The Depo-Provera lawsuit lawyers at Fob James Law Firm are representing women across Alabama who were diagnosed with a meningioma brain tumor after using Pfizer’s popular birth control shot.
The country is witnessing a surge in Depo Provera lawsuits as individuals step forward, alleging serious side effects associated with the contraceptive injection, including a potential link to meningioma.
The crux of the Depo-Provera lawsuit is that Pfizer and other drug companies failed to adequately warn women that using their birth control shot increases the chance of developing meningioma brain tumors by over 5 times.
At Fob James Law Firm, we want to provide a clear understanding of the Depo Provera lawsuit, what the claims involve, and how those affected can seek legal assistance.
If you or a loved one was diagnosed with a meningioma, contact our experienced Depo Provera lawyers in Birmingham, Alabama for a free case evaluation.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us 24/7 at 205-407-6009.
What Are The Problems With Depo Provera?
Depo Provera is a contraceptive drug made by Pfizer containing the progestin hormone. The generic version of the birth control shot is made by Mylan N.V.
The contraceptive shot is administered in the arm or buttocks every three months. The shot’s active ingredient, medroxyprogesterone acetate, prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation.
The convenience of this contraceptive shot has made it a preferred choice for many women, but it is not without risk. While effective, Depo Provera has been associated with several side effects, some of which can be severe.
The mechanism by which Depo Provera functions involves altering the hormonal balance within the body, which can lead to a range of physical problems.
Many women experience severe side effects from Depo Provera, including:
- menstrual irregularities,
- headaches,
- bones density loss,
- blood clots,
- osteoporosis,
- increased risk of breast cancer, and
- meningioma brain tumors.
The most alarming side effect is meningioma, a usually benign but sometimes dangerous brain tumor. Depo Provera elevates progesterone levels in women, which can stimulate tumor growth in the brain.
Studies suggest that Depo Provera increases the risk of developing meningioma brain tumors, leading to lawsuits from affected individuals.
What Is a Meningioma Brain Tumor?
The growing concerns about Depo Provera have led to numerous lawsuits. In Alabama, there is a particular interest in cases involving meningioma, which has emerged as a significant health concern.
Meningioma is a tumor that develops in the protectice membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. While often benign, it can cause severe neurological damage, blindness, and even death.
Common symptoms of meningioma tumors include:
- Changes in vision, such as seeing double or blurriness
- Headaches that worsen with time
- Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
- Memory loss
- Loss of smell
- Seizures
- Weakness in your arms or legs
Meningioma tumors are typically graded I through III based on their severity:
- Grade I: A non-cancerous tumor that grows very slowly
- Grade II: Non-cancerous but more rapidly growing tumors that may surgery or radiation treatment
- Grade III: Rare cancerous tumors that grow fast and aggressively
What Is the Depo Provera Lawsuit in Alabama About?
Pfizer and other manufacturers of Depo-Provera have been sued for the simple fact that their birth control shots allegedly increases the risk of getting a brain tumor. The Depo Provera lawsuits are primarily based on two violations: (i) failure to warn and (ii) design defect.
Pfizer’s Failure to Warn
The Depo-Provera lawsuits in Alabama argue that Pfizer failed to adequately warn consumers about the risk of developing meningioma brain tumors and other severe side effects after using the popular contraceptive injections
Despite having knowledge of the risks, the Depo Provera lawsuits allege Pfizer aggressively marketed their birth control shots as a safe alternative to other birth control drugs.
Depo Provera’s Deisgn Defects
Moreover, the Depo Provera lawsuits allege that design of the drug was defective, particularly the high dose of progestin, which can cause meningioma tumors.
The Depo Provera lawsuits further allege that Pfizer negligently failed to formulate the birth control shots where they would not increase the risk of brain tumors
Alabama plaintiffs are seeking compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
To discuss the specific claims in your case, call a compassionate Alabama Depo-Provera lawyer for a free case review.
Who Qualifies for the Depo-Provera Lawsuit Alabama?
