Depo-Provera Lawsuit: An Overview
Depo-Provera, an injectable birth control drug, has recently been linked to severe health issues. Many women who used it in the past have since developed brain tumors called meningiomas and other life-threatening diseases. This has led to a growing number of lawsuits against Pfizer Inc., the manufacturer, for failing to warn the public and medical community about these risks. We at Peter Angelos Law are dedicated to supporting affected women in Baltimore and beyond, helping them secure rightful compensation for the harm they have suffered.
Understanding Depo-Provera: Uses And Mechanisms
Depo-Provera is an injectable contraceptive developed by Pfizer, Inc. It is marketed to women in Baltimore and the rest of the U.S. for its convenience, requiring only four injections per year. It works by introducing synthetic hormones into the body that disrupt conception. However, concerns have arisen about its safety, prompting legal action.
Contact our Depo-Provera team at 1-410-999-1544, or toll free at 1-855-441-6915 for a free consultation today.
Serious Side Effects Of Depo-Provera
Depo-Provera has been linked to several health risks. Research has shown an increased risk of developing meningiomas, brain tumors that can cause neurological problems, among current and former Depo-Provera users. Symptoms of meningioma can include vision problems, seizures and chronic headaches. Though they usually are not cancerous and slow-growing, meningiomas can lead to permanent disability or death as they grow and put pressure on the brain, and affect its functions.
Some studies have also suggested an increased risk of breast cancer and spinal tumors.
Legal Claims Against Pfizer
Initial lawsuits focused on bone density loss, arguing that Pfizer failed to provide adequate warnings. Recently, the focus has shifted to the risk of brain tumors. Lawsuits claim that prolonged use of Depo-Provera is linked to tumor growth, impacting quality of life. Many cases have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation, though no settlements have been reached yet.
Who Qualifies For A Depo-Provera Lawsuit?
If you believe you suffered severe side effects or lost a loved one due to Depo-Provera, contact us. Our lawyers will evaluate your case and determine if you can join the MDL. Note that your case does not have to involve death to qualify.
Have you suffered severe side effects after taking Depo-Provera? Contact our team at 1-410-999-1544, or toll free at 1-855-441-6915 for a free consultation today.
Building Your Case: Essential Evidence
Successful lawsuits require substantial evidence, including:
- Medical records of Depo-Provera use
- Diagnosis records for meningiomas or other conditions
- Timeline linking drug use to diagnosis
- Treatment documentation
- Prescription records
- Personal and witness testimonies
- Financial records of losses
- Proof of Pfizer’s involvement
Our team of product liability attorneys has substantial experience in this type of complex litigation. We will carefully gather and review the evidence in your case and show what you are entitled to in compensation.
Potential Compensation In Depo-Provera Lawsuits
Compensation may cover medical bills, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and reduced quality of life. Plaintiffs might also seek punitive damages against Pfizer for negligence. Punitive damages are generally reserved for cases of extreme negligence or intentional misconduct to punish the defendant. Many plaintiffs have claimed damages in the hundreds of thousands or higher.
How To File A Depo-Provera Lawsuit
Contact us to begin your lawsuit. Our attorneys will guide you through gathering evidence, drafting complaints and filing documents with the appropriate court.
Time Limits: Understanding The Statute Of Limitations
Each state has a statute of limitations for product liability lawsuits. In Maryland, you have three years from discovering your injury to file. Missing this deadline means losing your chance for compensation. This is why you should contact us as soon as possible.
Our knowledgeable team is here to help. Contact our Depo-Provera class action lawsuit attorneys at 1-410-999-1544, or toll free at 1-855-441-6915 for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Depo-Provera Lawsuits
You may have a lot of questions about the multidistrict litigation going on about Depo-Provera and what you might be entitled to in compensation. Here are general answers to some of our clients’ most often-asked questions.
What is the Depo-Provera lawsuit about?
