperative to retain a firm that has extensive experience holding large pharmaceutical companies accountable for their wrongdoing. Experience often proves critical in cases related to defective medical devices, like Paragard. It is important to act quickly, as women harmed by a Paragard IUD have a limited amount of time to file a claim for damages. Our legal partners at King Law have that experience and are ready to support women harmed by Paragard.

Paragard Lawsuit Update – July 2025 Update

June 2, 2025: Paragard IUD Products Liability MDL Sits at More Than 3,300 Pending Lawsuits

As of June 2, 2025, MDL No. 2974 – In Re: Paragard IUD Products Liability Litigation currently has 3,330 pending actions, down only slightly from its historical number of total actions (3,573). The MDL has continued to move forward with the first bellwether trial, expected to begin in January 2026.

September 19, 2024: Report Indicates More Than 7,000 Adverse Reports Received by FDA About Paragard

Reporting by Spotlight on America indicates there have been more than 7,000 adverse event reports related to Paragard breakage received by the FDA. In 2021, the reports prompted the FDA to initiate a “safety review of IUD breakage. The investigation was kept quiet, but it resulted in new labeling for the non-hormonal contraceptive device.

October 31, 2022: Study Shows Copper IUDs Have High Chance of Breakage Compared to Hormonal IUDs

A study published in Contraception shows that copper IUDs have a breakage rate of 9.6%, compared to hormonal IUDs, which have a breakage rate of 1 to 2%. The study used IUD device breakage reports from the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERs). The data revealed that there was a disproportionate number of breakage reports for copper IUD devices, in contrast to their hormonal counterparts.

December 16, 2020: MDL Ordered Consolidating Paragard Lawsuits

In December 2020, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation ordered the transfer of 55 pending actions (lawsuits) to the Northern District of Georgia. The order established MDL No. 2974 – In Re: Paragard IUD Products Liability Litigation. Judge Leigh Martin May was selected to preside over the litigation.

September 11, 2017: Teva Sells Paragard to CooperSurgical

In September 2017, Teva Pharmaceuticals announced the sale of its intrauterine copper contraceptive, Paragard, to CooperSurgical for $1.1 billion. The sale was part of the company’s plan to divest non-core assets. Teva is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, responsible for manufacturing a number of generic drugs in addition to the Paragard IUD device until its sale in 2017.

About the Paragard IUD Lawsuit

About the Paragard Lawsuit

Thousands of women in the U.S. have reported serious injuries related to the Paragard IUD. The device has been linked to fertility issues, organ perforation, device migration, and severe infection. Lawsuits filed against CooperSurgical, the manufacturer of Paragard, allege that the company knew or should have known about the risks associated with the device and failed to properly warn consumers about the potentially dangerous side effects.

Women who were injured after having a Paragard IUD implanted may be entitled to compensation. Damages in a birth control lawsuit may include compensation for medical bills, lost wages, future treatments, and pain and suffering. Many women were deeply impacted by the defective copper contraceptive devices, suffering long-term physical, emotional, and mental harm as a result of the conduct of CooperSurgical and the device’s previous manufacturer Teva Pharmaceuticals.

What is the Paragard IUD?

The Paragard IUD is an intrauterine copper contraceptive. It was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1984. It is a form of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). Despite growing concerns over the safety of the device, it remains on the market. Paragard has been touted as the only non-hormonal IUD on the market. It is designed as a long-term contraceptive (birth control) device that can prevent pregnancy for up to 12 years.

Marketing campaigns suggest that the device is over 99% effective. It must be inserted by a healthcare provider. Women who experience adverse effects after having the device inserted or removed are encouraged to seek legal advice. Depending on the situation, a plaintiff may qualify for compensation to help cover injury-related costs, pain and suffering, and money related to lost wages.

What Are The Common Side Effects of the Paragard IUD?

According to the manufacturer, there are a number of common side effects that women may experience after a Paragard IUD is inserted. It is essential to discuss any new or worsening symptoms with your healthcare provider to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment of Paragard complications.

Common side effects of Paragard IUD:

  • Anemia (low blood count)
  • Expulsion
  • Painful sex
  • Spotting
  • Prolonged periods
  • Painful periods
  • Vaginal irritation or discharge
  • Backaches or cramping
  • Pain

What Are the Serious Side Effects of the Paragard IUD?

In some cases, women may experience serious side effects after insertion of a Paragard IUD. These complications may cause long-term pain and discomfort. When Paragard IUDs break or fracture, some women had to endure painful and invasive surgeries due to perforations in tissue, uterus, or other organs.

