If you or someone in your family developed brain tumors after using Depo-Provera, you may have legal options. This guide breaks down the key requirements for joining the ongoing litigation in plain language. We’ll explain the medical and legal criteria in simple terms – no law degree required.
You can also skip ahead and see if you qualify for a Depo shot lawsuit by completing this confidential case evaluation form. It takes approximately five minutes to complete, and our legal team will be in touch to inform you of the next steps.
The Basic Requirements to File a Depo Provera Claim
Recent court filings show that most plaintiffs in the Depo-Provera brain tumor lawsuits share the following key characteristics.
Depo Injection History
You likely qualify for a claim if you received:
- 4+ Depo-Provera shots (spread over at least 12 months).
- Injections after 1992 (when FDA approved it for birth control).
- The brand-name version (Pfizer/Wyeth) or certain generics.
Example: "I received the Depo shot every 3 months between 2015 and 2018" would meet this standard.
Meningioma Diagnosis After Depo Shot
Courts are prioritizing cases where Depo-Provera users developed:
- Meningiomas (brain/spine tumors) diagnosed after Depo Provera shots that required surgery, radiation, or ongoing monitoring.
- No family history of meningiomas.
Even if your tumor was diagnosed as "benign," you may still qualify.
Timing of Depo Injections
You will need to show:
- First Depo shot was received before tumor symptoms began.
- If the Depo shot was received within the last three years, the diagnosis must be within 12 months of the last shot.
- If the Depo shot was received more than three years ago, diagnosis can be anytime after 12 months since the last injection.
Not sure about your injection history? Contact our legal team to learn more about your legal rights.
3 Steps to Prove Your Depo Shot Case
Step 1: Gather Medical Evidence
Here are some of the things you will need for your claim:
- Depo-Provera prescription records
- MRI/CT scans showing tumor location
- Surgery or treatment reports
If you are missing one or more of these, don’t worry; you may still be able to move forward with a claim.
Step 2: Confirm Your Injection Type
Lawsuits focus on Pfizer’s branded Depo-Provera, but some generics may qualify. Be sure to check your:
- Pharmacy records
- Insurance statements
- Doctor’s notes
Step 3: Act Before Deadlines
Depo Provera lawsuits must be filed before your statute of limitations runs out. Each state has different filing deadlines. To ensure your legal rights are protected, contact an attorney as soon as you are able.
Why Are Depo-Provera Lawsuits Happening Now?
Depo-Provera lawsuits have surged in 2025 due to new scientific evidence and evolving legal strategies that strengthen claims against Pfizer, the manufacturer. A landmark 2024 study published in the BMJ revealed that long-term Depo-Provera users face a 555% increased risk of developing meningiomas—non-cancerous brain tumors that can cause debilitating symptoms like vision loss, seizures, and chronic pain. This research provided the first large-scale clinical proof linking the contraceptive to brain tumors, prompting thousands of women to pursue legal action.
Equally critical is Pfizer’s failure to update U.S. warning labels despite adding meningioma risks to Depo-Provera packaging in Europe and Canada as early as 2022. Plaintiffs argue this discrepancy shows Pfizer knowingly withheld critical safety information from American patients and doctors.
The creation of a multidistrict litigation (Depo-Provera Products Liability Litigation, MDL 3140) in February 2025 centralized all federal Depo-Provera lawsuits under Judge M. Casey Rodgers in Florida. This consolidation streamlines pretrial proceedings and signals judicial recognition of the litigation’s merit.
As of May 2025, there are roughly 289 Depo shot lawsuits pending in the federal MDL.
Are There Generic Depo Provera Lawsuits?
Yes. Lawsuits involving authorized generic versions of Depo-Provera may be permitted. For example, California courts have applied innovator liability principles that allow lawsuits against Pfizer even for users of generic Depo-Provera.
Plaintiffs argue that Pfizer used subsidiaries to market "authorized generics" identical to brand-name Depo-Provera, allowing the company to retain control over labeling and profits while avoiding liability. Courts may allow these cases because Pfizer allegedly maintained responsibility for safety warnings even for its generic versions, unlike independent generic manufacturers.
What Compensation Is Available in a Depo Shot Lawsuit?
While outcomes vary, successful Depo-Provera claims may recover compensation for:
Medical Expenses
- Emergency brain surgeries, radiation treatments, and hospital stays.
- Ongoing monitoring through MRIs/CT scans.
- Prescription medications and rehabilitation therapies.
Lost Income
- Wages lost during recovery or permanent disability.
- Reduced earning capacity if cognitive or physical limitations persist.
Pain and Suffering
- Physical discomfort from tumors and treatments.
- Emotional distress, anxiety, or depression are linked to the diagnosis.
Future Care Costs
- Long-term nursing or home healthcare.
- Adaptive equipment for vision loss or mobility issues.
Punitive Damages
Courts may award punitive damages if Pfizer’s conduct is deemed reckless or intentional.
Families who lost loved ones to meningioma complications may also file wrongful death claims for funeral costs and loss of companionship.
Check Your Depo Shot Lawsuit Eligibility Today
The fastest way to determine whether you have a Depo-Provera lawsuit is to contact an attorney. At Wisner Baum, we offer free and confidential case evaluations, so you can quickly know whether you qualify for a lawsuit.
Time limitations may apply to your claim, so we advise you to seek legal advice as soon as you can. Call the attorneys at Wisner Baum today at (855) 948-5098 or complete our case evaluation form to start the process.
