Essure Permanent Birth Control Lawsuit

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.

Your Essure Birth Control Lawyers

Renée Vinett, Lead Partner

Renée is a  Partner with Howie, Sacks & Henry. In addition to being a personal injury lawyer, Renée has been a registered nurse for over 30 years with experience in disability management in both the U.S. and Canada. Renée’s practice focuses exclusively on personal injury law and includes the areas of: Motor Vehicle Accidents; Accident Benefits Claims; Slip and Fall Claims; Product Liability; and, Long-Term and Short-Term Disability Claims.
Direct: 
416-361-7560

Meghan Hull Jacquin, Partner

Over the past 13 years, Meghan has developed a special interest in the area of medical malpractice and mass torts. She has appeared before the Superior Court of Justice, Divisional Court, Ontario Court of Appeal, as well as various tribunals. Her genuine compassion and empathy for her clients mixed with a drive to seek justice make her a strong advocate and negotiator.
Direct: 
416-361-7561

Valerie Lord, Associate

A bilingual (English and French) graduate of the University of Ottawa’s Law School, Valerie built a career in personal injury law after her own traumatic experience and legal battle (From Air France Flight 358 Crash Victim to Personal Injury Advocate: An Interview With HSH Lawyer Valerie Lord). Valerie provides clients with legal advocacy for tort claims, conducts hearings of personal injury cases, and represents clients involved in mass tort litigation, including Hernia Mesh and Essure.
Direct: 
416-644-5849

Paul Miller, Mass Tort Department Lead

A dedicated advocate for people who have suffered personal injuries, Paul’s 20 years of experience involving cases of defective products and medical devices, motor vehicle accidents, slip and falls, and long-term disability benefits denials make him a formidable figure in the courtroom and at the negotiating table.
Direct: 
416-646-3901

Victoria Yang, Associate

As an associate with HSH, Victoria’s practice is focused on mass torts and class actions, which include product liability injuries and airplane accidents. She has represented clients in the Small Claims Court, the Superior Court of Justice, the Federal Court of Appeal, and various administrative tribunals. Victoria speaks Shanghainese and Mandarin and is pleased to assist clients requiring communication in these languages.
Direct: 
416-361-7562

Marie Bishop, Law Clerk

Marie has worked in the personal injury field for over 30 years. She has extensive experience with tort and accident benefits claims arising from motor vehicle accidents. As well, she has experience with claims related to occupiers’ liability, long term disability, defective products and medical malpractice. Marie has also attended to assist counsel at numerous trials throughout her career.
Direct: 
416-649-7656

Among the best in Canada

Since 2011, our peers have consistently voted for us as one of Canada’s top personal injury firms in Canadian Lawyer magazine’s annual rankings of the top personal injury boutiques in Canada.

Howie, Sacks & Henry LLP – Personal Injury Law – Canadian Lawyer Magazine 2023
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