Depo-Provera Lawsuit Settlement, What Women Need To Know Today

Thousands of women across the United States are coming forward with serious health concerns after using Depo-Provera, the popular birth control shot. More than 1,200 lawsuits have been consolidated in federal court, with women alleging they developed brain tumors called meningiomas after receiving the contraceptive injections.

If you used Depo-Provera and were later diagnosed with a meningioma, you may be entitled to compensation. Here’s everything you need to know about the ongoing litigation and potential settlement amounts.

What Is the Depo-Provera Lawsuit About?

The lawsuits allege that Pfizer, the manufacturer of Depo-Provera, knew or should have known about the risk of brain tumors but failed to adequately warn users and the medical community. Women claim they developed meningiomas—tumors that form in the lining of the brain and spinal cord—after long-term use of the injectable contraceptive.

A March 2024 study published in the British Medical Journal found that prolonged use of medroxyprogesterone acetate (the active ingredient in Depo-Provera) carried a significantly increased risk of intracranial meningioma. The research revealed alarming statistics that triggered this wave of litigation.

The Science Behind the Claims

A Cleveland Clinic study published in JAMA Neurology reviewed data from over 10 million women across 68 health systems and found that long-term Depo-Provera users, especially those over age 31 or on the drug for more than four years, had a 2.43 times higher risk of developing intracranial meningioma.

Even more concerning, women who used Depo-Provera for longer than a year are over 5 times more likely to develop these tumors. Despite this evidence, Pfizer has not updated the warning label in the United States to reflect these risks.

Current Status of Depo-Provera Litigation

Federal MDL Consolidation

In February 2025, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation officially consolidated all federal Depo-Provera cases into MDL No. 3140 in the Northern District of Florida under Judge M. Casey Rodgers. This consolidation allows cases to move more efficiently through pretrial proceedings.

As of October 2025, there are now over 1,222 lawsuits in the MDL, with new cases being filed weekly as more women discover the potential connection between their brain tumors and Depo-Provera use.

State Court Activity

In addition to the federal MDL, lawsuits are also being filed in state courts across the U.S., including California, New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. This dual-track approach creates additional pressure on defendants and may lead to faster resolutions.

Depo Provera Lawsuit Settlement Could Pay Women Up to $1 Million for Brain Tumors

Critical September 2025 Hearing

On September 29, 2025, oral arguments took place on Pfizer’s motion to dismiss the lawsuits based on federal preemption. Pfizer argues that because the FDA rejected a proposed label change in 2024, the company cannot be sued under state failure-to-warn laws.

However, plaintiffs’ attorneys counter that Pfizer drafted a label update that was so broad it applied to an entire class of drugs, not just Depo-Provera, giving the FDA no choice but to reject it. The outcome of this motion could significantly impact the trajectory of all cases.

Depo-Provera Settlement Amounts: What to Expect

Estimated Compensation Range

While no global settlement has been announced yet, legal experts have provided projections based on similar pharmaceutical litigation and the severity of injuries involved.

Attorneys estimate that individual settlements could range from $275,000 to over $1.5 million. Other sources project different ranges:

Moderate estimates: $100,000 to $500,000 or more, depending on individual circumstances
Conservative estimates: $75,000 to $1,000,000 based on legal experts familiar with similar pharmaceutical litigation

Factors Affecting Settlement Value

Your potential compensation will depend on several key factors:

Severity of Injury

The most serious cases, such as those involving life-threatening brain tumor diagnoses or permanent disability, may result in higher settlement offers, while milder cases may receive less

Medical Expenses

The cost of imaging scans, surgery, and radiation can add up quickly, with brain tumor treatment expenses potentially exceeding $700,000 before insurance

Duration of Use

The longer you used Depo-Provera, the easier it may be to demonstrate a link between your tumor and the shot, and a stronger link could allow lawyers to negotiate a larger payout

Impact on Quality of Life

Lost wages, inability to work, emotional distress, and permanent neurological damage all factor into settlement calculations

Medical Documentation

Cases with strong physician support, including treating neurologists or neurosurgeons willing to provide causation opinions, consistently achieve higher settlements

Comparison to Similar Cases

In other lawsuits involving meningiomas, settlements have averaged over $800,000, and trial verdicts have exceeded $3 million. Additionally, in a past class action lawsuit in Canada, Pfizer was ordered to pay more than $2 million in Depo settlements after the company didn’t properly warn users about the risk of bone mineral density loss.

Timeline for Settlement and Bellwether Trials

When Will Settlements Occur?

At this time, there has been no confirmed or rumored Depo-Provera lawsuit settlement, and experts do not expect one soon. Mass tort cases typically follow a pattern of pretrial proceedings, bellwether trials, and eventual settlement discussions.

Bellwether Trial Schedule

Judge Rodgers has stated that bellwether trials are expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027 to assess key arguments and support possible settlements. Five Depo-Provera cases have been selected from the MDL to serve as the first lawsuits to go before a jury.

These early trial outcomes will be crucial, as the results help both plaintiffs and defendants understand potential outcomes, shaping the trajectory of settlement negotiations and determining how future cases may be resolved.

Who Qualifies for a Depo-Provera Lawsuit?

Eligibility Requirements

You may qualify to file a claim if you meet these criteria:

Medical Diagnosis

You received an image-confirmed meningioma diagnosis after taking Depo-Provera, Depo-SubQ Provera, or an authorized generic version

Minimum Usage

Women who had at least two injections and were later diagnosed with a meningioma brain tumor are eligible

Statute of Limitations

You must live in a state where the statute of limitations has not expired

Simplified Filing Requirements

In September 2025, the court changed the filing requirements, allowing more women to join and remain in the group action even if they cannot provide concrete medical records at first. This is particularly helpful for women who used Depo-Provera over a decade ago when their doctor or pharmacy may no longer have records on file.

