What Damages Are Available in a Depo-Provera Lawsuit?

For individuals who have developed a meningioma from using the injectable contraceptive Depo Provera, filing a lawsuit may provide a pathway to recover damages. You may be able to recover fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other damages related to your injuries.

Our law firm is currently reviewing cases involving meningiomas, a type of brain tumor linked to the long-term use of Depo Provera. We can provide you with a free consultation if you or a loved one has been affected. The Depo-Provera lawsuit lawyers from our law firm can seek damages while you recover from your injuries.

Types of Damages in a Depo-Provera Lawsuit

Depo-Provera, a contraceptive injection manufactured by Pfizer as well as generic versions manufactured by other pharmaceutical companies, has been linked to severe side effects and complications, including an increased risk of developing a type of brain tumor known as meningioma.

Victims of Depo-Provera-related injuries may be entitled to several types of damages, depending on the specifics of their case. Below, we break down the most common categories of damages available in these personal injury lawsuits:

Economic Damages for Your Depo Provera Use

Economic damages, also known as special damages, are meant to reimburse victims for the financial costs directly related to their injuries. These damages are typically quantifiable and supported by documentation, such as bills and receipts. They typically include the following losses:

• Medical Expenses: Depo-Provera injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, and ongoing medication. Victims may recover compensation for past, current, and future medical care related to the injuries caused by the drug.
• Lost Income: If your injuries have prevented you from working, you may be eligible to recover lost wages. This damage includes time missed during recovery and any future income you may lose due to long-term or permanent disability.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: In cases where injuries result in a diminished ability to work or pursue a career, victims may seek compensation for the loss of earning potential over their lifetime. You may also be eligible to seek compensation for training in a new career.
• Other Financial Costs: Expenses like transportation to medical appointments, home care services, or necessary modifications to a living space (e.g., wheelchair ramps) may also be recoverable.

Our Depo Provera attorneys will compile the records necessary to determine a fair value to your economic losses. We will also consult with medical and financial experts to assess your future economic damages. 

Your Depo Provera Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages address the intangible, non-monetary impacts of an injury. While harder to quantify, these damages are a critical component of Depo-Provera lawsuits. Common examples of non-economic damages include:

• Pain and Suffering: Victims often endure significant physical pain and emotional distress due to their injuries. Pain and suffering damages compensate for these hardships and the toll they take on a person’s quality of life.
• Emotional Distress: The mental health impacts of a Depo-Provera-related injury, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), may warrant compensation.
• Loss of Consortium: In some cases, the spouse or partner of a victim may be entitled to damages for the loss of companionship, intimacy, or support resulting from the victim’s injuries.

We have the means to come to a fair value of your non-economic damages and pursue compensation aggressively. 

You May Receive Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are not awarded in every case but may apply in lawsuits where the defendant’s conduct was particularly reckless or egregious. In the context of Depo-Provera lawsuits, punitive damages might be awarded if it’s proven that the manufacturer knowingly failed to warn patients and healthcare providers about the risks associated with the drug.

The goal of punitive damages is to punish the defendant for wrongdoing and deter similar behavior in the future. These damages are typically awarded by the judge or jury in addition to economic and non-economic damages.

Seeking Justice Through Legal Action

Filing a Depo-Provera lawsuit is about more than just financial compensation; it’s also about holding negligent parties accountable and preventing further harm. If you or a loved one used Depo Provera twice and developed a meningioma, you may be eligible to seek damages for your injuries and losses. 

The possible negligent pharmaceutical companies include the following: 

• Pfizer
• Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC
• Greenstone LLC
• A‐S Medication Solutions
• Prasco Laboratories
• Preferred Pharmaceuticals Inc.

If you used Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) manufactured by one of these companies, our Depo Provera lawyers can gather records of your medical history and evidence to build your case. 

Other Long-Term Health Risks Associated With Depo-Provera

In addition to its link to brain tumors, Depo-Provera has been connected to other serious long-term health risks. Prolonged use of this contraceptive injection may pose complications for users, including the following:

• Bone Loss and Osteoporosis: According to the Cleveland Clinic, one of the most significant concerns associated with Depo-Provera is its impact on bone density loss. Long-term use can lead to decreased bone mineral density, increasing the likelihood of developing osteoporosis or suffering fractures later in life.
• Potential Increased Risk of Breast Cancer: Some research suggests that Depo-Provera may elevate the risk of breast cancer, especially in younger women who use the injection for prolonged periods. While the studies are not yet conclusive, they highlight the need for careful monitoring.
• Menstrual Cycle Disruptions: Depo-Provera users may experience significant changes to menstrual patterns, including irregular bleeding, extended spotting, or even amenorrhea (the complete absence of menstruation). While these effects may be reversible, they can cause distress or mask other underlying health issues.

Other side effects may include irregular hair growth or loss and fluctuations in weight.

Learn More About Your Possible Depo Provera Damages

At Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers, we are committed to helping victims of pharmaceutical negligence get the justice they deserve. We’re currently reviewing cases involving meningiomas caused by Depo-Provera. 

Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you explore your legal options.

Depo-Provera FAQ:

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The Depo shot may cause hair loss in some patients. While the hormones in this birth control shot prevent ovulation (and, therefore, pregnancy), they can also cause thinning or loss of hair that can stop when the user stops taking Depo. Significant hair loss can change your appearance and have long-term emotional side effects. Depo-Provera...

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