Fob James Law Firm is representing women across Georgia in the Depo Provera lawsuit 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 can increase 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 Atlanta, Georgia for a free case evaluation.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us 24/7 at 866-837-1010.
The Problems With Depo Provera?
Depo Prover 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 Georgia, 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 Georgia Depo Provera Lawsuit About?
The Depo-Provera lawsuits in Georgia allege 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, including brain tumors, Pfizer aggressively marketed their birth control shots as a safe alternative to other birth control drugs.
Moreover, Depo Provera claimants allege that design of the drug was defective, particularly the high dose of progestin, which can cause meningioma tumors.
Plaintiffs are seeking compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The purpose of the litigation is not just to recover reasonable compensation but to hold Pfizer accountable for its duty to inform and protect consumers.
Who Qualifies for the Depo-Provera Lawsuit in Georgia?
Women in Georgia diagnosed with a meningioma tumor after using the birth control shots listed below 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 claimant used Depo Provera for at least two years before a meningioma diagnosis.
To see if your case qualifies for the Depo Provera lawsuit in Georgia, contact Fob James Law firm today.
The Science Linking Depo Provera and Meningioma Is Real
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.
Georgia 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 A Georgia 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.
What Is the Cost to Hire a Depo Provera Lawyer in Georgia?
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 Georgia Depo Provera lawsuit lawyers, call us today at 866-837-1010.
How Long Do I Have To File A Depo Provera Lawsuit In Georgia?
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 Georgia, 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 in Georgia “tolls” until the injured minor is 18 years old. On their 18th 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 ample time to file your claim. Contact our Depo Provera lawyers in Georgia to discuss filing deadlines in your case.
How Do I Join The Depo Provera Lawsuit Georgia?
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 Georgia Depo-Provera Lawsuit Be Settled?
The Depo-Provera litigation is the very early stages. We expect that cases filed in federal court will be consolidated into a Multi District Litigation (MDL).
Right now, there is a pending motion to consolidate Depo-Provera cases. We believe the Court will grant this motion during the first quarter of 2025.
Once the MDL is formed, we anticipate a host of 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. 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 Average Settlement for a Depo Provera Lawsuit?
The average Depo Provera lawsuit settlement 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 in Depo Provera lawsuits 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 Georgia 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.
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.
Preparing for a Depo-Provera Lawsuit
If you believe you have a case, there are several steps you can take to prepare. Preparation is key to building a strong case, and taking proactive steps can greatly enhance your chances of success.
Gather Medical Records
Collect all your medical records related to Depo Provera and any diagnoses or treatments for side effects you believe are linked to the injection. This documentation is crucial for building your case. Comprehensive medical records provide a factual basis for your claims and can be instrumental in demonstrating the link between Depo Provera and your health issues.
In addition to gathering existing records, consider keeping ongoing documentation of your medical appointments and treatments. This information can provide a continuous narrative of your health journey, further supporting your claims.
Document Your Experience
Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, how they’ve affected your daily life, and any medical advice or treatment you’ve received. This personal account can be a powerful tool in your lawsuit. Your firsthand experiences provide valuable context and can humanize your case, making the impact of the side effects more tangible to those involved in the legal process.
Regularly updating your documentation can ensure that no detail is overlooked. These records serve as both a personal reflection and a legal asset, strengthening your case.
Consult with a Georgia Depo Provera Attorney
Even if you’re unsure about your case, consulting a lawyer can provide clarity. They can help you understand your rights and the viability of your lawsuit. A legal consultation can offer insights into the potential challenges and opportunities of your case, guiding you in making informed decisions.
Seeking legal advice early in the process can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system more effectively. A Georgia Depo-Provera lawyer can assist in evaluating the strength of your case and outlining potential strategies for success.
Contact a Depo Provera Lawyer Near Me In Georgia
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 a meningioma brain tumor, contact our Georgia 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.
Our Atlanta, Georgia Depo Provera Lawyers are experienced, dedicated, and they truly care about you. We treat all of our clients exactly how we would want our own family members to be treated.
Contact us right now at 866-837-1010 or set up a free case evaluation so we can help you.