Depo-Provera Litigation Update: What Comes Next in the Legal Process? | Morris James LLP
Since the MDL’s formation in February 2025, the number of cases has continued to grow, with at least 78 lawsuits now pending. On March 1, 2025, Judge M. Casey Rodgers issued the first Case Management Order, setting key deadlines for the litigation. A follow-up case management conference is scheduled for March 10, 2025, where the court will review the Joint Rule 26 Report and discuss the next procedural steps.
This development means that cases filed in federal courts across the country are now progressing under a single judge, streamlining pretrial proceedings and ensuring consistency in rulings. But what does this mean for plaintiffs who have already filed and for those considering legal action? Below, our attorneys break down the next steps in the MDL process and the potential impact on those affected by Depo-Provera.
What Happens Next in the MDL Process?
Now that the Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) has been established, the next major step is the formation of a committee to oversee case coordination and pretrial proceedings. While this committee will help manage key aspects of the litigation, including procedural matters and strategy, individual plaintiffs will still need their own legal counsel to represent their specific interests. The attorneys will work together in coordinated litigation, reducing costs to individual plaintiffs while enhancing strategies to move the cases forward more effectively and efficiently.
As the cases progress, both sides will work through key legal and factual issues, including the link between Depo-Provera and meningiomas, what the manufacturer, Pfizer, knew about the risks, and whether users were adequately warned. This phase, known as discovery, allows attorneys to collect evidence such as medical records, internal corporate documents, and expert opinions. The information uncovered during discovery will help shape the direction of the litigation and may influence settlement discussions.
What This Means for Depo-Provera Cases Already Filed
For Depo-Provera victims who have already filed lawsuits, the consolidation into MDL 3140 means their case will now proceed as part of this coordinated pretrial process. Crucially, each plaintiff’s claim still remains separate, but plaintiffs will benefit from shared resources and the efficiency of centralized proceedings. Those with cases already filed should stay in close contact with their attorneys for updates on key rulings, settlement discussions, and trial scheduling.
Since the MDL’s creation, at least eight additional lawsuits have been transferred into the litigation. This growing number of cases indicates that more individuals are coming forward as awareness increases.
What If You Haven’t Filed a Depo-Provera Lawsuit Yet?
If you have suffered serious health effects, including intracranial meningiomas, after using Depo-Provera, you still have time to take legal action. The MDL does not prevent new cases from being filed. Instead, we expect that more cases are likely to be added as awareness of the litigation grows.
It is important to act quickly, as legal deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, affect your ability to file a claim. If you are thinking about taking legal action, promptly obtaining your medical records and consulting an attorney—like the Depo-Provera team at Morris James—can help ensure your case is thoroughly evaluated and filed on time.
What Should You Do Now?
If you have suffered from meningiomas after using Depo-Provera, now is the time to explore your legal options.
