If you’ve suffered as a result of an Essure procedure, then you aren’t alone. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received thousands of reports from women across the world before the implants were taken off the market in July 2018.
Reported side effects have included symptoms like fainting, vomiting, and cramping. More serious cases have resulted in women suffering from chronic pain, device migration, and even life-threatening pregnancies. There are procedures available, but how much does Essure reversal cost, and who should pay?
What is Essure Reversal?
Essure is a non-surgical birth control for women aged between 21 and 45. Before being taken off the market, it was the only non-surgical option that guaranteed permanent birth control. Women who had Essure began to notice serious side effects, leading to many having to have the implants removed.
There are two surgical procedures available to you that can remove Essure from your body.
Essure Removal
Microsurgery is required to remove not only Essure, but also part or all of the fallopian tubes. This ensures you can’t become pregnant again. Depending on your condition, you may need to have more than one operation.
Essure Reversal
Although the Essure treatment was advertised as a permanent solution, it can be reversed. The reversal procedure allows women to become pregnant again in the future.
Performed under general anaesthetic, the short procedure sees the coils removed from the fallopian tubes. The tubes are then reattached to the uterus (if the patient would like to have children in the future).
Do I Have to Pay for Essure Reversal?
It depends on whether you have an Essure removal or reversal. Your health insurance will cover a removal surgery, but it might not cover a reversal. This is because technically, a reversal is categorized as elective surgery and a form of fertility treatment. Procedures like this often aren’t covered by insurance companies.
Even if you decide to have a full hysterectomy, you might still have to pay some of the bill. As a general rule, insurance providers don’t offer full coverage on Essure procedures. Despite this, it doesn’t mean that you have to foot the bill and there are options open to you.
Who Should Pay for Essure Reversals?
When initially approved in 2002, Essure was marketed as an effective and permanent contraceptive solution. It’s completely unfair that you should be expected to pay for something to be removed that’s causing so much physical pain and mental anguish.
Depending on your condition and the exact procedure you need, you can expect to be charged between $4,000 and $8,000.
But just because you’ve received a bill doesn’t mean you ultimately have to be the one to pay. If you’ve suffered from side effects due to Essure, you might be able to claim for:
- Medical expenses, including the cost of the procedure and any follow up aftercare that’s required.
- Compensation for general damages.
- Pain and suffering – has your life has been negatively impacted because of Essure?
- Loss of wages.
- Attorney fees, court costs, and any other legal bills you might have accumulated.
If you’re considering a procedure, make sure to speak to both your health insurance company and your doctor to determine the right course of action for you. If you’ve already received an Essure reversal procedure, the next step you should take is to consider legal action.
There are a number of ongoing Essure legal battles that haven’t yet reached a verdict, so it’s difficult to know exactly how much money you’re eligible to claim. We can help with any legal steps you want to take, but to speed up the process and increase your chance of being successful, there are some steps you can take.
- Keep detailed records of medical expenses and anything you’ve had to pay for as a result of Essure.
- Work out exactly how much time off work you’ve had to take and the income you’ve missed out on because of your condition. Include any treatments that are scheduled in the future as a result of Essure.
- Try and outline the mental, emotional and physical damage caused by Essure. This isn’t always easy, but it can be useful for moving forward.
- How your life has changed and will be affected in the future as a result of Essure.
Essure isn’t available anymore as a form of permanent birth control, but the damage has already been done for thousands of women in the US. Bayer, the manufacturer of Essure, is facing serious legal implications after allegedly being aware of its problems without informing the FDA.
You shouldn’t have to pay for a procedure that was caused by Bayer’s alleged negligence. The next step you need to take is to find the very best legal counsel. An experienced attorney that’s worked on medical malpractice cases before will help you to take the best course of action.
Who Can Help?
With over 35 years’ experience helping Mississippians to get the compensation they deserve, the team at Coxwell & Associates are the best possible legal support you could ask for. Get in touch with our specialists today to receive a consultation. We’ll offer expert advice to help you take the next step.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended as general information purposes only, and is not a substitute for legal advice. Anyone with a legal problem should consult a lawyer immediately.