Meningioma Surgery Cost and What a Depo-Provera Claim Can Cover

Meningioma surgery cost is one of the largest financial burdens facing women who developed brain tumors after using Depo-Provera. This birth control shot has been linked to meningioma, a tumor that grows around the brain and spinal cord. Thousands of women now allege that Pfizer failed to warn them about this risk. As a result, a federal lawsuit is moving forward. This guide explains the litigation, who may qualify, and how the meningioma surgery cost fits into a potential claim.

What Is the Meningioma Surgery Cost About?

Depo-Provera is an injectable contraceptive made by Pfizer. Its active ingredient is medroxyprogesterone acetate. Women receive the shot every three months to prevent pregnancy. However, research now ties long-term use to meningioma tumors.

A large study published in the BMJ in March 2024 raised the alarm. It found women who used the shot for more than one year faced roughly 5.5 times the meningioma risk. These tumors often require brain surgery. As a result, the meningioma surgery cost can climb into six figures.

The lawsuits claim Pfizer knew or should have known about this danger. Plaintiffs allege the company failed to warn patients and doctors. In December 2025, the FDA finally added a meningioma warning to the Depo-Provera label. For many women, that warning came too late.

MDL Case Status and Key Facts

The federal cases are consolidated into one multidistrict litigation, or MDL. This groups similar claims before a single judge for efficiency. The MDL handles shared discovery and early bellwether trials. However, each plaintiff keeps their own individual case.

The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation created MDL 3140 in early 2025. The first Depo-Provera meningioma lawsuit was filed in October 2024. Since then, filings have grown quickly.

In June 2026, Pfizer and plaintiff leadership reached a settlement in principle. Judge Rodgers confirmed this development on June 15, 2026. However, the deal is not final. It covers eligible federal MDL plaintiffs only. It does not resolve state-court cases or every claim.

How the Meningioma Surgery Cost Factors Into Your Claim

The meningioma surgery cost is a major part of any damages calculation. Surgeons often remove these tumors through a craniotomy. This is open brain surgery. Typically, the total meningioma surgery cost ranges from about $50,000 to $150,000.

Complex cases cost far more. For example, tumors near critical brain structures raise the price. In major cities, the meningioma surgery cost can reach $200,000 or higher. Rural hospitals may charge less, but the bills remain steep.

That figure usually covers the hospital facility fee and the neurosurgeon’s fee. It also includes anesthesia and operating room time. However, the meningioma surgery cost is only the beginning. Rehabilitation, imaging scans, and follow-up care add thousands more. Lost wages during a 6 to 12 week recovery also count. A claim may seek to recover these combined losses.

Who Qualifies for the Meningioma Surgery Cost?

Not everyone who used Depo-Provera qualifies. In most cases, you must have a confirmed meningioma diagnosis. You also need a documented history of using the shot. Longer use generally strengthens a claim.

Attorneys typically look for repeated injections over about one year or more. Medical records showing the diagnosis are essential. Imaging reports, such as MRI scans, help prove the tumor. Surgical records tied to your meningioma surgery cost also support the case.

You do not need to have had surgery to qualify. However, women who underwent tumor removal often have stronger damages. The meningioma surgery cost and related complications show clear harm. An attorney can review whether your treatment history fits the criteria. You may qualify even if you stopped the shot years ago.

How to File a Meningioma Surgery Cost Claim

Start by gathering your medical records. Collect pharmacy and injection records that prove Depo-Provera use. Then find a licensed attorney who handles these cases. Most offer free consultations and work on contingency.

Next, your lawyer files your claim in the MDL or a state court. You will complete a plaintiff fact sheet. This document details your medical history and your meningioma surgery cost. It also lists your treatment and injuries. Accuracy matters here.

Act quickly because of the statute of limitations. This deadline varies by state. For example, some states allow only two years from diagnosis. Others start the clock when you connect the tumor to the shot. As a result, waiting can bar your claim forever. Always consult a licensed attorney to confirm your specific deadline.

Settlement Updates and What to Expect

The June 2026 settlement in principle is a major step. However, key details are still being finalized. The agreement covers eligible federal MDL plaintiffs. It does not automatically pay every filer.

Individual payouts will vary widely. Compensation depends on the strength of your evidence. It also depends on the severity of your injury. For example, a woman with multiple surgeries and permanent deficits may recover more. Her total meningioma surgery cost and lost income weigh heavily.

Typically, mass tort settlements use a tiered system. Each tier reflects injury severity and treatment history. Your documented meningioma surgery cost helps place your claim in a tier. No one can promise a specific amount. You may be eligible for compensation, but nothing is guaranteed. A licensed attorney can give a realistic estimate for your situation.

State-by-State Considerations

State laws shape every claim, even inside a federal MDL. Statutes of limitations differ across states. Tort reform rules can also cap certain damages. For example, some states limit non-economic damages, though economic losses like the meningioma surgery cost are usually recoverable.

Large plaintiff populations appear in states like California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania. However, filings come from across the country. Your home state affects your deadline and your available damages. As a result, local legal guidance matters. Review your state guide and speak with a licensed attorney familiar with your jurisdiction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Depo-Provera claim cover my full meningioma surgery cost?

A successful claim may seek to recover medical bills, including surgery, imaging, and rehabilitation. However, the exact amount varies by case. Nothing is guaranteed, so consult a licensed attorney about your specific losses.

Do I have to prove I had surgery to file?

No, surgery is not always required to qualify. A confirmed meningioma diagnosis and documented Depo-Provera use are the core requirements. That said, a documented meningioma surgery cost can strengthen your damages.

Is it too late to join the litigation?

It depends on your state’s statute of limitations and the diagnosis date. Some deadlines are short, so acting fast is wise. Contact a licensed attorney quickly to protect your right to file.

Check If You May Qualify

Mass tort eligibility depends on your specific exposure, injuries, and the state where you live. A licensed mass tort attorney can evaluate your situation at no upfront cost — most work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless you recover compensation.

Official Sources & Resources

For verified mass tort and MDL information:

• JPML: jpml.uscourts.gov — official MDL statistics and transfer orders
• DOJ: justice.gov — settlement announcements and press releases
• FDA: fda.gov — drug recalls, warning letters, and safety alerts
• CDC: cdc.gov — health condition data and exposure guidelines
• EPA: epa.gov — environmental contamination data
• Cornell LII: law.cornell.edu — plain-English legal definitions

Content last reviewed July 2026. This is general educational information, not legal advice. If you notice outdated information, please contact us.

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Attorney Advertising. The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by accessing or using this content. Every case is unique, and results depend on the specific facts and circumstances involved. Past settlement amounts and case outcomes do not guarantee similar results in your case. If you believe you have a legal claim, you should consult with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction who can evaluate your specific situation.