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Paragard IUD lawsuit: breakage claims and trial results
Lawsuits claim the Paragard copper IUD can break during removal, leaving pieces in the uterus that may require surgery. Federal cases are grouped in Atlanta. The first bellwether trial in 2026 ended in a verdict for the manufacturer.
By SettlementLift. Published · Updated .
What is alleged
Plaintiffs allege that an arm of the T-shaped device can break off during removal and that the manufacturers, Teva and CooperSurgical, did not adequately warn about the risk or design the device safely.
The federal MDL
MDL 2974 is before Judge Leigh Martin May in the Northern District of Georgia. The federal panel reported 4,224 pending cases as of October 1, 2026.
JPML: Pending MDL dockets by actions pending (October 1, 2026) ↗Trial results so far
The first bellwether trial ended in early 2026 with a defense verdict. The second bellwether was moved to April 2027. A single verdict does not decide other cases, but it can affect settlement talks.
Records that matter
Insertion and removal records, imaging showing a retained fragment, operative reports for any procedure to remove it, and the device’s lot information if available.
Deadlines
Each state sets its own filing deadline, and the clock often starts when you knew or should have known about the injury and its possible cause. Joining an MDL does not pause your state’s deadline, so ask a lawyer promptly if you are considering a claim.
Talking to a lawyer
Mass tort lawyers usually work on contingency, meaning they are paid a percentage of any recovery. Ask how the fee is calculated, which costs you could owe, whether your case would be filed in the MDL or in state court, and who will handle it day to day. SettlementLift is not a law firm and does not take or refer these cases.
ABA: Questions to ask a lawyer ↗Frequently asked questions
Has there been a Paragard settlement?
No global settlement had been announced as of October 19, 2026.
Does a broken Paragard always mean surgery?
Not always. Some fragments are removed in the office, while others need hysteroscopy or laparoscopy. Your records will show what was required.