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What are your rights if you were injured as a result of the use of an IUD?
You are not ready to have children. So, you go to your doctor and express that you want an effective but low maintenance form of birth control. He recommends the Mirena Intrauterine Device (IUD). He tells you about some side effects but they seem so unlikely that you have forgotten what he said even before you leave the office. The device is implanted and within 2 months you are diagnosed with fluid on your brain. What should you do? One option is to sue for negligence like one woman recently has.
Shortly after the Mirena IUD was implanted in Daphne Houck, she was diagnosed with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IHH). This is a disorder where an increase in fluid around the brain causes a dangerous amount of pressure inside the skull. IHH is usually caused by stroke or head injury, but can also be caused by hormonal abnormalities. The symptoms include headaches, vision issues and light sensitivity, all of which Houck was experiencing at the time of her diagnosis. After an MRI and CT scan, Houck was treated with a lumbar puncture to remove the fluid.
Although she resides in Maryland, Houck brought a lawsuit against Bayer Pharmaceuticals in a United States District Court in New Jersey. This is not the first case involving the Mirena IUD. Many lawsuits involving the migration of the device causing ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage have been filed across the country. There was also recently a wrongful death case filed against Bayer involving a child who was delivered stillborn.
It is important to remember that even medications and medical devices that seem second nature to us can be extremely dangerous. While many side effects become clear immediately, prolonged use of certain medications and medical devices can do serious damage. If you or a loved one are in either of these situations or have been injured in any other way, you need a lawyer by your side. Contact an Essex County, New Jersey medical malpractice attorney today