The Paragard IUD, a popular non-hormonal birth control device, has come under intense legal scrutiny in recent years. Women across the United States are filing lawsuits after experiencing serious injuries caused by the device—particularly when it breaks during removal. If you or someone you love suffered complications with a Paragard IUD, you may be entitled to compensation through an ongoing mass tort lawsuit.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know in 2025: how the Paragard IUD works, what the lawsuits claim, who qualifies to file, and how much plaintiffs could receive in settlements.
What Is the Paragard IUD?
The Paragard IUD is a small T-shaped birth control device made of plastic and wrapped in copper. It’s inserted into the uterus and can prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years. Unlike hormonal IUDs, Paragard uses copper to trigger an inflammatory reaction that is toxic to sperm.
Marketed as a safe, long-lasting contraceptive, Paragard has been widely used by women looking for a hormone-free option. However, recent reports suggest the device may not be as safe as once believed—particularly when it’s time for removal.
Why Are Women Filing Lawsuits?
The core of the lawsuits centers around the device fracturing during removal. Many women claim that one or both of the Paragard IUD’s arms snapped off during a routine extraction, sometimes embedding in the uterus or requiring invasive surgery.
Allegations against the manufacturer (Teva Pharmaceuticals, now CooperSurgical) include:
- Defective design and manufacturing
- Failure to warn about breakage risks
- Negligent marketing practices
- Lack of adequate removal instructions for healthcare providers
These complications have led to a range of injuries, including:
- Uterine perforation
- Severe pain and bleeding
- Infection
- Infertility
- The need for surgery, including hysterectomy
The lawsuits are currently consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in Georgia federal court, with thousands of cases pending as of 2025.
Who Is Eligible to File a Paragard Lawsuit?
You may qualify to join the lawsuit if:
- You had a Paragard IUD implanted between 2000 and 2023
- The device broke during removal or had complications while still inside
- You required surgical intervention or suffered physical injuries
- You have medical records or witness accounts documenting the injury
Even if the device was removed without immediate issues but later caused complications (such as scarring, infertility, or chronic pain), you may still be eligible to pursue a claim.
Is There a Class Action or Mass Tort?
The Paragard IUD cases are not part of a class action. Instead, they’re handled as a mass tort under MDL 2974 in the Northern District of Georgia. This allows each case to be reviewed on its own merits, with individualized settlements based on injury severity and evidence.
This distinction is important because it means:
- You may receive more personalized compensation
- Your lawyer can negotiate a specific payout based on your experience
- The case timeline may vary depending on your injuries and legal representation
Potential Payouts: What Could Victims Receive?
As of mid-2025, no global settlement has been finalized, but legal experts anticipate Paragard lawsuit settlements could fall within the following general range:
| Injury Severity | Estimated Settlement Range |
|---|---|
| Minor injury (pain, no surgery) | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Moderate injury (minor surgery) | $25,000 – $75,000 |
| Severe injury (hysterectomy, infertility) | $75,000 – $150,000+ |
| Extreme case (life-altering impact) | $150,000 – $250,000+ |
Keep in mind, these are projected estimates and can vary based on:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income or career impact
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term reproductive harm
What Evidence Do You Need?
To support your Paragard claim, gather the following documentation:
- Medical records showing insertion and removal
- Doctor’s notes about breakage or complications
- Surgical reports if procedures were required
- Photos or imaging showing device fragments
- Witness affidavits from care providers or family
- Out-of-pocket costs or lost wages due to recovery
The more comprehensive your file, the stronger your case for a fair settlement.
How to File a Paragard IUD Lawsuit
Filing a lawsuit is easier than you might think. Here’s a simple step-by-step:
1. Contact a Law Firm Specializing in Mass Torts
Many offer free consultations and work on contingency—meaning no upfront fees.
2. Share Your Medical History and Timeline
Be ready to discuss when the device was inserted, when it broke (or caused issues), and how it affected your health.
3. Sign a Retainer Agreement and Release Forms
This allows your lawyer to request records and begin building your case.
4. Submit Your Claim to the MDL Court
Your attorney will handle the filing and communication with the Georgia court overseeing the mass tort.
What If You’re Too Late?
Each state has a statute of limitations, typically 2 to 3 years from when you first noticed the injury. However, because the lawsuits are being filed in federal court as part of an MDL, some exceptions and extensions may apply.
If you’re unsure whether your case qualifies due to timing, consult an attorney immediately. They can determine whether your claim is still viable.
Can You Still File if You No Longer Have the Device?
Yes. Many women don’t have the device itself after removal, especially if it was broken or discarded. What matters most is medical proof of the device’s presence, complications, and resulting injuries. Imaging studies, operative reports, or post-procedure notes can serve as key evidence.
Final Thoughts
The Paragard IUD lawsuits are giving thousands of women a voice in the fight for medical accountability. If you’ve suffered due to a device that was supposed to protect your reproductive health but instead caused harm, you may have legal options.
As settlement talks continue into 2025, now is the time to get your case evaluated. Your story matters—and you deserve justice and fair compensation for what you’ve endured.