The Science Behind the Tragedy
In vitro fertilization (IVF) depends on carefully controlled laboratory conditions to support embryo development. Cooper Surgical’s embryo culture media plays a critical role in this process, providing essential nutrients and maintaining the precise environment needed for embryos to develop during their first days outside the womb.
The FDA classified this situation as a Class I recall, which is their most serious designation, indicating that exposure to these products may cause “serious adverse health consequences or death” to embryos. The recalled products—specifically lot numbers 231020-018741, 231020-018742, and 231020-018743—contained elevated levels of endotoxins that proved lethal to developing embryos. These bacterial toxins create conditions that are fundamentally incompatible with embryo survival, often resulting in complete developmental arrest.
For patients, the impact was immediate and devastating. Many experienced the unexplained failure of all their embryos, with some clinics reporting that not a single embryo survived when cultured in the affected media. Most affected patients had already completed the most challenging parts of the IVF process, hormone stimulation, egg retrieval, and fertilization, only to have all potential embryos destroyed by the contaminated culture media.
Understanding the Impact of Contaminated IVF Media
Contaminated IVF media has caused devastating consequences for families across Virginia. The information below outlines the emotional, physical, and financial toll experienced by hopeful parents whose treatment cycles were destroyed by Cooper Surgical’s defective products.
Patients experienced near-total embryo loss, often seeing every embryo from their IVF cycle fail when exposed to the contaminated media.
For women approaching advanced maternal age or with limited egg reserves, the contaminated media may have ended their chance at biological parenthood.
Learning that embryos were destroyed by contaminated products rather than natural causes compounds the grief and trauma experienced by hopeful parents.
Virginia families typically invested $15,000-$30,000 per IVF cycle, often paying out-of-pocket for treatment that failed due to contaminated products.
Women endured weeks of hormone injections and invasive egg retrieval procedures, all rendered futile by the contaminated culture media.
These impacts represent just some of the hardships faced by Virginia families affected by Cooper Surgical’s defective IVF media. Our Cooper Surgical IVF fluid lawyers at Geoff McDonald & Associates understand that no compensation can truly make up for your lost opportunity to build your family, but we believe these companies must be held accountable for the harm they’ve caused.
Your Legal Rights in Cooper Surgical Litigation
Families impacted by Cooper Surgical’s contaminated IVF media may have powerful legal claims under established product liability and medical device laws. The cards below explain the key legal foundations for pursuing justice and compensation for the harm caused by these defective reproductive products.
Cooper Surgical released a defective product that caused direct harm to embryos, creating liability under product defect laws regardless of whether negligence can be proven.
Evidence suggests Cooper Surgical failed to implement adequate quality control procedures that would have detected the dangerous contamination before distribution.
By providing contaminated culture media, Cooper Surgical breached both express and implied warranties that their products were safe and suitable for embryo development.
The company may have delayed notifying clinics when contamination was first suspected, allowing more embryos to be exposed to the defective media.
Cooper Surgical faces growing legal action over contaminated IVF media that caused embryo loss and reproductive harm. Families are pursuing claims for product defects, manufacturing negligence, and failure to warn. Our Virginia IVF attorneys at Geoff McDonald & Associates are committed to securing justice and compensation for those affected.
Determining If You Have a Cooper Surgical Claim
If you underwent IVF treatment in Virginia between late 2022 and early 2024 and experienced an unexpectedly failed cycle, you may be eligible to file a claim against Cooper Surgical. Our Virginia Cooper Surgical IVF fluid lawyers can help determine if your case meets the criteria for legal action.
You may qualify for a Cooper Surgical IVF lawsuit if:
- You underwent IVF treatment that failed between late 2022 and early 2024
- Your fertility clinic used culture media from one of these recalled lots:
- LGGG-020: UDI-DI 00815965020044, lot 231020-018741
- LGGG-050: UDI-DI 00815965020051, lot 231020-018742
- LGGG-100: UDI-DI 00815965020068, lot 231020-018743
- You experienced unusual or unexpected embryo development failures
- You received notification from your clinic about the Cooper Surgical recall
- You have documentation of your IVF treatment
At Geoff McDonald & Associates, we understand the sensitive nature of these claims and handle each case with compassion and discretion. Our Virginia Cooper Surgical IVF attorneys have the resources and experience to thoroughly investigate your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Essential Actions After IVF Failure
If your IVF cycle may have been affected by contaminated Cooper Surgical media, taking the right steps now is crucial. These are the key actions Virginia families should take to protect their rights, preserve evidence, and begin the process of seeking accountability and support:
Contact your fertility clinic to verify if they used any of the recalled Cooper Surgical media lots during your IVF treatment cycle.
Gather all records related to your IVF treatment, including medical notes, lab reports, billing statements, and communications about the recall.
Connect with counseling services experienced in fertility loss to help process the emotional trauma while you pursue legal options.
Virginia has specific deadlines for product liability claims, so consulting with a Cooper Surgical IVF lawyer promptly protects your rights.
At Geoff McDonald & Associates, we understand that taking legal action may feel overwhelming when you’re already coping with the emotional aftermath of a failed IVF cycle. Our compassionate Virginia Cooper Surgical IVF attorneys will guide you through each step with sensitivity and care, allowing you to focus on healing while we handle the legal complexities.
Start Your Claim Today
If your IVF treatment failed due to contaminated Cooper Surgical media, you deserve answers and compensation. Our Virginia Cooper Surgical IVF fluid lawyers are ready to evaluate your case and help you understand your options. Our simple eligibility check takes just moments and can be your first step toward accountability.
Don’t wait to learn if you qualify. Time limits apply to these claims, and acting promptly gives you the best chance at recovery.