The connection between Depo-Provera and brain tumors has become the subject of growing litigation and medical scrutiny. If you’ve used this popular birth control injection and been diagnosed with a brain tumor, you’re likely asking whether you have a valid legal claim.
Qualifying for a Depo-Provera tumor claim depends on several medical and legal factors: how long you used the contraceptive, when you were diagnosed, what type of tumor you developed, and what documentation you can provide. The criteria are specific, and understanding them can save you time and help you make informed decisions about pursuing compensation.
In this guide, we’ll walk through exactly what qualifies someone for a Depo-Provera tumor claim.
Current medical requirements for a Depo-Provera claim
1. Documented diagnosis associated with Depo-Provera use
According to current case criteria, most qualifying claims involve a confirmed diagnosis of intracranial meningioma after Depo-Provera use. Meningiomas are typically benign tumors, but they can cause significant neurological symptoms when they grow, press on nearby structures, or require surgical intervention.
Some firms may also review cases labeled generally as “benign brain tumors” if the diagnosis documentation suggests a meningioma or a similar mass.
2. A timeline showing cumulative Depo-Provera exposure
The timeline of Depo-Provera use is one of the strongest indicators of whether a case may qualify. Attorneys look specifically for:
- At least four consecutive Depo-Provera injections (including brand-name, SubQ Depo, or authorized generics). This cumulative dosage is the threshold researchers associate with increased meningioma risk.
- The onset of symptoms (such as headaches, visual changes, balance issues, or hormonal shifts) in relation to those injections.
- Whether symptoms changed after stopping Depo-Provera, which can help show whether the timing aligns with hormone-sensitive tumor growth.
Learn more about the unspoken risks of long-term Depo-Provera use.
What documents help determine qualification for a Depo-Provera claim?
Medical records that support causation
One of the first steps attorneys take is reviewing medical files that establish both the diagnosis and the history of Depo-Provera use. The stronger and more complete the record, the easier it becomes to assess whether the case meets the criteria for a Depo-Provera claim.
Helpful records typically include:
- Injection history from a primary care provider or OB-GYN, which shows how long Depo-Provera was used and how consistently the injections were given.
- Pharmacy records that confirm long-term prescriptions and refill patterns.
- Neurology or neurosurgery records, which often contain the earliest documentation of symptoms, referrals, and diagnostic impressions.
- Pathology reports (if a biopsy or surgical procedure was performed) that offer detailed information about the tumor itself.
Imaging files and radiology reports
Imaging is one of the most important pieces of evidence in Depo-Provera claims. Attorneys look closely at the following:
- MRI findings that provide the clearest view of tumor size, location, and characteristics. MRIs can show whether the tumor is consistent with a hormone-sensitive pattern.
- Radiologist notes that include observations about growth rate, pressure effects, and whether the tumor appears longstanding or more recently developed.
- Growth patterns over time that support whether the timeline matches long-term Depo-Provera exposure.
Symptom tracking and personal documentation
While medical records provide the clinical facts, personal documentation can help fill in the day-to-day reality of how the brain tumor developed and how it affects life now. Useful examples include:
- Journals or symptom logs, especially if they note the onset or worsening of headaches, vision changes, or neurological issues.
- Missed work records, performance impacts, or HR documentation, which help establish the degree of disruption caused by the tumor.
- Progression notes, such as emails to providers or records of hospital visits, that clarify the timeline.
Factors that may limit eligibility
Not every medical issue involving Depo-Provera meets the requirements for a legal claim. Attorneys look closely at gaps or inconsistencies in diagnosis and exposure to determine whether the necessary link can be established.
Key factors that may limit eligibility include:
- No confirmed tumor diagnosis: Symptoms alone are not enough; imaging must clearly show a meningioma. Mentions of pituitary tumors or other intracranial masses do not meet current case criteria and are not considered qualifying evidence.
- Very short-term Depo-Provera use: Individuals who received fewer than four injections typically do not meet the cumulative exposure threshold used in current litigation.
- Alternative medical conditions: If they can fully explain symptoms or imaging findings, this reduces the likelihood that Depo-Provera contributed to the tumor’s development.
- Missing medical records or long gaps in treatment: This makes it difficult to establish the necessary timeline linking Depo-Provera use, symptom onset, and diagnosis.
What to do if you think you may qualify
If the details of your diagnosis sound similar to other Depo-Provera cases, there are several steps that can help clarify whether a claim may be possible.
- Gather key records: MRI or CT reports, neurology notes, and your Depo-Provera injection history are often the most helpful starting points.
- Note important dates: When symptoms began, when diagnoses were made, and when Depo-Provera use ended all help establish the timeline.
- Review prescription or pharmacy records: These documents show how long Depo-Provera was used and whether injections were consistent.
If your diagnosis, symptoms, or treatment history match the criteria discussed here, reaching out to Slater & Zurz for a free case review may help determine whether you qualify for a Depo-Provera claim. Even if you don’t have every document in hand yet, don’t hesitate to call us at 330-762-0700.
Written by Robert Horton
Rob, a partner at Slater & Zurz, brings over a decade of experience advocating for the injured. His exceptional negotiation skills have consistently secured favorable outcomes for clients in motor vehicle accidents, dog bite incidents, and slip-and-fall cases.
