Texas Depo-Provera Attorneys
Representing Depo-Provera Users Across Texas
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 Texas 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 Texans explore their legal options and pursue the justice and fair compensation they deserve.
Did you develop a meningioma after using Depo-Provera? Call Matthews & Associates today at (888) 923-7001 or contact us online to speak with a Texas Depo-Provera lawyer about your case.
What is Depo-Provera?
Depo-Provera is an injectable birth control medication typically administered once every three months. Commonly known as the “birth control shot,” it works by preventing ovulation, making it a reliable option for women who may be unable to use other birth control methods due to medical or personal reasons. Depo-Provera has been widely prescribed as a convenient and long-lasting form of contraception.
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.
Undisclosed Serious Side Effects of Depo-Provera
While most medications come with known side effects, recent studies have revealed a significant, previously undisclosed risk associated with Depo-Provera: the development of meningiomas. Research, including a study published in The BMJ, indicates that prolonged use of Depo-Provera is linked to an increased risk of developing these brain tumors.
This risk was not adequately communicated to consumers and healthcare professionals, leading to legal actions against Pfizer for failing to disclose this serious side effect.
How Dangerous is Meningioma?
While meningiomas are often described as “noncancerous,” they are far from benign. 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 place pressure on nearby brain structures, leading to severe health complications if left untreated.
Common symptoms of meningioma include:
- Vision loss
- Hearing loss
- Migraines
- Seizures
To remove a meningioma brain tumor, surgery and radiation are the primary treatment options, though each carries significant risks. In some cases, meningiomas may be inoperable because of their proximity to critical brain structures, making management and 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 Texas Law
Under Texas law, product manufacturers have a legal responsibility to ensure their products are safe for consumers. When a defective product causes harm, the manufacturer can be held accountable. Texas product liability law is based on a legal theory of "strict liability," which means an injured person does not have to prove the manufacturer was negligent or did something wrong. Instead, you only need to prove that the product was defective and that the defect caused your injury.
Product liability claims in Texas generally fall into three categories of defects:
- Manufacturing Defects: An error during the production process makes the product unsafe.
- Design Defects: The product's design is inherently flawed, making it unreasonably dangerous even when made correctly.
- Marketing Defects (Failure to Warn): The product is sold without adequate warnings or instructions about its potential dangers. This lack of warning makes an otherwise adequate product unreasonably dangerous.
Depo-Provera lawsuits allege that Pfizer committed a marketing defect by failing to warn doctors and patients in Texas about the increased risk of meningioma. This failure to warn may make Pfizer strictly liable for the injuries and losses suffered by users.
How to File a Depo-Provera Lawsuit in Texas
Filing a lawsuit against a major pharmaceutical company can seem overwhelming, but understanding the process can help you feel empowered. An experienced Texas product liability lawyer can guide you through every step.
Important Time Limits in Texas
In Texas, you have a limited time to take legal action.
- Statute of Limitations: Generally, a product liability lawsuit must be filed within two years of the date the injury occurred or was discovered. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation.
- Statute of Repose: Texas also has a 15-year "statute of repose." This means a claim may be barred if it is filed more than 15 years after the product was first sold, regardless of when the injury was discovered.
The Lawsuit Process
- Initial Consultation: Your journey begins with a free, confidential consultation with an attorney at Matthews & Associates to discuss your medical history and Depo-Provera use.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Your attorney will gather essential evidence, including your medical records and proof of Depo-Provera use, to build a strong case. It is crucial to preserve any documents you have, such as prescriptions or medical bills.
- Filing the Claim: Your attorney will formally file the lawsuit in court on your behalf, outlining the harm you suffered and the compensation you are seeking.
- Discovery: Both sides will exchange evidence and information. This stage is crucial for establishing the facts of the case.
- Resolution: Many cases are resolved through a negotiated settlement. However, if a fair agreement cannot be reached, your attorney will be prepared to take your case to trial.
Compensation in a Texas Depo-Provera Lawsuit
If you were harmed by Depo-Provera, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your losses. In a Texas product liability case, available damages can include:
- Economic Damages: Compensation for actual financial losses. This includes medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, and loss of future earning capacity.
- Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for non-financial harms. This includes physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Exemplary (Punitive) Damages: In cases where the manufacturer's conduct is found to involve fraud, malice, or gross negligence, Texas law may allow for an award of exemplary damages, which are intended to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct in the future.
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 Texas Depo-Provera Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one in Texas suffered health consequences after using Depo-Provera, you are not alone. 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 Texas pursue the full compensation they are owed.
Contact a Depo-Provera lawyer at Matthews & Associates to pursue the compensation you deserve! Call (888) 923-7001 for a free, confidential consultation.
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