Thousands of women have filed lawsuits against Paragard intrauterine device (IUD) manufacturers, claiming the device can break during removal and cause serious injury. The lawsuits allege that the manufacturers failed to warn patients and doctors about the risks, leading to emergency surgeries, infertility, and long-term health complications.
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Paragard, a hormone-free copper IUD, is marketed as a safe and effective form of long-term birth control. However, many women have discovered that the device’s plastic arms are prone to snapping off when it is removed, often becoming embedded in the uterus. In many cases, surgery is required to retrieve the broken pieces. Sometimes, they cannot be removed at all.
The lawsuits against CooperSurgical and former manufacturer Teva Pharmaceuticals claim the device was defectively designed, inadequately tested, and deceptively marketed. Although Paragard is still on the market and has not been recalled by the FDA, the number of injury reports and legal claims continues to rise.
For those who suffered complications after a Paragard IUD broke during removal, legal action may be a way to recover compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages. At Ankin Law, we represent individuals harmed by dangerous medical devices—and we’re here to help you understand your rights. Call us at 312-600-0000 for a free consultation.
What You Need to Know About Paragard IUDs
Paragard is a small T-shaped plastic device wrapped with copper wire. It’s inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider to prevent pregnancy. Unlike hormonal IUDs, Paragard uses copper to create an inflammatory reaction that is toxic to sperm, preventing fertilization. Since its approval by the FDA in 1984, Paragard has been a popular choice among women seeking long-lasting, hormone-free contraception.
Manufactured by CooperSurgical (and previously by Teva Pharmaceuticals), Paragard was widely marketed as safe and effective. However, reports have surfaced over the years suggesting that Paragard may not be as safe as claimed—particularly during the removal process.
Why Are Women Filing Paragard Lawsuits?
The primary allegation in Paragard lawsuits is that the IUD can break during removal, leaving pieces of the device lodged in the uterus. These fragments can be difficult or impossible to remove without surgery. In some cases, the breakage has caused internal injuries, scarring, infertility, and other complications.
Plaintiffs in the lawsuits argue that:
- Paragard is prone to breaking during removal, even when the device is used correctly.
- The manufacturers failed to adequately warn healthcare providers and patients of this risk.
- The device’s design is defective and unreasonably dangerous.
- Patients were not given the information they needed to make informed decisions about their health.
These are not isolated incidents. The FDA has received thousands of reports of Paragard devices breaking during removal, and many more have likely gone unreported.
What Happens When a Paragard IUD Breaks?
Paragard is supposed to be removed by gently pulling on the device’s strings during an office visit. When the IUD functions as intended, the arms of the T-shaped device should fold upward to allow for safe removal. But many women have reported that the arms snapped off during the process.
When a Paragard IUD breaks, the remaining fragments may become embedded in the uterine wall. In some cases, pieces have migrated to other areas of the body. Complications reported in these cases include:
- Severe pelvic pain
- Heavy bleeding
- Perforation of the uterus
- Infection
- Damage to reproductive organs
- Infertility
- Need for additional procedures such as hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, or even hysterectomy
Some patients required multiple surgeries to locate and remove the broken pieces. Others were told that removal was impossible and would live with the fragments indefinitely.
What Do the Lawsuits Claim?
The lawsuits against CooperSurgical and Teva Pharmaceuticals generally fall under product liability law. Plaintiffs allege that the companies are liable for injuries caused by the design and marketing of Paragard. The core claims include:
Design Defect
Plaintiffs argue that Paragard’s design is inherently flawed. The plastic used in the device becomes brittle over time, increasing the risk that the arms will break during removal. The device’s structure does not allow for safe disassembly or easy retrieval of broken parts, making breakage dangerous.
Failure to Warn
Many lawsuits allege that the manufacturers failed to properly warn patients and healthcare providers about the risk of breakage. The product labeling downplays the risk and provides no clear guidance on how to handle breakage if it occurs. Women were told the device could be easily removed, but were not warned of the possibility of surgical intervention.
Negligence
Plaintiffs claim that the companies failed to conduct sufficient testing, failed to monitor adverse events, and continued to market the device despite knowing about serious safety concerns.
Breach of Warranty and Misrepresentation
Some Paragard lawsuits include claims that the manufacturers misrepresented the product’s safety and durability in advertising, promotional materials, and labeling.
Has the FDA Recalled Paragard?
As of April 2025, the FDA has not issued a recall of Paragard IUDs due to breakage during removal. However, the agency has acknowledged receiving a significant number of adverse event reports. Between 2010 and 2019, the FDA’s MAUDE database logged over 1,600 reports of Paragard breakage. The real number is likely higher, given the known issue of underreporting in medical device incidents.
Some critics argue that the FDA should have issued stronger warnings or required additional testing. Others point to the fact that Teva Pharmaceuticals sold the rights to Paragard to CooperSurgical in 2017, raising questions about whether the companies sought to offload liability.
Who Can File a Paragard Lawsuit?
If you used a Paragard IUD and experienced breakage during removal, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. Plaintiffs typically meet the following criteria:
- You were implanted with a Paragard IUD
- The device broke during or after removal
- You suffered injury or required medical intervention as a result
- You are within the statute of limitations for your state
Each state has its own deadlines for filing product liability claims, so it’s important to act quickly if you believe you may have a case. A product liability attorney at Ankin Law can review your situation and determine whether you qualify to file a lawsuit.
Is There a Class Action Lawsuit Against Paragard?
Paragard lawsuits are currently being handled as part of multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. MDLs allow individual plaintiffs with similar claims to consolidate pretrial proceedings while preserving the right to pursue their individual cases.
The Paragard MDL has grown to include more than 2,000 plaintiffs. Unlike class action lawsuits, where a single verdict applies to everyone, mass tort cases are resolved individually. This means that compensation varies depending on the specifics of each case, including the severity of injuries and medical costs incurred.
What Compensation Is Available in the Paragard Lawsuits?
Women who file Paragard lawsuits may seek compensation for:
- Medical bills for surgeries, follow-up care, and future treatment
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
- Permanent injuries or infertility
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages (in some cases)
Paragard settlement amounts will depend on the extent of the injuries, the strength of the evidence, and other factors. Some plaintiffs may receive settlements before trial, while others may go to court to seek damages.
What Should You Do If You Think You Have a Claim?
If you believe Paragard caused you harm, the first step is to gather your medical records and seek advice from our defective medical device lawyers. We will evaluate your case, help you understand your legal rights, and determine the best course of action.
At Ankin Law, we fight for patients who trusted medical device manufacturers to tell the truth. If you suffered complications from a Paragard IUD, you may be entitled to financial compensation. You don’t have to go through this alone. Call us at 312-600-0000.
Why Choose Ankin Law?
Ankin Law, based in Chicago, has been protecting the rights of the injured for decades. With over 150 years of combined experience, our attorneys understand the pain, disruption, and medical costs that come with a defective medical device. Our legal team is committed to holding negligent manufacturers accountable and securing meaningful results for the people we serve.
We are currently reviewing claims involving Paragard IUD breakage and related injuries. If you’ve been affected, our lawyers can walk you through your options and help you determine whether you have a valid Paragard injury claim. We serve clients nationwide, offer free consultations, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
