Parker Waichman LLP

Mother Sues Birth Control Patch Company

A Woman Died While Using A Birth Control Patch. The mother of a woman who died while using a popular birth control patch has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the maker of the patch, which she says caused her daughter’s death. The lawsuit filed in San Francisco Superior Court names Ortho Evra’s developer and manufacturer Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical […]

Birth Control Patch

A Woman Died While Using A Birth Control Patch. The mother of a woman who died while using a popular birth control patch has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the maker of the patch, which she says caused her daughter’s death.

The lawsuit filed in San Francisco Superior Court names Ortho Evra’s developer and manufacturer Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical Co., a Titusville, N.J.-based subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson; and San Francisco-based distributor McKesson Corp.

Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2001, Ortho Evra is a birth control patch that delivers the hormones estrogen and progestin directly into the bloodstream through the skin.

The lawsuit alleges that Ortho-McNeil knowingly deceived the public about the drug’s risk of severe side effects, including stroke, blood clots, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolisms.

The company doesn’t comment on ongoing litigation, said Gloria Vanderham, a spokeswoman for Ortho Women’s Health and Urology.

Celena Devault, 26 of Hollow Rock, died from a pulmonary embolism and blood clots in June 2003. She had begun using the patch in April 2003.

Celena Devault’s mother, Mary Devault, is named as the plaintiff in the lawsuit.

55 Women Suffering from Blood Clots

Another lawsuit has been filed on behalf of 55 women suffering from blood clots and other serious illnesses which they allege were caused by the birth-control patch.

“We believe that Ortho-McNeil knew of the dangers of the Ortho patch sold in the U.S. and choose to ignore them,” said an attorney, whose firm along with another, filed both suits.

“Patches sold in other countries, including Canada, actually contain a smaller, less dangerous dosage,” one of the attorneys  said. “Now, young women across the country are suffering serious illness and even death.”

In September, the FDA warned women that their risk of blood clots in the legs and lungs may be higher if they use the Ortho Evra birth control patch instead of the pill. The decision was based on one study showing higher risks for clots, although another study showed no increased risk.

An investigation last year by The Associated Press found that patch users die and suffer blood clots at a rate three times higher than women taking the pill. About a dozen women died in 2004 from blood clots believed linked to use of the patch, the AP reported. Dozens more suffered strokes and other clot-linked problems.

Need Legal Help Regarding Birth Control Patch?

The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
It was a pleasure speaking with Ms. Josama. I really like how she made my grandmother feel safe and secure and make a decision. Thank you.
Matt Smart
4 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
They asked "how could Parker Waichman be any better " my reply is: Just keep the quality of care you have. The demeanor of PW llP as a whole on the out side seems to have ran smoothly. When I know for a fact it's not always easy . The only way to improve is to have the new comers learn from the lawyer and assistants there now. Julie Trinidad,Mary S. ,Marianne . Thanks even Ms. Sotomayor. THE TEAM IS SUPERB!! I can't thank them enough. It wasnt all about the money the genuine empathy i recieved made me feel favored. Mr team at Parker Waichman Rocks!!! These more than dedicated professionals made me feel secure with me and my families case in there hands. I was referred, and i see why. So if any one reading this is unsure i Shardae Rogers stand with Parker Waichman and so can you. Thank you Parker Waichman llp. Some of us including myself have started new lives with your help. Please continue to help and win for other.
Shardae Rogers
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
They are very fast in their work recommended
Katty Chamorro
4 months ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038