The lawsuit claims Pfizer knew or should have known about serious side effects and failed to warn users, causing harm. More specifically, the drugmaker is accused of rushing its testing process so that it failed to detect the severe side effects that so many patients have experienced. This negligent lack of testing would expose Pfizer to financial liability for any harm Depo-Provera users have suffered as a result. With Depo-Provera having been one of the most commonly used birth control medications in the U.S., the number of affected women could potentially rise into the thousands.
How does Depo-Provera potentially cause brain tumors?
Research suggests that using synthetic hormones called progestogens, such as those used in Depo-Provera, for at least 12 months straight may affect cell growth, leading to tumors and other problems. While much research remains in this area, the potential risk is clear enough to argue that Pfizer should have tested Depo-Provera more thoroughly before bringing it to market.
Who is eligible to file a Depo-Provera lawsuit?
Anyone with evidence of harm from Depo-Provera use can file, including wrongful death claims. To file a wrongful death lawsuit in Maryland, you must have been the spouse, parent or child of the deceased.
How long do I have to file a Depo-Provera lawsuit?
The statute of limitations is three years in Maryland. This time limit begins from the date you learned about your illness or reasonably should have found out about it. Note that many illnesses caused by Depo-Provera do not emerge until years after the patient has stopped using the drug. That does not prevent you from filing a timely claim.
What compensation can I potentially receive from a Depo-Provera lawsuit?
Compensation depends on each case but may include medical expenses, lost past and future wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, lost enjoyment of life and more. A debilitating illness can affect every aspect of your life, and the negligent pharmaceutical company that caused that illness should be held liable for all of the harm it caused you.
How do I prove my Depo-Provera use caused my brain tumor?
We utilize expert witnesses and resources to build a compelling case. In a civil lawsuit like a product liability case, the plaintiff must prove their claim by a preponderance of the evidence. This means the judge or jury is convinced that it is more likely than not the defendant is responsible for the plaintiff’s injuries. This is a lower standard of proof than what is used in criminal court.
Can I still file a lawsuit if I stopped using Depo-Provera years ago?
Yes. The statute starts from when you discover your illness, not from when you began using the drug. The fact that you have not taken Depo-Provera in years or even decades should not impact your right to sue. Many diseases tied to the birth control drug do not emerge for years after exposure.
Are there any costs involved in filing a Depo-Provera lawsuit?
Class-action litigation is often on a contingency basis, meaning no upfront costs. Instead of paying legal fees during the lawsuit, you pay a percentage of what you collect in a settlement or court verdict. Thus, there is no financial risk to you.
How long does a Depo-Provera lawsuit typically take to resolve?
Such complex cases can take years to settle or go to trial. The parties involved usually file several motions for the judge to decide on, such as motions to dismiss and motions related to evidence. There is also a lengthy discovery phase during which the parties exchange and examine evidence. Meanwhile, settlement negotiations can be long and complex. Pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer are reluctant to admit liability in cases like these and often try to drag out the litigation process as long as they can.
Our Record In Class-Action Litigation
Peter Angelos Law is a leader in class-action litigation both here in Baltimore and nationwide. Among our most successful cases, there are:
- Over $54 million in a settlement with the parent company of a power company that contaminated groundwater in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, with fly ash.
- A nearly $500 million verdict against Exxon Mobile Corporation after a 2006 underground gas leak spilled 26,000 gallons of unleaded gasoline, poisoning the groundwater for at least 400 individuals.
These are just two examples of our previous work in mass torts. We regularly represent regular people who have suffered severe harm at the hands of some of the U.S.’s largest corporations. The law makes it possible for you to recoup financial damages caused by a faulty product – with our help.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one has been affected by Depo-Provera, call us to set up a free initial consultation. Call Peter Angelos Law today at 1-410-999-1544 or toll free at 1-855-441-6915. Your time to file a claim could be limited, and if you wait too long, you could miss your chance at compensation.