.png)
Birmingham Birth Control Lawyers
What Happened With Essure Permanent Birth Control Lawsuits?
More than 3,700 women have filed personal injury lawsuits against the Bayer Group, alleging that use of the manufacturer’s metal permanent sterilization product Essure has caused injuries including hysterectomy, perforation, bleeding, weight gain, pain, depression and more. This implanted birth control, which consists of two metal coils that are implanted in the fallopian tubes and that prompt scarring to block tubes and prevent fertilization, continues to be sold on the market.
Essure’s problems have affected up to 4 percent of its more than 1 million users worldwide users, most of who are in the United States, and more than 16,000 reports of injuries or harm caused by Essure have been sent to the Federal and Drug Administration (FDA) in recent years. According to the FDA, some Essure failures have even resulted in unexpected pregnancy.
Essure acknowledges the problems users have experienced with the implantation on its own website, including finding inserts in the pelvic or abdominal cavity and suspected hypersensitivity or allergic reactions. Adverse events such as these require surgery, while many patients who decided to use Essure did so because they wanted to avoid surgery altogether.
If you are an Essure user, have a loved one who uses it, or are considering using Essure as a permanent birth control solution, here is what to consider and when a lawsuit regarding your Essure use may be wise.
What Are the Facts About Essure Birth Control?
Essure is a non-hormonal form of birth control that is not intended to be removed. It’s available by prescription only and consists of coils made of nickel, polyethylene fibers and titanium. It’s an alternative to surgery for permanent birth control, such as tying tubes (tubal litigation), and takes usually less than an hour to administer in a doctor’s office without general anesthesia.
In 2015, after the FDA convened a meeting of its Obstetrics and Gynecology Devices Panel because of thousands of complaints from women about Essure, it decided to recommend that women with hypersensitivity or an allergy to nickel, long-lasting pelvic pain, autoimmune disorders and prior uterine surgery do not use Essure. Also in November 2015, a bill was introduced in Congress to call for a recall of the Essure product.
What Are the Allegations Against Essure Birth Control?
Plaintiffs in claims against Essure accuse the company of covering up dangers in their studies, as well as continuing to insist their products maintain a successful history of safety and effectiveness. The company has also been accused of failing to collect data from problems women were having, which may have been able to improve their product or provide more adequate warnings. It also misused non-blind and non-randomized studies to gain pre-marketing approval.
This can be constituted as negligence by the company, which is why so many lawsuits have been filed against Bayer.
Some women experienced symptoms such as weight fluctuation, headache, fatigue and abdominal pain without knowing the cause until they discovered niche information sites like Facebook Groups. Even doctors have been slow to point out dangers or recognize problems for their patients.
Since problems started surfacing, there have been several labeling changes mandated by the FDA. In 2011, a nickel sensitivity warning was issued. In 2013, a warning about device migration and chronic pain was issued. In 2016, a black box warning, which is the strictest warning the FDA can label on a product, was issued.
Should You or Someone You Love File an Essure Lawsuit?
If you or a loved one has been implanted with Essure and has experienced adverse side effects, it is vital to consult with an attorney because you may have a lawsuit. Thousands of women have already sued Bayer for Essure, and many more are expected. As evidence grows to support the dangers that Essure poses to its users, it’s vital to be aware of the risks, talk with your doctor about your concerns, and consult an attorney because you may have a potential claim.
Some of the issues that are addressed in lawsuits against Bayer/Essure include:
- Defective and dangerous product
- Failure to comply with federal safety laws
- Failure by manufacturer to provide proper warnings
- Insufficient testing of Essure
- Improper warning about Essure side effects before using
- Negligence on behalf of Bayer/Essure to keep patients safe
You or a loved one may have a case if there has been harm caused by Essure. To learn if you have a potential claim, it is wise to consult with an attorney for a free consultation, where they’ll learn your unique details and give you the support and help you need. Contact Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann at (205) 322-8880, or contact us online for information about a potential Essure lawsuit.
What Do Our Clients Say?