Serious side effects associated with Paragard:

  • Ectopic or intrauterine pregnancy
  • Sepsis
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and Endometritis
  • Embedment of the device
  • Perforation of an organ

At King Law, our experienced attorneys are accepting cases with the following injuries:

  • Adhesions/scarring: Research shows that the copper device is prone to breakage. When broken, pieces of the device may cause scarring or adhesions to the uterus and surrounding tissue.
  • Infection: Serious infections have been reported after Paragard IUD insertion. These infections can increase the risk of sepsis, a potentially life-threatening blood infection.
  • Intestinal perforations or obstruction: If the non-hormonal IUD breaks or migrates, it can perforate the intestines or cause an obstruction, leading to serious complications.
  • Uterine punctures or tears: Breakage of the device can puncture the uterus or cause the organ to tear, resulting in substantial pain and discomfort and surgery.
  • Ectopic pregnancy: An ectopic pregnancy, or one that develops outside of the uterus, can be life-threatening and should be treated immediately by a healthcare professional.
  • Abscesses: The device can cause internal abscesses, which can lead to infection.
  • Chronic pain: A common complaint after IUD insertion is chronic, sometimes debilitating pain.
  • Device breakage: Studies show that the device is prone to breakage. When broken, the device can cause serious damage to the uterus and other internal organs.

How Common is Paragard Breakage?

An in-depth study of adverse event reports to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration found a disproportionate number of breakage reports related to copper IUDs, compared to hormonal IUDs. The study indicated the FDA Adverse Reporting System had received 4,144 breakage reports for copper IUD contraceptives, as opposed to 2,140 for hormonal IUDs. Additionally, the study found that copper IUD breaks accounted for nearly 10% of the adverse events, compared to 1 to 2% of hormonal IUDs.

Accusations Against CooperSurgical and Teva Pharmaceuticals

Lawsuits filed against the manufacturer of Paragard IUD, CooperSurgical (formerly Teva Pharmaceuticals), allege that the company knew or should have known about the risks associated with using the device and failed to warn consumers. Specifically, the complaints accuse the company of manufacturing a product with a defective design since it is prone to breakage.

Allegations made against the manufacturer of Paragard IUD:

  • Paragard IUD contains a dangerous design defect in that it is prone to breaking, resulting in serious injuries.
  • The companies engaged in deceptive marketing practices by marketing to consumers and providers that the device is safe and effective and had fewer side effects than competing birth control methods.
  • Marketing and promotional efforts produced by the manufacturers downplayed the risk of harm associated with the device.
  • The manufacturers withheld safety information from patients and providers.
  • CooperSurgical and Teva Pharmaceuticals knew or should have known that the device could cause serious harm since it was prone to breakage.
  • The defendants were aware of the risks, having conducted trials and received complaints about the device.
  • Product warnings for the device were vague, incomplete, or inadequate.

Paragard Copper Toxicity Lawsuit

It is generally accepted that the copper used in Paragard IUDs is considered safe. Existing lawsuits, therefore, are not centered on the toxicity of the copper used in the devices. Therefore, people who suffer from a known allergy to copper or Wilson’s Disease, a rare condition that causes copper to build up in certain organs, are not good candidates for a copper-based IUD and may need to consider alternative methods of birth control.

Paragard IUD Lawsuit Eligibility

To file a Paragard IUD lawsuit, plaintiffs must meet certain eligibility requirements. In order to file a Paragard lawsuit, you must be able to show that you had the Paragard copper IUD inserted by a healthcare provider. You must also be able to prove that the device broke, migrated, or caused injury. Finally, you will need to show actual losses that resulted from the defective device.

Eligible Paragard IUD injuries:

  • Adhesions/scarring
  • Infection requiring hospitalization
  • Intestinal perforations or obstruction
  • Uterine punctures or tears
  • Ectopic pregnancy
  • Oophorectomy (removal of ovary)
  • Hysterectomy (removal of uterus)
  • Abscesses
  • Chronic pain
  • Blood transfusion
  • Hysteroscopy
  • Ablation
  • Device breakage
  • Death

What Evidence Do You Need to File a Paragard Lawsuit?

When filing a lawsuit related to the Paragard IUD, women will need to collect certain evidence to support their cases. It is critical to work with an attorney to ensure that all necessary documents are gathered prior to filing and that additional evidence that may help to substantiate your case is requested.

Evidence that may be necessary in a Paragard IUD lawsuit:

  • Medical record
  • Doctor notes
  • Proof of lost wages
  • Documents proving pain and suffering
  • Financial statements
  • Proof of income
  • Personal statements
  • Witness statements

Paragard IUD Lawsuit Settlement Amounts

Settlements in a Paragard IUD lawsuit may range from $100,000 to $400,000, but some amounts may be higher or lower depending on each woman’s circumstances. Several factors may impact the final settlement amount, including the severity of the injury, impact to your quality of life, and strength of the case.

