Essure is a hysteroscopically-placed tubal implant that is an alternative to surgical sterilization through tubal ligation. When this metal and PET fiber coil device is implanted in the fallopian tubes, it creates scar tissue that becomes a barrier preventing sperm from reaching a woman’s eggs.
Essure has become a popular option for women seeking a “permanent form of birth control” because the procedure can be done in a doctor’s office with little or no anesthesia, recovery time is very short, and it reduces the risk of pregnancy to about 0.1 per cent when properly fitted.
However, since the device went onto the market in 2002, many women have reported serious adverse reactions they believe to be caused by this product. Reported side effects include:
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Allergic reactions to the nickel (including debilitating headaches, migraines, nausea)
- Excessive scar tissue formation from autoimmune disease
- Perforation of the fallopian tube, uterus and/or colon
- Device movement, migration
- Risk of ectopic pregnancy
- The need for hysterectomies
- Other chronic pain
Medical studies have also raised concerns over its effectiveness compared to traditional tubal ligation and noted a substantially higher risk for re-operation.
Based on adverse-event reports and medical studies, in 2016 Health Canada issued an alert noting a “risk of serious complications” from the device and the US Food and Drug Administration issued a rare “black box” warning.
If you or a loved one received an Essure implant prior to April 2016 and have later had to have it removed; have a removal date scheduled; have experienced serious health problem you believe may be related to the device; or, have seen a doctor who has recommended its removal but cannot remove it due to cost, lack of insurance, health reasons or another serious condition; the personal injury lawyers at Howie, Sacks and Henry would like to hear from you.
With expertise in medical product liability, HSH lawyers can help to create a claim for compensation and damages based on the pain, suffering and losses you have experienced after being implanted with a defective product.
You can trust our team has the knowledge, experience, and determination to pursue cases where manufacturer negligence has caused serious injury. With our reputation for compassionate and attentive service to our clients, you can be confident that we will treat you with the respect and care you deserve during this process. We will always treat you as a person, first and foremost, and ensure that your needs are front and centre.
With the product liability team at HSH on your side and by your side as your trusted legal advocates, you can have confidence in your legal representatives as you rebuild a life interrupted by manufacturer negligence.
Qualifying Criteria To Join The Essure Permanent Birth Control Lawsuit
Howie, Sacks & Henry LLP (HSH) has revised the eligibility criteria for participation in the Canadian Essure litigation to include those women who had Essure implanted before October, 2016, and those who have undergone removal, or whose doctor has recommended removal, even if removal has not occurred yet.
For more information, click here.
Contact Us Now
If you meet these qualifications, contact our Essure Permanent Birth Control Lawyers for a free consultation at essurelawsuit@hshlawyers.com.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Essure Permanent Birth Control Lawsuit
Will my doctor be named in a lawsuit against the makers of Essure?
Howie, Sacks and Henry LLP is not currently investigating claims against doctors or hospitals where an Essure implant procedure was performed.
What kind of documents do I need for a potential lawsuit?
At the date of implant, women should have received documentation (such as a product card) with details on their Essure device, such as the LOT number, expiry date, etc. It will be important to obtain this information prior to commencing a lawsuit.
Where can I find online support with the complications I am experiencing as a result of Essure?
There is a Facebook community where women can share their story and exchange information: https://www.facebook.com/groups/607247826014014/
I have Essure implanted in me, but have not had it removed, and there is no plan by my doctors to remove it. What are my legal options?
Women who have not had the their Essure device removed may be eligible for compensation through a Class Action. Contact us for more information.
How long will the Essure Permanent Birth Control Lawsuit last?
Personal injury lawsuits typically take 2 to 5 years to resolve.
News You Can Use
Canadian users of Essure birth control coils take pharma giant Bayer to court – FRANCE 24, January 2, 2023
CBC reporter, Ariana Kelland, segment on Essure litigation against Bayer – CBC, October 21 2022
Renée Vinett and Essure Lawsuit Featured on CBC’s Fifth Estate – CBC, March 4, 2021
The Bleeding Edge. The $400 billion medical device industry is exposed in this horrifying look at how Essure has wreaked havoc on patients. Available on Netflix
“Essure Permanent Birth Control: “Risk of Serious Complications” – Expect the Unexpected,” HSH Blog, March 2018
“The Battle Over Essure”
Some People See a Breakthrough in Female Contraception. Others See a Dangerous Medical Device. Read the full story in the Washington Post.
“Safety and Efficacy of Hysteroscopic Sterilization Compared With Laparoscopic Sterilization”
An observational cohort study. Read the full study on BMJ.com.
“ESSURE (permanent birth control system) – Risk of Serious Complications”
Recalls and Safety Alerts. Read the alert on the Government of Canada website.
“Probability of pregnancy after sterilization: a comparison of hysteroscopic versus laparoscopic sterilization”.
Research. Read the report on the National Center for Biotechnology Information website.
