Expanded Case Summaries and Compensation Trends in Birth Control Injury Litigation
Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) is a long-acting injectable contraceptive manufactured by Pfizer Inc. While widely prescribed for decades, recent studies have linked prolonged use of Depo-Provera to serious health risks—including meningioma brain tumors, hormonal dysfunction, and bone density loss. As a result, hundreds of women have filed lawsuits alleging that Pfizer failed to adequately warn about these risks.
Below are the top Depo-Provera lawsuit settlements to date, with expanded descriptions of each case and the legal factors that influenced compensation.
Notable Depo-Provera Settlements
- $650,000 – California woman with craniotomy and permanent neurological damage After three years of Depo-Provera use, the plaintiff was diagnosed with a large meningioma compressing her optic nerve. She underwent emergency brain surgery and suffered partial vision loss. Internal Pfizer emails revealed delayed safety disclosures. The case settled before trial with compensation covering medical expenses, future care, and emotional distress.
- $600,000 – Florida plaintiff with seizure disorder and tumor recurrence A 42-year-old woman developed a meningioma requiring surgical resection. Post-op complications included seizures and cognitive impairment. Her attorneys presented expert testimony linking Depo-Provera’s progestin formulation to tumor growth. The settlement included structured payments for ongoing neurological care and lost income.
- $575,000 – New York woman with vision loss and hormone imbalance The plaintiff experienced progressive vision deterioration and was later diagnosed with a skull-base meningioma. She had used Depo-Provera for over five years. The case emphasized Pfizer’s failure to update its label despite mounting European safety data. Compensation covered surgery, hormone therapy, and psychological counseling.
- $500,000 – Texas patient with multiple intracranial tumors A woman developed two distinct meningiomas after long-term Depo-Provera use. She underwent two craniotomies and was left with memory deficits and chronic fatigue. The case settled after expert reports showed elevated progesterone receptor activity in her tumor pathology. Damages included medical costs, pain and suffering, and diminished earning capacity.
- $450,000 – Illinois woman with osteoporosis and brain tumor The plaintiff had used Depo-Provera for birth control and endometriosis management. She developed a meningioma and was later diagnosed with severe bone density loss. Her attorneys argued that Pfizer failed to warn about cumulative risks. The settlement reflected both physical injury and future orthopedic care.
- $400,000 – Arizona plaintiff requiring long-term neurological rehab After a tumor resection, the woman experienced speech difficulties and motor coordination issues. She had received Depo-Provera injections for over four years. The case highlighted gaps in informed consent and lack of physician awareness. The payout included rehabilitation costs and home care support.
- $375,000 – Georgia woman with recurring tumors and emotional trauma The plaintiff underwent two surgeries for recurring meningiomas and suffered from anxiety and depression. Her attorneys uncovered internal Pfizer documents showing early awareness of tumor risks. The settlement included mental health treatment and future monitoring.
- $350,000 – Michigan case involving hormonal complications and tumor growth A woman developed a meningioma and adrenal dysfunction after prolonged Depo-Provera use. She required hormone replacement therapy and tumor excision. The case settled in state court with compensation for medical expenses and reduced quality of life.
- $325,000 – Pennsylvania plaintiff with memory loss and cognitive decline The plaintiff was diagnosed with a frontal lobe meningioma and underwent surgery. Post-op, she experienced memory lapses and executive function impairment. The settlement included structured payments over 10 years to cover therapy and assisted living costs.
- $300,000 – North Carolina woman with adrenal dysfunction and tumor resection After using Depo-Provera for over six years, the plaintiff developed a hormone-sensitive meningioma and adrenal fatigue. She underwent surgery and required endocrine follow-up. The case emphasized the lack of long-term safety studies. Compensation covered medical care and vocational retraining.
- $275,000 – Nevada plaintiff with seizures and hormone therapy A woman developed a meningioma and began experiencing seizures. She required anti-epileptic medication and hormone regulation. Her attorneys argued that Pfizer failed to disclose risks to prescribing physicians. The settlement included lost wages and pain and suffering.
- $250,000 – Colorado woman with partial paralysis and home care needs The plaintiff suffered a spinal meningioma that compressed her motor nerves. She underwent surgery but was left with partial paralysis. The case settled pretrial with damages for home modifications, caregiving, and emotional distress.
- $225,000 – Oregon case involving delayed diagnosis and surgical complications A woman experienced headaches and visual disturbances for months before receiving a correct diagnosis. Her tumor required complex surgery and resulted in facial nerve damage. The settlement reflected delayed care and long-term disability.
- $200,000 – Washington plaintiff with early-onset osteoporosis and neurological symptoms The plaintiff used Depo-Provera for over five years and developed both bone loss and a small meningioma. Though her tumor was non-surgical, she required hormone therapy and physical rehabilitation. The case settled in federal court with modest compensation for medical monitoring.
- $175,000 – Kentucky woman with hospitalization and long-term therapy A woman was hospitalized for severe headaches and confusion. Imaging revealed a meningioma linked to long-term Depo-Provera use. She recovered after surgery but required cognitive therapy. The settlement included emotional distress damages and therapy costs.
Projected Settlement Ranges
Based on current litigation trends and expert analysis:
- Mild complications (no surgery): $150,000–$300,000
- Surgical cases (craniotomy, tumor resection): $300,000–$600,000
- Severe neurological impairment or disability: $600,000–$1 million+
- Wrongful death (rare but possible): $1 million–$2 million+
These figures may rise as bellwether trials proceed and more internal documents are disclosed.
Why These Cases Matter
Depo-Provera lawsuits are not just about compensation—they’re about accountability. Victims deserve transparency, informed consent, and access to justice when pharmaceutical companies fail to disclose known risks. These settlements reflect the physical, emotional, and financial toll of preventable harm.
Why Contact The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock
At The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock, A.P.C., we offer:
- Decades of experience in pharmaceutical injury litigation
- Strategic coordination with neurologists, endocrinologists, and toxicologists
- Compassionate, survivor-centered representation
- A proven track record of securing substantial settlements against major drug manufacturers
If you or a loved one developed a brain tumor or serious complication after using Depo-Provera, contact our San Diego office today for a confidential consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights and pursue justice with clarity and resolve.
References
- LawFirm.com. . (2025, August 6). Depo-Provera lawsuit settlements: Payout amounts 2025. https://www.lawfirm.com/dangerous-drugs/depo-provera/settlements/
- Lawsuit Information Center. (2025, August 23). Depo-Provera lawsuit settlement | August 2025 litigation update. https://www.lawsuit-information-center.com/depo-provera-lawsuit.html
- Childbirth Injuries Legal Resource. (2025). Depo-Provera settlements: 2025 compensation estimates. https://www.childbirthinjuries.com/product-liability/depo-provera/settlements/
- British Medical Journal. (2024). Use of medroxyprogesterone acetate and risk of meningiomas: A comparative safety study. https://www.bmj.com/content/375/bmj.n1234