California Depo-Provera Attorneys

Representing Depo-Provera Users Across California

Did you use the injectable birth control Depo-Provera for more than one year and later receive a meningioma diagnosis? Emerging research has established a link between the prolonged use of Depo-Provera and an increased risk of developing meningioma, a serious type of brain tumor.

The law firm of Matthews & Associates is investigating the connection between Depo-Provera and meningioma brain tumors. This dangerous side effect was not properly disclosed to patients and doctors, leaving many California women unaware of the potential risks. If you or a loved one developed a meningioma after using Depo-Provera, you may be eligible to file a claim against the manufacturer, Pfizer, for the harm you have suffered. Our team is dedicated to helping Californians explore their legal options and pursue the justice and fair compensation they deserve.

Harmed by Depo-Provera? Our California Depo-Provera lawyer fights for victims nationwide. Call (888) 923-7001 for a free consultation today.

What is Depo-Provera?

Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) is an injectable form of birth control administered every three months. It works by suppressing ovulation, making it a popular choice for those seeking a long-lasting contraceptive option. Beyond contraception, it’s sometimes used to manage endometriosis, menstrual disorders, and other reproductive health issues.

Despite its convenience, Depo-Provera has been linked to serious health risks—including the development of intracranial meningioma.

Common Uses of Depo-Provera

Depo-Provera is widely used in reproductive health for various medical needs beyond its primary use as a contraceptive.

Common ways Depo-Provera is used in healthcare today include:

• Contraception: Depo-Provera is an option for birth control, particularly for those seeking a low-maintenance method.
• Temporary treatment for endometriosis: Depo-Provera is sometimes prescribed to individuals managing endometriosis. In this painful condition, tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus.
• Management of menstrual disorders: Depo-Provera is also used to address various menstrual issues, such as irregular periods or heavy bleeding.

The Link Between Depo-Provera and Meningioma

Recent studies, including those published in The British Medical Journal (BMJ), reveal a significant association between long-term use of Depo-Provera and an increased risk of meningioma. In some cases, the risk may increase by as much as 500% after just two injections.

Meningiomas, while typically noncancerous, can still cause serious complications due to their location in the brain or spinal cord. Common symptoms include:

• Vision or hearing loss
• Severe headaches or migraines
• Seizures
• Memory problems or cognitive decline

Treatment often involves risky brain surgery, radiation therapy, and long-term medical monitoring.

Pfizer's Failure to Warn

Drug manufacturers like Pfizer have a legal obligation to inform consumers and doctors of potential risks. Despite known or suspected links to meningioma, Pfizer continued to market Depo-Provera without providing adequate warnings.

As a result, users who might have chosen a safer birth control option were unknowingly exposed to the danger of serious brain tumors.

How Dangerous is Meningioma?

Although meningiomas are often labeled as “noncancerous,” they are far from harmless. Any tumor growing in the brain can be dangerous due to its location. Meningiomas develop in the meningeal tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and even small tumors can exert pressure on nearby brain structures, potentially leading to severe health complications if left untreated.

Common symptoms of meningiomas include:

• Vision loss
• Hearing loss
• Migraines
• Seizures

The primary treatment options for removing a meningioma include surgery and radiation, both of which carry significant risks. In some cases, a meningioma may be inoperable due to its proximity to critical brain structures, making management and ongoing monitoring essential.

Long-Term Health Risks Associated with Meningioma

Beyond the immediate challenges of diagnosis and treatment, meningioma can lead to long-term health complications that significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Depending on the tumor’s size and location, individuals may experience:

• Memory loss and cognitive impairment
• Chronic headaches and migraines
• Motor function difficulties
• Vision and hearing problems
• Seizures and neurological changes
• Ongoing medical monitoring
• Need for rehabilitation

Why Pfizer May Be Liable Under California Law

Under California law, companies that design, manufacture, or sell a defective product can be held "strictly liable" for injuries caused by that product. Strict liability means you do not have to prove the company was negligent or careless. If the product has a defect and causes harm when used in a reasonably foreseeable way, the company is responsible.

California law recognizes three main types of product defects:

1. Manufacturing Defects: An error during the production process makes the product unsafe.
2. Design Defects: The product's design is inherently flawed, making it unreasonably dangerous.
3. Warning Defects (Failure to Warn): The product is sold without adequate warnings or instructions about its potential dangers.

Depo-Provera lawsuits are primarily based on a failure to warn. Manufacturers have a duty to warn consumers about hazards that are known or scientifically knowable at the time of distribution. To succeed in a failure-to-warn case in California, you must show that Pfizer failed to adequately warn about the risk of meningioma, and that this failure was a substantial factor in causing your injury.

How to File a Depo-Provera Lawsuit in California

Filing a lawsuit against a major pharmaceutical company can seem overwhelming, but an experienced California product liability lawyer can guide you through the process.

In California, you have a limited time to take legal action. This is known as the statute of limitations.

• Statute of Limitations: A product liability lawsuit for personal injury must generally be filed within two years of the date the injury occurred.
• The Discovery Rule: If an injury was not immediately apparent (as is often the case with conditions like meningioma), the "discovery rule" may apply. This rule states that the two-year clock does not start until you knew or reasonably should have known about your injury. In this situation, you have one year from the date of discovery to file a claim.

If you fail to file your lawsuit within the correct timeframe, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation.

Compensation in a California Depo-Provera Lawsuit

If you were harmed by Depo-Provera, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your losses. In a California product liability case, available damages are grouped into three categories:

• Economic Damages: This covers all of your measurable financial losses, including:
  • Medical bills (past and future)
  • Lost wages and income
  • Diminished future earning capacity
  • Property damage
• Non-Economic Damages: This compensates you for the non-financial, personal harms you have endured, such as:
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress and mental anguish
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Disfigurement
• Punitive Damages: In some cases, a jury may award punitive damages. These are not meant to compensate you for losses but to punish the defendant for extreme wrongdoing, such as acting with malice, oppression, or fraud. There is no statutory cap on punitive damages in California product liability cases.

Eligibility Requirements for Filing a Lawsuit

• History of Use: Individuals who have used Depo-Provera over an extended period, typically involving multiple doses, may be eligible.
• Confirmed Diagnosis: A confirmed diagnosis of meningioma is necessary to pursue a claim. Your attorney will evaluate your medical records to determine if you meet this requirement.
• Supporting Evidence: Key evidence includes your contraceptive usage history and medical records confirming your diagnosis and treatment.

Contact Our California Depo-Provera Lawyers Today

If you or someone you love has developed meningioma after using Depo-Provera, it’s time to explore your legal options. By filing a claim, you can seek the justice you deserve and help hold a powerful corporation accountable. At Matthews & Associates, we are here to support you every step of the way. Our experienced team is ready to help clients across California pursue the full compensation they are owed.

Call us at (888) 923-7001 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.