Women in Alabama diagnosed with a meningioma tumor after using the following birth control shots may qualify for the Depo Provera lawsuit:
- Depo-Provera (Pfizer),
- Depo SubQ (Pfizer), or
- Generic version of Depo-Provera (Mylan N.V.)
In most cases that qualify, the victim used Depo Provera at least two years before a meningioma diagnosis.
To see if your case qualifies, contact an Alabama Depo Provera lawyer at Fob James Law firm today.
The Science Linking Depo Provera and Meningioma Is Strong
In March 2024, the British Medical Journal released a study analyzing data from more than 18,000 women in France who underwent surgery for meningiomas between 2009 and 2018.
The researchers found that women who had used Depo-Provera for more than two years were over 5 times more likely to develop meningioma brain tumors than women who either did not use the drug or used the drug for a short period of time.
The bottom line is that the study concludes the use of injectable medroxyprogesterone acetate increases the risk of developing meningioma.
The science for the causal link between Depo Provera and meningioma is still evolving. We expect more studies to come out in the future analyzing the side effetcs of Depo-Provera.
Alabama Depo Provera Lawsuit FAQ
Has the FDA Recalled Depo-Provera?
No, while the FDA has not recalled Depo Provera, the FDA has required Pfizer to include a “black box warning” on the drug’s label about the risk of osteoporosis. So far, there is no warning about meningioma.
Furthermore, the FDA only recommends that women use Depo Provera no more than two years.
What Can I Recover From An Alabama Depo Provera Lawsuit?
Every case is unique, but plaintiffs who file a Depo-Provera lawsuit can recover money for the following damages:
- PAST AND FUTURE MEDICAL BILLS (INCLUDING MEDICATION, HOSPITAL STAYS, AND IN-HOME CARE)
- PAIN AND SUFFERING
- LOST WAGES
- LOSS OF EARNING CAPACITY
- FUNERAL EXPENSES (IN THE VENT OF A LOVED ONE’S DEATH)
- BROADLY SPEAKING, A PLAINTIFF COULD BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION FOR ANY PAST AND FUTURE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THEIR MENINGIOMA DIAGNOSIS
If your loved died as a result of their meningioma, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Call our Depo Provera lawyers in Alabama for a free case evaluation tailored to your specific situation.
What Are the Attorney Fees in the Depo Provera Lawsuit?
Fob James Law Firm operates on a contingency-fee-basis in the Depo Provera lawsuits. This means we only get paid a percentage of the recovery if we successfully resolve your case.
Our fees come out of a favorable settlement or jury award, not out of your pocket. If we do not obtain a recovery then you owe us nothing.
Many clients have told us that other firms are charging 45% contingency fees in the Dep Provera litigation.
However, Fob James Law Firm charges Depo-Provera lawsuit clients a 33-40% contingency fee.
To speak with our experienced Depo Provera lawsuit lawyers, call us today at 205-407-6009.
How Long Do I Have To File A Depo Provera Lawsuit In Alabama?
The time to file a claim is know as the statute of limitations (“SOL”). The SOL is complicated and every state is different so make sure you consult with an attorney about how long you have to file a lawsuit.
In Alabama, you generally have two years from the date you discovered your Depo Provera related injury to file a lawsuit.
However, for cases involving minors, the statute of limitations “tolls” until the injured minor is 19 years old. On their 19th birthday, the claimant has two years to file a lawsuit against the negligent party. Tolling may extend the time period to file a Depo Provera lawsuit because of the minor status of the plaintiff.
In context of a wrongful death claim, the personal representative of the deceased victim has two years from the date of the victim’s death to file a lawsuit.
Do not assume that you have alot of time to file your claim. Contact our Depo Provera lawyers in Alabama to discuss filing deadlines in your case.
How Do I Join The Depo Provera Lawsuit?
It is simple to join the Depo Provera lawsuit. Call us today or submit your contact information and our attorneys will contact you to discuss your case.
