The decision to use birth control is a deeply personal one, often made after careful consideration of a person’s health, lifestyle, and family planning goals. They trust that the products recommended by their healthcare providers are safe and effective. But what happens when that trust is shattered? What recourse do you have when a contraceptive injection like Depo-Provera causes unexpected and devastating side effects?
If you are facing this difficult situation, know that you are not alone. The Wisconsin personal injury attorneys at Cannon & Dunphy S.C. have been fighting for the rights of people harmed by dangerous drugs and defective medical devices for over 30 years. Let our Wisconsin Depo Provera lawyers help you hold negligent drug manufacturers accountable and work toward restoring your quality of life.
Understanding Depo Provera and Legal Claims
Depo-Provera is an injectable form of birth control that prevents pregnancy for approximately 12 to 14 weeks per dose. The medication works by suppressing ovulation, preventing the ovaries from releasing eggs. While many women have used this contraceptive method without incident, concerning research has emerged linking the drug to serious health complications.
A 2024 study in The British Medical Journal found that users of Depo-Provera face a significantly higher risk of developing meningiomas—tumors that form in the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. These findings have prompted legal action against Pfizer, the manufacturer of Depo-Provera.
Drug manufacturers have a legal obligation to disclose known side effects to the Food and Drug Administration and consumers. Unfortunately, Pfizer failed to adequately warn patients and healthcare providers about this serious risk. Despite receiving reports suggesting problems with the medication, lawsuits allege the company continued to market Depo-Provera as safe and effective. Many women who have filed Depo-Provera lawsuits state they would have chosen different contraceptive options had they been properly informed of the potential tumor risk.Â
Common Depo Provera Side Effects
When considering legal action related to Depo-Provera, it’s important to know the difference between common side effects and the symptoms that might indicate a more serious condition like meningioma. All medications have side effects, and Depo-Provera may cause:
- Irregular periods or the complete cessation of menstruation
- Changes in appetite and potential weight gain
- Nervousness, depression, or changes in mood
- Osteoporosis, or the loss of bone mineral density
- Acne, excessive facial or body hair growth, or hair loss
- Headaches that range from mild to more severe
Symptoms that may indicate a meningioma, which requires immediate medical attention, include:
- Headaches that increase in frequency or severityÂ
- Trouble thinking clearly
- Changes in behavior or personality
- Vision problems
- Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
- Weakness in limbs
- Trouble walking or loss of coordination
- The sudden onset of seizures
- Nausea and vomiting
- The loss of smell
If you experience any symptoms potentially related to meningioma after using Depo-Provera, seek immediate medical care. After your diagnosis, consult with a Wisconsin Depo-Provera lawyer about your options.
Your Legal Options After a Depo Provera Injury
Not everyone who has used Depo-Provera will qualify for legal action, even if they experienced side effects. To be eligible for a Depo-Provera lawsuit, you typically need to meet specific criteria.
You may have grounds for a lawsuit if:
- You received at least four consecutive injections of Depo-Provera, Depo-SubQ, or a generic version.
- You used the contraceptive injection after 1992.
- You have been diagnosed with cerebral meningioma (either malignant or benign).
- You used qualifying injections for at least 12 months.
- At least two years passed between your first injection and your meningioma diagnosis.
- You can document where you received the injections, such as a doctor’s office, pharmacy, or family planning clinic.
The only way to know for certain if your situation qualifies for legal action is to consult with an attorney who is currently representing clients in Depo-Provera lawsuits. At Cannon & Dunphy S.C., our lawyers will carefully evaluate your medical history, Depo-Provera usage, and diagnosis to determine if you have a viable claim. We will explain all aspects of the legal process in straightforward terms, answer your questions honestly, and develop a personalized strategy to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Compensation Available for Depo Provera Complications
The goal of a Depo-Provera claim is to help restore your financial stability and account for both economic and non-economic damages. A successful lawsuit can provide financial recovery for the various ways a meningioma diagnosis has impacted your life, such as the following:
- Medical Expenses: The majority of your settlement will likely account for your past and future medical needs related to your meningioma diagnosis. This may include coverage for diagnostic testing, surgical procedures to remove tumors, radiation therapy, ongoing monitoring, and rehabilitation services.
- Lost Income: You have the right to claim compensation for wages lost during recovery and compensation for diminished earning capacity if your ability to work has been permanently affected.
- Disability Accommodations: Your settlement can help cover necessary modifications to your home or vehicle to accommodate any physical limitations resulting from your condition or treatments.
- Caregiver Expenses: You can recover compensation for professional care services or unpaid care provided by family members during your recovery or for ongoing needs.
- Pain and Suffering: This portion of your settlement acknowledges the physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life you have experienced as a result of your diagnosis and treatment.
How to File a Depo Provera Lawsuit in Wisconsin
If you believe you have a case against the manufacturers of Depo-Provera, your first step should be contacting an attorney who represents clients in these lawsuits. When you connect with a lawyer from Cannon & Dunphy S.C., we will immediately conduct a thorough evaluation of your case, including reviewing your medical records and history of Depo-Provera use. If you qualify for a claim, we will clearly explain the legal process and what to expect at each stage.
The legal process can be complex, but with the right representation, you can focus on your health while your attorney focuses on securing the compensation you deserve. We will handle all communications with medical experts, insurance companies, and the manufacturer’s legal team while building a strong case that establishes the link between your Depo-Provera use and your meningioma diagnosis.
Contact a Depo Provera Attorney in Wisconsin
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with meningioma after receiving a Depo Provera injection, you may be entitled to compensation. The attorneys at Cannon & Dunphy S.C. will listen to your story, explain your legal options, and fight for the justice you deserve. Contact us today at (262) 668-8884 for a free and confidential consultation and begin your legal journey.Â