South Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog
Contraceptives, such as intrauterine devices (IUD), undoubtedly provide women and families with life-changing benefits. However, in some cases, users may suffer severe and adverse side effects from these devices. Those who suffer injuries because of a defective medical device should contact a Florida products liability attorney to discuss their rights and remedies. In some cases, a person’s unique biological makeup may make them susceptible to side effects. However, in other cases, a manufacturing or design defect may make these medical devices unreasonably dangerous.
IUDs were introduced into the market in the 1950s, when the demand for effective birth control became more apparent. While there have been many advances to these devices since that time, there have also been significant injuries and lawsuits linked to these products. The most recent IUD lawsuit involves the Paraguard. According to consumers and medical providers, the plastic prongs at the end of the device become brittle over time and may snap off and become embedded and pierce the uterus. The design flaw has resulted in a wave of new IUD lawsuits throughout the country.
The majority of lawsuits associated with the Paraguard allege design defects, manufacturing defects, failure to warn claims, and negligence on the part of the manufacturers. Claimants argue that they had to undergo an invasive procedure to remove the arms of the device. Some women had to undergo hysteroscopies, laparoscopies, and even hysterectomies. In cases where surgeons could not retrieve the pieces, women suffered severe bleeding, spotting, pelvic inflammatory disease, infections, organ damage, and infertility. Despite these incidents and lawsuits, the device remains on the market. The manufacturers recalled one batch of devices related to sterility and not the design defect.
Injury victims should contact an attorney to determine whether filing a lawsuit is right in their case. Attorneys can assess a case by evaluating the unique circumstances of the victim’s injuries. The viability of a case may hinge on the reasons a person chose to use the device, if the device was removed earlier than anticipated, the complications the victim experienced during or after removal, hospitalizations related to the device, and any warnings received by their doctor. Those who suffered losses because of the defective product may be entitled to medical expenses, loss of wages and benefits, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium damages.
Have You Suffered Injuries Because of a Defective Contraceptive?
If you or someone you love has suffered injuries or died because of a defective medical device, the Florida product liability attorneys at Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada may be able to help. The attorneys at our law firm understand the devastating impact that a defective product or medical device can have on a persona and their loved ones. We work to ensure that our clients recover the compensation they deserve after these tragic incidents. Our office handles various personal injury claims involving defective products, motor vehicle accidents, medical negligence, and wrongful death. There are various forms of compensation available to injury victims, and our attorneys can help you understand your rights and remedies. Contact our office at 877-448-8585 to schedule a free initial consultation with a member of our legal team.