It does not matter where you live. We represent victims of Depo-Provera birth control shots in all 50 states.
When Will the Depo-Provera Lawsuit Be Settled?
The Depo-Provera litigation is the very early stages. In fact, the Depo Provera lawsuits were recently consolidated into a Multi District Litigation (MDL).
The next phase is “dicsovery”. This is where the parties and non-parties exchange documents and take depositions. We anticipate a host of discovery battles that must be won before settlement. These battles take time.
After discovery, the MDL court will schedule “bellwether” trials which are like test trials. These trials give plaintiffs and defendants a good barometer on value and strength of certain types of cases. The goal of the bellwether trials is to facilitate a global settlement for a majority of the the pending cases.
We anticipate a global settlement after bellwether trials, which will likely start in 2026 or 2027. The timeline for settlement really depends on the number of bellwether cases that are tried.
Our best guess is that settlement for Depo-Provera lawsuits will take place in 2-4 years.
What Is the Value of My Depo Provera Lawsuit?
The value of a Depo Provera lawsuit is difficult to determine because every case in unique. Many factors go into the value of the case, including:
- severity of plaintiff’s injuries
- permanency of the injuries
- whether the plaintiff had surgeries
- the total cost of medical treatment, including future medical expenses
- age of the plaintiff
- the plaintiff’s pain and suffering
- the venue where the case is litigated
That being said, we believe three key factors weigh toward higher settlement values compared to other mass torts:
- Meningioma is a severe injury;
- The cost of treatment in Depo-Provera cases is significant; and
- Many of the plaintiffs are middle aged woman or younger.
Until bellwether trials occur, it is near impossible to estimate case values. Taking this with a grain of salt, our best guess is that most Depo Provera cases will settle in the $200,000 to $500,000+ range.
To discuss your Depo Provera case value, schedule a free consultation with our experienced Alabama Depo Provera lawyers today.
Depo Provera Class Action Updates
Updates on the Depo Provera meningioma lawsuit are posted in this section throughout the litigation. We strive to post updated at least once per month.
If you have questions about litigation updates, feel free to call us 24/7 at 866-837-1010.
March 1, 2025 – The Depo Provera Litigation Moving Quickly
As we’ve said before, Judge Rodgers is a real pro presiding over MDLs. During the case management conference last week, Judge Rodgers told counsel that she wants the litigation to move fast. This is good for the plaintiffs as the defense usually tries to delay as long as possible.
In addition, Judge Rodgers selected five “pilot cases” to move forward with discovery. She also wants to resolve important legal issues within 180 days. We anticipate that Judge Rodgers will layout the scheduling of the litigation in more detail over the next few months. So far, the Depo Provera MDL is moving faster than any other mass tort in history.
The next CMC is scheduled for March 10, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. CT.
February 24, 2025 – Judge Rodgers Enters Case Management Order No. 1
Judge Rodgers entered the first Case Management Order (“CMO”) in the Depo Provera MDL. The CMO-1 addresses administrative matters and provides general framework for the MDL-3140.
Court To Establish a MDL Website
First, the Court is setting up a website, which will include an overview of the case, relevant orders, filings, dates, and other information.
Judge Rodgers Selects Five Pilot Cases
Second, Judge Rodgers selected the following five pilot cases to serve as test cases in the litigation:
- Donna Toney v. Pfizer Inc., Pharmacia & Upjohn Co., LLC, Pharmacia LLC, Case No. 3:24cv624-MCR-HTC
- Alicia Wilson v. Pfizer Inc, Viatris Inc., Greenstone LLC, Pharmacia & Upjohn Co. LLC, and Pharmacia LLC, Prasco LLC d/b/a Prasco Laboratories, Case No. 3:25cv100-MCR-HTC
- Kristina Schmidt v. Pfizer Inc., Viatris Inc., Greenstone LLC, Prasco Labs, Pharmacia & Upjohn, Case No. 3:25cv81-MCR-HTC
- Rachel Valera-Arceo and Fredi Valera Arceo v. Pfizer Inc, Viatris Inc., Greenstone LLC, Prasco LLC d/b/a Prasco Laboratories, Pharmacia & Upjohn Co. LLC, and Pharmacia LLC, Case No. 3:25cv98-MCR-HTC
- Allison Blonski v. Pfizer Inc. and Pharmacia & Upjohn, Case No. 3:25cv-00167-MCR-HTC
Joint Rule 26 Report Due by March 7, 2025 and Other Housekeeping
Third, the Parties are required to hold an in-person Rule 26 meeting on March 3, 2025. The results of the meeting will be incorporated into a Joint Rule 26 Report, which must be filed on or before March 7, 2025. In the Rule 26 report, the parties will propose a discovery process.