Factors that may affect the payout a woman receives in a Paragard lawsuit:

  • Severity of the injury: One of the primary determinants in Paragard IUD lawsuits is the severity of the injury. The more serious the injury, such as having to have a hysterectomy, the higher the potential settlement.
  • Strength of the case: Another influencing factor is the strength of the case. Successful claims are generally supported by substantial evidence that helps to prove the claim.
  • Quality of life: If your Paragard IUD injuries impacted your quality of life, you may qualify for a larger settlement.
  • Legal precedents: Prior court decisions on related cases may give insight into how a jury may decide your case.
  • Out-of-pocket losses: Finally, extensive out-of-pocket losses can increase your overall settlement.

How Much Time Do You Have to File a Paragard Lawsuit?

Statutes of limitation in a Paragard IUD lawsuit are state-specific. These legal deadlines must be met or the case may be at risk of being dismissed. Statutes of limitations generally range from 1 to 6 years for product liability and personal injury lawsuits. In general, the timeline begins when the injury is discovered; however, there are exceptions under some circumstances. All cases should be handled by a qualified attorney who can help to navigate the complex nature of legal deadlines.

How Do You Sign Up for a Paragard IUD Lawsuit?

There are several steps to follow to sign up for a Paragard IUD lawsuit. It is essential to work with an experienced attorney who can walk you through the legal process and help to ensure you receive the financial recovery you need and deserve.

Steps for filing a Paragard lawsuit:

  • Request a free case evaluation to determine eligibility.
  • Choose an attorney to represent you throughout the proceedings.
  • Gather evidence related to your case, including allowing your attorney access to your medical records.
  • Assist with providing answers to any requests for information.
  • File the case in court.

Prior to filing, your attorney may have you complete a Plaintiff Fact Sheet and a Short Form Complaint to help ensure your claim does not get rejected based on improper or missing information.

Hire a Paragard Lawyer to Get the Compensation You Deserve

In order to get the compensation you deserve, it is strongly recommended that you retain an experienced attorney. The attorneys at King Law are well-versed in lawsuits against medical device manufacturers. They offer free case evaluations to help individuals affected by Paragard IUD injuries determine whether they are eligible to take legal action. The legal team at King Law is highly experienced with a strong track record of holding pharmaceutical companies accountable for their wrongdoing.

Cases are handled on a contingency-fee basis, meaning there are no fees unless money is recovered on the client’s behalf. Women who suffered harm after having a Paragard IUD are encouraged to call (585) 496-2648 to schedule a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are there any lawsuits against Paragard IUD?
Thousands of women across the country have filed lawsuits against the manufacturer of Paragard IUD. More than 3,300 claims have been consolidated into a federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) out of the Northern District of Georgia. Cases are currently still being accepted.
Why is there a lawsuit against Paragard?
Plaintiffs allege that the manufacturer knew or should have known that the Paragard IUD was prone to breakage during removal and could cause substantial harm. The manufacturer, however, failed to warn providers and patients about the potential danger of using the device, leading to questions over whether the device contained a defect.
What are the dangers of Paragard?
Dangers of Paragard include that the device may break or fracture, particularly during removal. If the device fractures, it may cause pieces to perforate organs, migrate, or cause an infection. While some side effects with Paragard are normal, some are dangerous and may become life-threatening.
Is there a lawsuit against the copper IUD?
There are thousands of lawsuits filed against the maker of the copper IUD, Paragard. However, the lawsuits are based on the fact that the device is prone to breakage and not that it contains copper.
Is there a recall on the Paragard IUD?
Currently, there has not been a recall on the Paragard IUD. However, the FDA did issue a safety warning related to the device.
Can Paragard break during removal?
Studies show that Paragard may break during removal, resulting in serious harm. Some injuries are so severe that they leave permanent damage or scarring.
What happens if Paragard breaks during removal?
If Paragard breaks during removal, it may migrate, perforate an organ, or cause serious infection. It is important to report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.
Is the copper IUD toxic?
Copper can cause a reaction with the sperm; however, it is not toxic for human exposure, under most circumstances. Current lawsuits are focused on side effects due to device breakage.
What is the lawsuit for Paragard copper toxicity?
The current lawsuit is focused on the device’s propensity to break during removal, not the toxicity of the copper.
Whom can I sue if my Paragard IUD breaks?
Under most circumstances, you would take legal action against the manufacturer of the device, CooperSurgical.
Is there a deadline to file a Paragard lawsuit?
The deadline to file a Paragard lawsuit is state-specific and may be between 1 and 6 years from the date the injury is discovered. It is important to discuss legal deadlines with an attorney as early in the process as possible.
Do I need an attorney to file a Paragard lawsuit?
It is strongly recommended that women affected by Paragard-related injuries consult and retain an attorney. Defective medical device lawsuits can be complicated and should be handled by a lawyer with extensive experience in the area.