Teva Wins 1st Paragard IUD Trial: What 3,700+ Plaintiffs Need to Know

Breaking: First Paragard IUD Trial Verdict Delivered

The first bellwether trial in the massive Paragard IUD multidistrict litigation has concluded with a defense victory, raising critical questions for the over 3,700 pending lawsuits [2]. The Richard v. CooperSurgical trial, which commenced on January 20, 2026 [5], marks a pivotal moment in one of the largest medical device litigations currently proceeding in federal court.

This verdict comes as thousands of women across the United States continue to pursue legal action against manufacturers Teva Pharmaceuticals and CooperSurgical, alleging that the Paragard IUD is defectively designed and prone to breaking during removal, leading to serious internal injuries.

Current State of Paragard IUD Litigation

The Paragard IUD lawsuits have been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL No. 2974) in the Northern District of Georgia, before Judge Leigh Martin May [1]. As of December 2, 2025, the MDL includes 3,749 active lawsuits, with the number steadily increasing as more women come forward [2].

The litigation centers on allegations that the Paragard IUD is defectively designed and prone to breaking during removal, leading to serious internal injuries. Plaintiffs also claim that the manufacturers failed to adequately warn users about the risks associated with the device.

Judge May has ruled that claims against CooperSurgical can move forward on some grounds and has addressed issues related to expert witness records and deposition schedules. The court has established a bellwether trial schedule, with additional trials set for March 23, 2026, and May 18, 2026 [6].

Serious Injuries Alleged by Plaintiffs

The lawsuits report devastating injuries that have forever changed the lives of thousands of women. Documented injuries include uterine perforation, organ damage, infections, chronic pelvic pain, scarring, and infertility [3]. Many plaintiffs have required multiple surgeries to remove broken pieces of the device or repair internal injuries caused by fragments.

Clinical reports and studies support concerns about Paragard IUD complications, particularly fracturing and migration of broken pieces.

Additional research has shown the risks of expulsion and perforation associated with Paragard IUD use. A separate 2023 study revealed that copper IUDs like Paragard disrupted normal vaginal bacterial balance and showed significant increases in inflammatory markers in vaginal tissue.

Projected Settlement Values and What Plaintiffs Can Expect

Legal experts have developed a tiered system for estimating potential Paragard lawsuit settlements, with payouts varying dramatically based on injury severity. The projected settlement ranges offer hope for thousands of women seeking compensation:

Tier 1 cases involving permanent injury, multiple surgeries, and infertility are projected to settle between $100,000 and $380,000, with some cases potentially reaching $200,000 to $400,000 or more.

Tier 2 cases requiring surgical removal with moderate long-term effects are estimated at $40,000 to $75,000.

Tier 3 cases involving fragment removal without major complications are projected between $10,000 and $75,000.

These estimates depend heavily on factors including the severity of injury, strength of the individual case, and the outcomes of upcoming bellwether trials. A settlement mediator was appointed in February 2023, indicating the potential for settlement negotiations.

FDA Actions and Regulatory Response

The regulatory landscape surrounding Paragard has been marked by concerning developments. The FDA sent a warning letter to CooperSurgical in 2021 regarding the omission of risks in their marketing materials [4]. However, as of October 2025, neither CooperSurgical nor the FDA has recalled Paragard IUDs, even though the FDA sent a warning letter to CooperSurgical in 2021 regarding the omission of risks in their marketing materials [4].

This lack of decisive regulatory action has frustrated many plaintiffs and their attorneys, who argue that the mounting evidence of device failures warrants stronger intervention.

What This Defense Victory Means for Future Cases

While the defense victory in the first bellwether trial represents a setback for plaintiffs, legal experts caution against reading too much into a single verdict. Bellwether trials serve as test cases to help both sides evaluate the strength of their arguments and often lead to settlement negotiations.

The upcoming trials scheduled for March 23, 2026, and May 18, 2026 [6], will provide additional data points for assessing the overall viability of Paragard claims. These trials may feature different fact patterns, expert testimony, and legal strategies that could yield different outcomes.

Some lawyers continue to speculate that a global settlement could emerge in 2026, particularly as more bellwether trial results become available. The litigation is progressing with ongoing depositions of corporate witnesses and growing judicial scrutiny of the manufacturers' internal practices.

Corporate Response and Internal Documents

CooperSurgical maintains that the Paragard device is safe as labeled [7], despite mounting evidence of device failures. The company has not issued a recall of the Paragard IUD, continuing to market and sell the device. Paragard remains approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [8].

However, the litigation has revealed concerning internal practices. Plaintiffs' attorneys are interviewing representatives who worked for Paragard's manufacturer to investigate the rationale behind Paragard's label changes in 2019 and 2024. These label modifications are being scrutinized for potentially indicating the company's awareness of previously undisclosed risks.

Critical Next Steps for Current and Potential Plaintiffs

For the thousands of women involved in pending litigation, this first trial verdict underscores the importance of having experienced legal representation and strong medical documentation. The MDL remains active [1], and new cases continue to be filed as more women experience complications.

Women who have experienced Paragard complications should preserve all medical records, document their injuries thoroughly, and consult with qualified attorneys experienced in medical device litigation. The statute of limitations varies by state, making prompt legal consultation essential.

As this massive litigation continues to unfold, the outcomes of the March and May 2026 bellwether trials [6] will be critical in determining the ultimate fate of thousands of Paragard IUD claims and the potential for a comprehensive settlement that could provide justice for injured women nationwide.