Fourth, the Court wants the parties to discuss a direct filing system into the MDL. That way, claimants can file complaints with the MDL Court, which saves time and money.
Fifth, the Parties are directed to discuss and formulate an early proof of use and injury disclosure process that will apply to all Plaintiffs in the MDL, including the Pilot cases.
Sixth, the second Case Management Conference is scheduled for March 10, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. CT. There, the Court will discuss the discovery process and litigation deadlines.
Plan for Plaintiff Leadership Due February 28, 2025
Finally, counsel must submit a plan for Plaintiff leadership by 12:00 p.m. CT, on February 28, 2025. Plaintiff’s leadsership will consist of the following committees: Lead Counsel (there may be more than one lead), Liaison Counsel, Executive Committee, Steering Committee, Federal/State Liaison Counsel, and Settlement Counsel. The Court may also consider an ESI subcommittee, a Law and Briefing subcommittee, and a Science subcommittee.
February 9, 2025 – The Depo Provera MDL Is Formed in the Northern District of Florida
We officially have a MDL for the Depo Provera lawsuits! In a curveball, the JPML formed MDL-3140 in Judge Casey Rodgers’ Court in the Northern District of Florida. Most lawyers (including us) thought the MDL would be formed in either New York or California. Pfizer wanted the MDL in New York whereas a majority of the plaintiffs wanted the MDL in California. However, there was a late push by a smaller group of plaintiffs for federal court in Florida. Overall, we are pleased with the Northern District of Florida. Judge Rodgers is very experienced with complex MDLs, including the recent 3M earplug litation.
We expect the next step of the litigation will entail appointing lawyers to serve on various commitees and the start of discovery. Depo Provera lawsuits filed in federal court in Alabama will now transfer to MDL-3140 in the Northern District of Florida.
February 5, 2025 – Alabama Woman Files Depo Provera Lawsuit Against Pfizer
A woman from Birmingham, Alabama filed a Depo Provera lawsuit alleging that birth control shots made Pfizer caused her to develop meningioma brain tumors. According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff used Depo Provera shots from 2017 to 2022. The case will transfer to the recently formed MDL (3140) in the Northern District of Florida.
February 1, 2025 – Medical Monitoring Class Action Filed Against Pfizer
A California woman filed a class action lawsuit in federal court in Pittsburgh demanding that the makers of Depo-Provera set up a “medical monitoring” database for women who used the birth control shots.
Medical monitoring is the concept that women that used Depo Provera should have their medical monitoring expenses paid for by Pfizer and other defendants due to their increased risk of meningioma.
In addition to creating an monitoring database, the Plaintiff in the class action wants Pfizer to cover ongoing treatment like MRIs that are necessary for doctors to look for and diagnose meningioma. Of course, the thinking is that the earlier doctors find a meningioma the better chance of making a full recovery.
If the class action is certified, Alabama women who used Depo-Provera would be able to get medical monitoring healthcare covered by Pfizer.
January 4, 2025 – Pfizer Wants Depo-Provera Lawsuits Consolidated in New York
There will be a MDL formed in the Depo Provera lawsuits. The only question that remains is where.
