Do you use an IUD (Intrauterine Device) as a birth control mechanism? Or, are you perhaps considering getting one inserted as a birth control option?
What is a IUD?
Let’s start this discussion by describing the function and purpose of an Intrauterine Device (IUD).
WebMD.com describes a IUD as follows:
“IUD” stands for “intrauterine device.” Shaped like a “T” and a bit bigger than a quarter, an IUD fits inside your uterus. It prevents pregnancy by stopping sperm from reaching and fertilizing eggs.”
There are five different brands, four of which release small amounts of progestin into your body. These IUDs are similar to the birth control pill in that it’s the same hormone used in the pill. Thus, this mechanism works well as a contraceptive device, but it also functions to reduce heavy blood flow during menses (menstruation).
The fifth IUD is also known as the copper T. It is a hormone-free device manufactured from copper. In summary, the copper triggers your body’s immune system, which results in an inflammatory reaction by the lining of the uterus, destroying the sperm as it comes into contact with the uterus. This inflammatory reaction also prevents the fertilized ovum from attaching itself to the uterus wall.
The Paragard IUD
The Paragard IUD is the copper IUD. And it has been around since the 1980s, so problems with the device should be unexpected.
However, as per the Paragard lawsuit, one of the problems with this device in that it can fracture when inside the uterus, when it is inserted, or extracted from the body. The consequences of a broke Paragard IUD include major surgery to repair perforated organs, a hysterectomy because the uterus is too damaged to remain inside the body, and invasive surgery to retrieve the pieces of copper floating around inside your body.
Everything you need to know about the lawsuit
It is essential to note that the Paragard medical malpractice lawsuit is not a class action suit. Each of the victim’s or plaintiff’s claims remain separate. However, to speed up the process, a multidistrict litigation strategy will be pursued.
Here are a few of the other essential points to bear in mind:
Timeframe to file a lawsuit
The window or timeframe to file a lawsuit against the Paragard IUD manufacturers is only one or two years from the time of the injury. This time frame differs state by state. Therefore, it is critical to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
Damages claimed for
The attorneys who are filing these lawsuits on behalf of their clients are claiming financial compensation for pain and suffering, lost earnings, and medical bills resulting from a broken IUD. As an aside, these medical bills include fertility treatment.
The grounds for the lawsuit
Every lawsuit must have defendable grounds or reasons for filing the action in the civil courts. In this case, the lawsuit’s purposes demonstrate that the IUD had a manufacturing defect, its design was defective, and the manufacturer was negligent in that there are no warnings of risks on the product’s labeling.