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Paragard IUD breakage lawsuit eligibility criteria determine whether you can file a legal claim after your device fractured during removal. Thousands of women have reported that the copper T-shaped IUD broke apart when their doctor tried to take it out. Broken pieces of plastic or copper can become embedded in the uterus. Some fragments migrate to other organs. As a result, many women have needed additional surgeries — including hysterectomy.
The Paragard IUD is manufactured by CooperSurgical, which purchased the product from Teva Pharmaceutical Industries in 2017 for $1.1 billion. Both companies are named as defendants in federal litigation. Understanding paragard iud breakage lawsuit eligibility criteria is the first step toward knowing your legal options. Currently, approximately 3,984 cases are pending in the federal multidistrict litigation (MDL No. 2974) in the Northern District of Georgia.
What Caused Paragard IUD Breakage and Why Are Women Filing Lawsuits?
The Paragard IUD was FDA-approved in 1984. It uses a copper coil wrapped around a T-shaped plastic frame. The device is designed to last up to 10 years. However, plaintiffs allege the plastic arms become brittle over time. This brittleness causes them to snap during standard removal procedures. The core legal claim is a design defect. Women argue the manufacturer knew the material degraded but failed to warn patients or doctors adequately.
The FDA’s adverse event reporting system has logged over 9,600 reports of Paragard breakage between 2009 and late 2025. The majority of those reports were classified as “serious.” In response, the FDA investigated and approved updated warning language in 2022. The new label states that breakage during removal “has been reported.” However, no formal recall has been issued. For many women reviewing paragard iud breakage lawsuit eligibility criteria, this FDA acknowledgment strengthens their potential claims.
Understanding Paragard IUD Breakage Lawsuit Eligibility Criteria
Meeting paragard iud breakage lawsuit eligibility criteria typically requires several key factors. First, you must have had a Paragard IUD that broke during or after removal. Second, you must have suffered a documented injury as a result. Third, your claim must fall within your state’s statute of limitations. In most cases, the statute of limitations ranges from 2 to 4 years. The clock usually starts from the date you discovered (or should have discovered) that your injury was linked to the device.
The types of injuries that qualify vary in severity. The following table outlines common injury categories and projected case values based on attorney estimates:
| Injury Category | Examples | Estimated Case Value |
|---|---|---|
| Severe | Hysterectomy, permanent infertility, organ damage | $100,000 – $380,000 |
| Moderate | Multiple surgical procedures, chronic pain, infection | $40,000 – $75,000 |
| Mild | Single procedure to remove fragments, no lasting complications | Around $10,000 |
It is important to note that no global settlement has been reached as of May 2026. These figures are attorney projections, not guaranteed amounts. The first bellwether trial in February 2026 resulted in a defense verdict. However, additional trials are scheduled for Fall 2026. Paragard iud breakage lawsuit eligibility criteria may also be affected by your state’s laws. For example, Judge May has already dismissed cases from Alabama, Idaho, Michigan, Mississippi, New York, Texas, and Virginia as time-barred. Filing promptly is critical.
What Steps Should You Take If Your Paragard IUD Broke?
If you believe you meet the paragard iud breakage lawsuit eligibility criteria, take action quickly. First, gather your medical records. You need documentation showing the Paragard was implanted, when removal was attempted, and what injuries occurred. Typically, operative reports and imaging studies are the most important records. Request records from every provider who treated you for complications.
Second, do not discard any device fragments. If your doctor recovered broken pieces, those fragments may serve as physical evidence. As a result, preserving them could strengthen your case significantly. Third, consult with a mass tort attorney experienced in medical device litigation. Most attorneys handling Paragard cases work on a contingency basis. This means you pay nothing upfront.
Time matters when evaluating paragard iud breakage lawsuit eligibility criteria. Each state has its own filing deadline. The discovery rule may extend your window, but courts apply it strictly. For example, if imaging revealed retained fragments years ago and you did not act, a court might find you waited too long. Consulting an attorney early helps you understand exactly where you stand. The paragard iud breakage lawsuit eligibility criteria can be complex, but thousands of women have successfully filed claims in this MDL.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I meet the paragard iud breakage lawsuit eligibility criteria?
You likely qualify if your Paragard broke during removal and caused injury requiring medical treatment. However, you must also file within your state’s statute of limitations. Typically, this is 2 to 4 years from the date you discovered the injury.
Is there a settlement for Paragard lawsuits yet?
No global settlement has been reached as of May 2026. The first bellwether trial in February 2026 ended in a defense verdict. However, additional trials are expected in Fall 2026, and paragard iud breakage lawsuit eligibility criteria continue to be refined through ongoing court rulings.
What should I do if my Paragard broke years ago?
Consult an attorney immediately. The discovery rule may still allow you to file, depending on when you learned the breakage was linked to a device defect. However, courts in several states have already dismissed late-filed cases. As a result, acting quickly is essential even if your injury occurred years ago. Reviewing the paragard iud breakage lawsuit eligibility criteria with legal counsel is the best way to determine your options.
Check If You Qualify
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Official Sources & Resources
For verified mass tort and legal information:
- JPML (Case Data): jpml.uscourts.gov
- U.S. Department of Justice: justice.gov
- Cornell Law Institute: law.cornell.edu
- NCSL (State Laws): ncsl.org
- FDA Recalls & Safety: fda.gov
Content last reviewed May 2026. If you notice any outdated information, please contact us.
Related Guides
- Complete Mass Tort Guide
- All Active MDL Cases
- State Tort Reform Laws
- Eligibility Quiz Tool
- Damage Cap Lookup Tool
Attorney Advertising. The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by accessing or using this content. Every case is unique, and results depend on the specific facts and circumstances involved. Past settlement amounts and case outcomes do not guarantee similar results in your case. If you believe you have a legal claim, you should consult with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction who can evaluate your specific situation.