Paragard IUD lawsuit claims have been filed by thousands of women who experienced serious injuries when their copper IUD fractured during removal. The Paragard intrauterine device, manufactured by CooperSurgical and formerly by Teva Pharmaceuticals, is the only hormone-free IUD approved in the United States. However, plaintiffs allege the device has a dangerous tendency to break apart inside the body.
Broken fragments can embed in the uterine wall or migrate to other organs. As a result, many women have required invasive surgery to retrieve these pieces. If you experienced complications from a broken Paragard device, you may qualify to file a claim.
Case Timeline
Last checked: July 10, 2026
What Is the Paragard IUD Lawsuit About?
| MDL Detail | Current Data |
|---|---|
| MDL Number | MDL-2974 |
| Pending Cases | 4,111 |
| Presiding Judge | Leigh Martin May |
| Federal District | N.D. Ga. |
| Data Source | U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation |
| Last Updated | July 06, 2026 |
The Paragard IUD is a T-shaped copper device inserted into the uterus for long-term birth control. It was originally manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals. CooperSurgical acquired the product in 2017. The device is designed to last up to 10 years. However, thousands of women report that it fractures during routine removal.
When the device breaks, plastic arms or copper fragments can remain inside the body. These fragments may embed in the uterine wall. They can also migrate to the abdomen or other organs. Reported injuries include uterine perforation, organ damage, chronic pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, infections, and infertility. In most cases, additional surgery is needed to locate and remove the broken pieces. Some women have required hysterectomies as a direct result of device breakage.
The Paragard IUD lawsuit alleges that CooperSurgical and Teva knew about the breakage risk. Plaintiffs claim the manufacturers failed to adequately warn patients and doctors. They also allege the device has a design defect that makes it prone to fracturing. The FDA updated the Paragard warning label in 2019 and again in 2024 to include breakage risks. Despite this, the device has never been recalled. Research shows Paragard fractures at a rate of approximately 1.25%, compared to just 0.03% for hormonal IUDs like Mirena.
MDL Case Status and Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| MDL Number | MDL No. 2974 |
| Presiding Judge | Hon. Leigh Martin May |
| Federal District | U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia |
| Pending Cases | Approximately 3,982 (as of April 2026) |
| First Bellwether Trial | January 2026 (defense verdict) |
| Next Bellwether Trials | Rescheduled to fall 2026 |
| Defendants | CooperSurgical, Inc. and Teva Pharmaceuticals |
The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation consolidated all federal Paragard IUD lawsuit cases into MDL 2974 in December 2020. Judge Leigh Martin May oversees the litigation in the Northern District of Georgia. The FDA has received more than 7,000 adverse event reports of Paragard breakage through 2024. In 2023 alone, 1,231 breakage reports were filed — the highest single-year total on record.
The first bellwether trial began in January 2026 involving plaintiff Pauline Rickard. She alleged her Paragard broke during removal, requiring surgery. The jury returned a defense verdict in favor of Teva on February 4, 2026. However, Judge May noted that Teva’s attorneys made “very troubling” arguments during the trial. She warned that certain comparisons and statements may have improperly influenced the jury. The second and third bellwether trials, originally scheduled for spring 2026, have been pushed to fall 2026.
Who Qualifies for the Paragard IUD Lawsuit?
You might be eligible to join the Paragard IUD lawsuit if your device broke during removal. Typically, qualifying plaintiffs had the Paragard inserted and later experienced fracture during a removal attempt. The breakage must have caused documented medical complications. For example, retained fragments requiring surgical removal would typically qualify.
Injuries that may support a claim include uterine perforation, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic pain, heavy or irregular bleeding, infection, infertility, and the need for a hysterectomy. You will need medical records showing the device fractured. Imaging studies, surgical reports, and doctor’s notes documenting the breakage are important evidence. Records showing additional procedures to remove fragments strengthen a claim significantly.
There is no single time period that limits eligibility. Women who had Paragard inserted at any point may qualify if breakage occurred. However, statutes of limitations apply. In most states, the filing deadline runs two to four years from the date you discovered the injury. Some courts have ruled the clock starts when the device broke, not when later complications appeared. A licensed attorney can evaluate your specific timeline and determine whether your Paragard IUD lawsuit claim remains viable.
How to File a Paragard IUD Lawsuit Claim
The first step is to consult a licensed attorney who handles medical device litigation. Most Paragard attorneys offer free case evaluations. They typically work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront and the attorney collects a percentage only if you receive compensation. During your consultation, the attorney will review your medical history and determine if you have a viable claim.
