Depo-Provera lawsuit claims are growing rapidly across the United States. Thousands of women allege that Pfizer’s injectable contraceptive caused them to develop meningioma brain tumors. As of May 2026, more than 3,700 cases are pending in federal court. The Depo-Provera lawsuit centers on Pfizer’s alleged failure to warn patients about the tumor risk. If you received Depo-Provera injections and were later diagnosed with a meningioma, you may qualify for compensation.
Case Timeline
Last checked: May 15, 2026
What Is the Depo-Provera Lawsuit About?
Depo-Provera is an injectable birth control shot manufactured by Pfizer. It contains medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), a synthetic progestin hormone. Millions of women have received the shot since its FDA approval in 1992. The injection is given once every three months. It was widely prescribed as a convenient alternative to daily birth control pills.
However, scientific research has linked long-term Depo-Provera use to meningioma brain tumors. A major 2024 study published in The BMJ found a fivefold increased risk. Meningiomas are tumors that grow in the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. While often classified as benign, they can cause serious symptoms. These include headaches, vision loss, seizures, and cognitive impairment. Some patients require surgery to remove the tumor.
On December 12, 2025, the FDA approved updated warning labels for Depo-Provera. The new label states that meningioma cases have been reported following repeated use. Plaintiffs in the Depo-Provera lawsuit argue that Pfizer knew about this risk for years. They claim the company failed to adequately warn doctors and patients. As a result, many women continued receiving injections without understanding the danger.
MDL Case Status and Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| MDL Number | 3140 |
| Full Case Name | Depo-Provera (Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate) Products Liability Litigation |
| Presiding Judge | Hon. M. Casey Rodgers |
| Federal District | Northern District of Florida |
| Pending Cases | Approximately 3,769 (May 2026) |
| Defendant | Pfizer Inc. |
| Daubert Hearings | June 24–26, 2026 |
| First Bellwether Trial | December 7, 2026 (Blonski v. Pfizer) |
| Additional Trials | Four more scheduled for January 2027 |
The Depo-Provera lawsuit was consolidated into MDL 3140 in the Northern District of Florida. Judge M. Casey Rodgers oversees all federally filed cases. New cases are being filed at a rate of roughly 650 per month. In most cases, the claims allege failure to warn and negligence against Pfizer.
Several critical milestones are approaching in 2026. Daubert hearings on general causation are set for June 24–26, 2026. During these hearings, the court will decide whether plaintiffs’ expert testimony is scientifically reliable. If the court rules favorably, the first bellwether trial begins December 7, 2026. Pfizer has also filed a federal preemption motion. That motion is fully briefed and awaiting the judge’s ruling.
Who Qualifies for the Depo-Provera Lawsuit?
To join the Depo-Provera lawsuit, you typically must meet several criteria. First, you must have received Depo-Provera, Depo-SubQ Provera 104, or an authorized generic version. Second, you must have been diagnosed with a meningioma brain or spinal tumor. In most cases, claimants used the injection for one year or longer. However, women who received at least two injections may also qualify.
Medical records are critical to building your claim. You will need documentation showing your Depo-Provera prescriptions and injection dates. You will also need records confirming your meningioma diagnosis. For example, MRI results, surgical reports, and pathology findings strengthen your case. The timing between your last injection and diagnosis matters as well.
It is important to act quickly. The statute of limitations ranges from one to six years depending on your state. However, the discovery rule may extend this deadline. This rule starts the clock when you first learned about the link between Depo-Provera and brain tumors. A licensed attorney can evaluate your specific timeline and determine whether you might be eligible to file.
How to File a Depo-Provera Lawsuit Claim
Filing a Depo-Provera lawsuit claim begins with a free case evaluation. Most mass tort attorneys offer no-cost consultations. They typically work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront. Your attorney collects a fee only if you receive compensation.
After retaining a lawyer, your case will be filed in federal or state court. Federal cases are transferred to MDL 3140 in Florida for pretrial proceedings. Your attorney will gather your medical records and pharmacy history. You will also complete a plaintiff fact sheet. This document details your Depo-Provera use, diagnosis, and injuries.
Typically, you do not need to travel to Florida for MDL proceedings. Your attorney handles all filings and court appearances remotely. If your case is selected for a bellwether trial, additional preparation may be needed. Otherwise, your claim proceeds through discovery alongside thousands of others. Consulting a licensed attorney is the essential first step in this process.
Settlement Updates and What to Expect
As of May 2026, no global settlement has been reached in the Depo-Provera lawsuit. Pfizer has not offered a settlement framework to resolve these claims. This is typical for mass tort litigation at this stage. Settlement negotiations usually begin after bellwether trial results provide both sides with meaningful data.
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The first bellwether trial — Blonski v. Pfizer — is scheduled for December 7, 2026. Four additional trials follow in January 2027. These early verdicts will heavily influence future settlement talks. If plaintiffs win favorable verdicts, Pfizer may be motivated to negotiate. However, if the defense prevails, settlement values could decrease.
Several factors will affect individual compensation amounts. These include the severity of your meningioma and whether surgery was required. Duration of Depo-Provera use also plays a role. Lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering are considered as well. Each Depo-Provera lawsuit claim is evaluated on its own facts. An experienced attorney can help estimate your potential recovery.
State-by-State Considerations
State tort reform laws can significantly affect your Depo-Provera lawsuit. Each state has its own statute of limitations, damage caps, and filing requirements. For example, some states cap non-economic damages. Others have shorter filing deadlines that could bar your claim entirely.
States with notable plaintiff counts include Florida, Texas, California, Pennsylvania, and New York. Tort reform restrictions vary widely among these states. For instance, Texas has damage caps in certain cases. California generally allows broader recovery for injured plaintiffs. Understanding your state’s specific rules is essential before filing. You can review our state-by-state tort reform guides for more detail on how local laws may affect your claim. Consulting an attorney familiar with your state’s laws is strongly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a Depo-Provera lawsuit?
The statute of limitations varies by state. It typically ranges from one to six years. However, the discovery rule may extend your deadline in many jurisdictions. The clock often starts when you learned about the connection between Depo-Provera and meningioma. Contact a licensed attorney promptly to protect your rights.
Can I file a Depo-Provera lawsuit if my meningioma was benign?
Yes. Meningiomas are often classified as benign, but they can still cause serious harm. Many plaintiffs in this litigation required brain surgery or experienced debilitating symptoms. A benign diagnosis does not disqualify you from seeking compensation.
What if I stopped using Depo-Provera years ago?
You might still be eligible to file a claim. Meningiomas can develop years after your last injection. As a result, many current plaintiffs stopped receiving the shot long before their diagnosis. What matters is the documented connection between your use and your injury. An attorney can assess your specific situation.
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 May 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.