The Legal Arguments: Pfizer’s Defense vs. Plaintiffs’ Claims

Pfizer’s Federal Preemption Defense

Pfizer claims that after new evidence emerged in 2023, the company drafted a label update for the drug that included information on meningioma risk, but the FDA rejected that label update at the end of 2024, saying the available evidence was not substantial enough to warrant a change.

The company argues this FDA rejection means federal law preempts state-level failure-to-warn claims.

Plaintiffs’ Counterarguments

Plaintiffs argue that Pfizer cannot hide behind the FDA because the company never gave regulators the full picture on meningioma risks—Pfizer downplayed epidemiological studies, ignored decades of mechanistic evidence, and even provided more detail to foreign regulators than to the FDA.

Additionally, plaintiffs claim that “FDA never rejected an adequate warning, because Pfizer never offered one,” noting that Pfizer’s flawed warning implicated a class of drugs, not just Depo-Provera.

Historical Knowledge of Risks

Plaintiffs’ representatives claim that a neurosurgeon warned Pfizer that use of the drug could accelerate meningioma growth just five years after its 1992 approval, and that for decades, as evidence amassed that Depo-Provera caused brain tumors, Pfizer refused to study or warn about that risk.

What Compensation Covers in Depo-Provera Claims

If your lawsuit is successful, compensation typically covers:

Economic Damages

Medical bills (past and future)
Surgical costs
Radiation and treatment expenses
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Travel expenses for medical care

Non-Economic Damages

Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of quality of life
Permanent disability
Cognitive impairment

Special Circumstances

A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed for a 47-year-old woman who died of “Posterior Cranial Fossa Hemorrhage, due to: Meningioma of the Left Side of the Posterior Cranial Fossa”, demonstrating that families of deceased victims may also pursue claims

How to File a Depo-Provera Lawsuit

Step 1: Free Consultation

Contact a qualified Depo-Provera attorney who can review your case. Most lawyers offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they win your case.

Step 2: Gather Documentation

Your lawyer will collect:

Medical records showing Depo-Provera use
Diagnostic imaging confirming meningioma
Treatment records
Proof of expenses and lost wages

Step 3: Case Filing

All plaintiffs in the Depo-Provera MDL must complete a Use/Injury Questionnaire and submit supporting documentation through the BrownGreer MDL Centrality system.

Step 4: Discovery and Negotiations

Your case will proceed through the discovery phase, where evidence is exchanged. If your case isn’t selected for bellwether trials, it will likely move toward settlement negotiations once those early trials conclude.

Important Deadlines and Time Limits

Act Quickly Time is of the essence. State statutes of limitations vary, and waiting too long could bar you from filing a claim.

Discovery Rule May Apply The discovery rule could extend deadlines, allowing lawsuits to be filed after a plaintiff learns their condition may have been caused by the drug, rather than when symptoms first appeared.

July 2025 Certification Deadline Judge Rodgers set a July 31 deadline for certifying the number of unfiled claims and warned that firms could lose leadership positions in the litigation if they wait to file en masse.

Related Legal Resources

For more information about related legal topics, visit:

Frequently Asked Questions About the Depo-Provera Lawsuit

1. Has a settlement been reached in the Depo-Provera lawsuit?

No. There has been no confirmed or rumored Depo-Provera lawsuit settlement at this time. The litigation is still in pretrial proceedings, with bellwether trials expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027.

2. How much is the average Depo-Provera settlement?

While no settlements have been finalized, attorneys estimate individual settlements could range from $275,000 to over $1.5 million, depending on the severity of injuries, medical expenses, and impact on quality of life.

3. Do I need a lawyer to file a Depo-Provera claim?

While not legally required, having an experienced attorney is strongly recommended. The litigation is complex, and working with an experienced Depo-Provera lawyer provides access to medical experts, ensures deadlines are met, and brings proven experience in pharmaceutical litigation.

4. How long did you have to use Depo-Provera to qualify for the lawsuit?

Most attorneys are accepting cases from women who had at least two injections and were later diagnosed with a meningioma brain tumor. Women who used Depo-Provera for longer than a year are over 5 times more likely to develop tumors.

5. What if I used Depo-Provera years ago?

Even if you used the Depo-Provera birth control shot years ago, you may still be able to pursue settlement compensation. The discovery rule may extend your filing deadline if you only recently learned about the connection between Depo-Provera and your meningioma.

6. Why hasn’t the FDA required a warning label in the U.S.?

While Depo-Provera’s labels have been updated in other countries with regard to the meningioma risk, Pfizer continues to sell the shot in the U.S. without any brain tumor warning. Depo-Provera packaging in the U.S. does not currently include a warning about meningioma risks, though regulators in Europe and Canada require such warnings.

7. Can I still file a claim if my tumor was benign?

Yes. While meningiomas are typically benign, they can compress brain tissue, requiring invasive surgery, and can cause serious complications including seizures, vision loss, hearing loss, and permanent neurological damage.

Take Action Today

If you or a loved one developed a meningioma after using Depo-Provera, time is critical. With over 1,222 lawsuits already filed and new cases being added weekly, legal experts anticipate this MDL will continue growing substantially.

Don’t wait. Statute of limitations deadlines vary by state, and gathering the necessary medical documentation takes time. Contact a qualified Depo-Provera attorney today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.

Legal Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. If you believe you have been harmed by Depo-Provera, consult with a qualified attorney and medical professional to discuss your specific situation. Settlement amounts mentioned are estimates based on expert opinions and similar cases; actual compensation will vary based on individual circumstances.

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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