After retaining an attorney, your case will likely be filed in the MDL 2974 proceedings in Georgia. Your lawyer will prepare and submit a Plaintiff Fact Sheet. This document details your medical history, the device implantation and removal dates, and the injuries you suffered. Gathering your medical records early speeds up this process. Keep all documentation related to your Paragard insertion, removal, and any follow-up procedures.
📨 Get Free Mass Tort Guides Alerts
Free · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime
Filing deadlines for the Paragard IUD lawsuit vary by state. Judge May has already dismissed claims from plaintiffs in New York, Idaho, Alabama, Mississippi, Michigan, Virginia, and Texas due to expired statutes of limitations. As a result, acting quickly is critical. Do not assume your deadline has passed without consulting an attorney. The discovery rule in your state may extend your filing window if you only recently learned of the connection between your injury and the device.
Settlement Updates and What to Expect
As of May 2026, there is no global settlement in the Paragard IUD lawsuit. Settlement negotiations typically accelerate after bellwether trials establish case values. The first bellwether resulted in a defense verdict. This outcome may affect the pace of negotiations. However, the judge’s sharp criticism of Teva’s trial conduct could influence future proceedings favorably for plaintiffs.
The next bellwether trials are scheduled for fall 2026. These cases will be closely watched by both sides. A plaintiff verdict could significantly increase settlement pressure on the defendants. In most cases, mass tort settlements are not finalized until multiple bellwether trials have concluded. The timeline for any global resolution remains uncertain.
Several factors will affect individual compensation amounts if a settlement is reached. These include the severity of injury, the type of surgery required, whether infertility resulted, the duration of symptoms, and the impact on quality of life. Settlement amounts in medical device cases vary widely based on individual circumstances. No specific payout is guaranteed, and each case is evaluated on its own merits. Consulting a licensed attorney is the best way to understand what your particular claim might be worth.
State-by-State Considerations
Although the Paragard IUD lawsuit is consolidated in federal MDL in Georgia, state laws still matter. Each plaintiff’s claim is governed by the tort laws of their home state. Statutes of limitations, damage caps, and comparative fault rules vary significantly. For example, some states cap non-economic damages in product liability cases. Others allow full recovery. These differences can substantially affect the value of your claim.
States with notable plaintiff counts in this litigation include Georgia, California, Texas, Florida, and New York. However, claims from several states have already been dismissed on statute of limitations grounds. State tort reform laws may also limit punitive damages or impose specific procedural requirements. You can learn how your state’s laws affect mass tort claims by visiting our state-by-state tort reform guides. A qualified attorney in your jurisdiction can explain how local rules apply to your Paragard IUD lawsuit specifically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Paragard IUD lawsuit still accepting new cases in 2026?
Yes, new Paragard IUD lawsuit cases are still being filed. However, statutes of limitations vary by state and some claims have already been dismissed for late filing. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to determine whether your claim is still within the filing window.
Has Paragard been recalled by the FDA?
No. The FDA has not recalled the Paragard IUD despite thousands of breakage reports. The agency updated the device’s warning label in 2019 and 2024 to include information about fracture risk. Paragard remains approved and available by prescription nationwide.
How long will the Paragard IUD lawsuit take to resolve?
The timeline remains uncertain. The first bellwether trial concluded in February 2026 with a defense verdict. Additional trials are scheduled for fall 2026. In most cases, mass tort litigation takes several years to reach a global settlement. Plaintiffs should prepare for a process that may extend into 2027 or beyond.
Check If You May Qualify
Mass tort eligibility depends on your specific exposure, injuries, and the state where you live. A licensed mass tort attorney can evaluate your situation at no upfront cost — most work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless you recover compensation.
Official Sources & Resources
For verified mass tort and MDL information:
- JPML: jpml.uscourts.gov — official MDL statistics and transfer orders
- DOJ: justice.gov — settlement announcements and press releases
- FDA: fda.gov — drug recalls, warning letters, and safety alerts
- CDC: cdc.gov — health condition data and exposure guidelines
- EPA: epa.gov — environmental contamination data
- Cornell LII: law.cornell.edu — plain-English legal definitions
Content last reviewed May 2026. This is general educational information, not legal advice. If you notice outdated information, please contact us.
Related Guides
- All Active MDL Cases
- More in This Category
- Tort Reform by State — 50-State Comparison
- All 50 State Tort Reform Guides
- Mass Tort Explainers
- Demographic Guides
- Mass Tort Tips
- New Jersey Tort Reform Guide
- North Carolina Tort Reform Guide
- Ohio Tort Reform Guide
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.