Ruth Weakley
I highly recommend this law firm. I was always kept informed of any progress in my case. Any time I called them my concerns were met. Attorney Jon Mann was always very through in his responses. I can't thank this law firm for taking excellent care of my case.
Beth Huffstutler
-min.jpg)
The assistance we received from Mike Bradley has been a great experience. Mike communicated directly with us, answering our questions and concerns. He was always upfront and honest about our case. I would trust him completely with any legal matter. Mike's years of experience and extensive knowledge is evident in every interaction. Great attorney and firm!
Lee Huffstutler
Outstanding firm! Extremely pleased with the service, consistency & hard work of the firm as a whole and Michael Bradley as my representative.
Without a doubt, I would recommend anyone who is in need of a personal injury attorney to give Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann a call - good people that strive to look after your interests. Thanks for all you have done!
Larry Smith
I have nothing but great things to say about this firm. Initially I mostly spoke to Rebecca & she made me feel very comfortable in a stressful situation. Later many of my calls were with Jon Mann & he also spoke to me with respect & thoughtfulness. Kind of strange but a close bond between lawyers & a client but not only did we discuss the matter at hand but we would discuss our personal lives & the good & bad going on in my life & their concern for my health was comforting. I would definitely recommend this firm! Keep up the great work guys.
Doris M.
I feel very fortunate to have met this firm. During the first conference, my attorney made me feel totally at ease when sharing my situation with him. He has a way about him that makes you feel his sincerity and honesty. Thank you for taking my burden and for the wonderful job that you did to complete my case successfully. I am VERY PLEASED!
Cathye H.
My case was one that was a part of a nationwide claim. I researched and prayed for the appropriate attorney and I found that in Mike Bradley. While my case lasted, Mike and his assistant Karen stayed current and knowledgeable on the status and updates. I never once called or emailed that one of them didn't respond to me immediately. Mike would call to answer an email because he felt it would be more personal and efficient than typing. I highly recommend this firm.
Tyna B.
I would like to express my gratitude to Mr. Jon Mann of Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann. I am so grateful for your knowledge, passion, dedication, and professionalism you have exhibited through this entire ordeal. Mr. Jon Mann took in all the relevant information, analyzed it and created a plan to settle my case. Again, I value the help you've given me. Thank you!!
Emily W.
I was very pleased with the work that Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann did for us. I had been injured in a car accident and was in quite a bit of pain for sometime. They always treated me like a person and not a case—never failed to return a call and kept us apprised of what was going on. I had a time when I had to be totally focused on recovery, they were able to take care of the situation and I didn’t have to worry about it. I owe this firm a lot of thanks.
Luxi Choi
Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann prides themselves on hard work and proven results.They earnestly work to provide the best outcomes for their clients. It's truly been an honor to work with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
FREE CONSULTATION
Are you ready to tell your story?
Using the web form below will begin the process of your free consultation, which is confidential and carries no obligation to hire our firm. Considering your safety, our consultations may be done via telephone or a video call format. During business hours expect to receive a return phone call within an hour. You will speak with one of our top-rated attorneys during your consultation who will attempt to provide you with reliable answers to your legal questions. We look forward to assisting you!
Need to talk to a lawyer today?
CALL us todayHIGHLY AWARDED LAW FIRM
IN YOUR CORNER
Our law firm has received top awards from the country's most prestigious organizations recognizing leading law firms.
.png)
Have you been injured in an accident?
.png)
Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann is a team of personal injury lawyers in Birmingham, Alabama. We serve clients throughout the United States for all types of personal injury cases.
Navigation
Get Social
© 2021 Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann, P.C. - All Rights Reserved
The recoveries and testimonials on this website are not an indication of future results. Every case is different, and regardless of what friends, family, or other individuals may say about what a case is worth, each case must be evaluated on its own facts and circumstances as they apply to the law. The valuation of a case depends on the facts, the injuries, the jurisdiction, the venue, the witnesses, the parties, and the testimony, among other factors. Furthermore, no representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.