Essure Lawsuit FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Essure?

Essure was a permanent birth control device manufactured by Bayer (originally Conceptus). It consisted of small metal coils inserted into the fallopian tubes. The coils were designed to cause scar tissue formation that would block the tubes and prevent pregnancy. The device was approved by the FDA in 2002 and removed from the US market in 2018.

Why was Essure removed from the market?

Essure was removed due to:

• Thousands of adverse event reports about serious complications
• FDA "Black Box" warning added in 2016
• FDA restrictions on distribution in 2018
• Mounting lawsuits from injured women
• Declining sales and increasing liability concerns

Bayer voluntarily withdrew the product in 2018, and the FDA stopped sales entirely in 2019.

What complications does Essure cause?

Common Essure complications include:

• Device migration (coils moving out of position)
• Uterine or fallopian tube perforation
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Heavy bleeding and irregular periods
• Allergic and autoimmune reactions
• Need for hysterectomy
• Unintended pregnancy
• Ectopic pregnancy

Hasn't Bayer already settled?

Bayer agreed to a $1.6 billion settlement in 2020 to resolve approximately 39,000 cases. However:

• Not all cases were included in the settlement
• Some women weren't represented at that time
• New filings may still be possible in limited circumstances

I wasn't part of the 2020 settlement — can I still file?

Possibly. This depends on:

• Your state's statute of limitations
• When you discovered the connection to Essure
• The severity of your injuries
• Whether you're outside the settlement framework

Consult with an attorney promptly to evaluate your specific situation.

How do I know if I was part of the 2020 settlement?

If you were represented by a lawyer at that time, they should have records. You can also check with the firm that handled Essure cases, or an attorney can help you determine your status.

My Essure is still in place — should I have it removed?

This is a medical decision you should discuss with your doctor. Many women have had Essure successfully removed. Some require partial or complete removal of the fallopian tubes or uterus.

My doctor said Essure is fine — should I worry?

Even though Essure is no longer on the market, women continue to experience complications years after implantation. If you have symptoms like chronic pelvic pain, unusual bleeding, or other gynecological issues, discuss the possibility of Essure complications with your doctor.

How much could I receive?

For cases outside the 2020 settlement, estimates suggest:

• Severe cases (hysterectomy): $200,000 — $500,000+
• Significant cases: $75,000 — $200,000
• Moderate cases: $30,000 — $100,000

How much does it cost to file?

Nothing upfront. Essure attorneys work on contingency — they only receive payment if you receive a settlement.

How long would my case take?

For new filings, expect 1-3 years to resolution. Many cases that aren't in the 2020 settlement may resolve through individual settlements.

Can I file if I had Essure removed years ago?

Possibly. Many states apply a "discovery rule" — the statute of limitations may start when you connected your problems to Essure, not when the device was removed.

My doctor recommended hysterectomy because of Essure problems — is this common?

Unfortunately, yes. Many women have required hysterectomies to address Essure complications, particularly when:

• The coils have migrated and can't be safely removed
• They've caused significant uterine or fallopian tube damage
• Other removal methods are unsafe or ineffective

What if I had Essure removed but still have problems?

Continued symptoms after Essure removal are unfortunately common. Some women have ongoing pain, reproductive issues, or autoimmune symptoms that persist or develop later. You may have a claim related to these continuing issues.

I had Essure put in but never removed — can I still file?

You may still qualify if you have documented complications. The presence of the device alone may not be enough — you typically need documented health issues related to Essure.

Are there still active Essure lawsuits?

While most cases were resolved in the 2020 settlement, some cases remain in litigation. New filings continue in limited circumstances. The litigation is largely wrapping up but not entirely closed.

Will filing affect my privacy?

Mass tort cases typically maintain plaintiff privacy. Your personal information is protected, and most cases are resolved without public disclosure of individual details.