Pfizer has agreed that the Depo Provera lawsuits should be centralized via MDL. However, Pfizer has asked the JPML to consolidate the cases in the Southern District of New York. The Plaintiffs moved the JPML to consolidate in the Northern District of California.
Typically, a party wants to litigate in the venue with the most favorble variables (e.g., law, judges, convenience). So why does Pfizer want the MDL in the Southern District of New York?
In its briefing, Pfizer telegraphed its argument at the motion to dismiss stage. In short, Pfizer is going to argue that it provided updated information about the drug’s side effects to the FDA, but the FDA would not allow Pfizer to change the warning label. Accordingly, Pfizer’s position is the product was safe and there is nothing Pfizer could do with respect to the warning label.
This argument is called “preemption”, where claims arising under state law are barred because the product was approved by the FDA and its requirements were met.
We think Pfizer prefers federal court in New York because the law and judges may be more favorable to Pfizer’s preemption defense than courts in California.
December 23, 2024 – Will an MDL Be Formed in the Depo Provera Litigation?
A federal panel of judges (JPML) will meet in January 2025 to determine if the Depo Provera cases should be consolidated under a single judge in a Multi-District Litigation (MDL).
A MDL streamlines the litigation process when many similar claims are filed against the same company.
Most cases so far have been filed in federal court in California. This leads us to believe that plaintiff firms doing the heavy lifting prefer a MDL in Califnorina federal court.
We will likely know if a MDL is formed by the end of February. However, we expect that the JPML will consolidate.
November 13, 2024 – Depo Provera Lawsuits Filed in Multiple Jurisdictions
Plaintiff firms have been very strategic where they have filed Depo Provera lawsuits. As of right now, the two preferred jurisdictions seem to be federal court in California and state court in Philadelphia, PA.
In mass tort litigation, plaintiff firms usually file only the strongest cases at the beginning of the litigation in “good” venues. There is alot of risk in drug litigation. Many people have the misconception that plaintiff firms just file anything and everything. This could not be further from the truth.
Why Our Alabama Depo Provera Lawyers are the Top Choice
For more than 40 years, the attorneys at Fob James Law Firm have been fighting for victims of injuries across the country.
- WE WORK CLOSELY WITH EACH OF OUR CLIENTS, ENSURING THEY RECEIVE PERSONALIZED ATTENTION. WITH OUR FIRM, YOU WILL ACTUALLY SPEAK WITH YOUR DEDICATED LAWYER NOT AN ASSISTANT.
- WE MAKE SURE THAT WE DO NOT TAKE SO MANY CASES THAT WE DO NOT HAVE TIME TO GET TO KNOW OUR CLIENTS ON A PERSONAL BASIS. KNOWING WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE GOING THROUGH HELPS US MORE EFFECTIVELY ADVOCATE ON THEIR BEHALF.
- WE MOVE FAST. WE DO NOT SIT ON CASES. WHEN WE TAKE YOUR CASE WE AGGRESSIVELY WORK YOUR CASE FROM DAY ONE TO ENSURE YOU GET THE COMPENSATION YOU DESERVE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
- WE ARE NOT AFRAID TO TAKE YOUR CASE TO TRIAL. AS TRIAL LAWYERS WE LOVE TO LITIGATE CASES IN COURTHOUSES ACROSS THE COUNTRY.
- WE NEVER CHARGE FEES UP FRONT. IF WE DO NOT WIN YOUR CASE YOU OWE US NOTHING.
Our case results and client testimonials speak for themselves. Call us today to schedule your free consultation and case review
Contact a Depo Provera Lawyer Near Me In Birmingham, Alabama
At Fob James Law Firm, our job is to help you to the best of our ability and fight for you. If you’ve been diagnosed with meningioma brain tumor, contact our Alabama Depo Provera lawsuit lawyers immediately.
We can determine if you are eligible to file a lawsuit or not. It won’t cost you anything to speak with us. Additionally, you’ll never pay us anything until we successfully settle or win your case in court.
Contact us right now at 205-407-6009 or set up a free case evaluation so we can help you.