Settling vs. Trial: When a Personal Injury Settlement Makes Sense
Posted in: Ohio Personal Injury
KNR Legal Blog
Hormonal contraceptives have become a popular choice for millions of women due to their convenience and effectiveness in preventing pregnancy. Options like birth control pills, patches, and injections offer flexibility and ease, fitting seamlessly into the lives of many women. But, long-term use of hormonal birth control, particularly injectable options like Depo-Provera, has raised concerns about serious health risks that are often not widely discussed.
Pharmaceutical companies are responsible for warning consumers about potential dangers and risks, allowing individuals to make fully informed decisions.
Here, we’ll explore the potential dangers associated with prolonged contraceptive use, providing a clear understanding of the health risks and the legal options available if you’ve been impacted. At KNR, our Ohio personal injury attorneys are committed to helping those suffering from adverse effects or conditions linked to these medications. If a birth control medication has harmed you or a loved one, contact KNR for a free consultation.
Hormonal contraceptives come in various forms, including pills, patches, injections, and implants. These methods work by releasing synthetic hormones—usually estrogen and/or progesterone—that prevent pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and altering the uterine lining to make it less suitable for implantation.
Many women opt for long-term contraceptive options like injections and implants because they offer convenience, high effectiveness, and reduced need for daily compliance. These methods provide a reliable solution for pregnancy prevention, fitting seamlessly into busy lifestyles and often requiring minimal maintenance.
Hormonal contraceptives, while popular and effective, come with a variety of side effects, ranging from mild to severe. Short-term side effects are usually experienced within the first few months of starting a hormonal contraceptive method:
In some cases, hormonal contraceptives can lead to more serious health concerns:
While most side effects are manageable, some women face more severe health risks associated with long-term use of hormonal contraceptives.
Studies have linked long-term hormonal contraceptive use to an increased risk of certain types of cancers:
Emerging studies, including research published in the British Medical Journal, show a particularly drastic link between the Pfizer birth control medication Depo-Provera and an increased risk of brain tumors, specifically meningiomas. These benign but potentially dangerous tumors can press on brain tissue, causing severe symptoms like headaches, vision changes, and even seizures.
According to the BMJ, women receiving Depo-Provera are 5x more likely to develop meningiomas.
Other Complications Linked to Birth Control
Additional risks from long-term use of hormonal contraceptives include:
Women using long-term contraceptives should be aware of symptoms that could signal serious health issues, such as persistent headaches, vision changes, mood swings, memory issues, and seizures. These symptoms may indicate underlying complications related to hormonal contraceptives.
Monitoring your health and seeking medical help at the first sign of concerning symptoms is essential. Early intervention can prevent further complications and provide a clearer understanding of any health risks.
It’s advisable to document any symptoms, medical visits, and treatments. Maintaining a record can be crucial if you decide to pursue a legal claim in the future, as it helps establish a timeline of health impacts linked to contraceptive use.
If you’ve experienced severe, life-altering injuries or developed a serious condition related to a contraceptive that you thought was safe, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. Legal action may be justified when side effects are not adequately disclosed or when the injuries are substantial, such as brain tumors, a cancer diagnosis, or other major health impacts.
Many lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies are based on the claim that companies failed to warn consumers of known risks, did not conduct adequate testing, or withheld critical safety information. If a company neglects its duty to provide adequate warnings or disclose known risks, affected individuals may be entitled to compensation.
Several ongoing lawsuits allege that Pfizer, the maker of Depo-Provera, failed to inform users about the heightened risk of developing brain tumors (meningiomas) linked to the drug. Those who have used Depo-Provera and received a diagnosis related to its side effects may be eligible for compensation, covering medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
To qualify, you must meet specific criteria, including proof of Depo-Provera use, a diagnosis of specific conditions (such as meningioma), and a timeline that links contraceptive use to the diagnosis. Consulting with an attorney can clarify eligibility and help you understand the steps to take if you decide to pursue legal action.
Victims of severe health complications from contraceptive use may be eligible for various types of compensation. This can include:
More on Damages & Compensation
The legal process for contraceptive-related health issues can vary but generally includes filing the claim, gathering evidence, negotiating with the pharmaceutical company, and, if necessary, going to trial.
Depending on the case’s complexity, the timeline may range from several months to a few years. While some cases settle out of court, others may require court proceedings. An experienced attorney can provide guidance on potential outcomes and realistic expectations.
Ohio has a statute of limitations that sets a specific time limit for filing your lawsuit. Typically, this period begins when you discover, or reasonably should have discovered, the injury caused by the contraceptive.
For most personal injury cases in Ohio, including those related to product liability, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of discovery or diagnosis. Missing this deadline can prevent you from seeking compensation, making it essential to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
Given the widespread impact of contraceptive-related injuries, many lawsuits are consolidated as class actions or mass torts. In a class action, one or several plaintiffs represent a larger group with similar claims, and any compensation is divided among all members.
On the other hand, mass torts allow each plaintiff to retain an individual claim but streamline pretrial proceedings, often resulting in a more efficient process and potentially higher compensation. Your attorney can advise you on the best approach based on your case and the relevant litigation status.
FAQS about Class Actions in Ohio
To succeed in a contraceptive-related lawsuit, plaintiffs must typically establish that the pharmaceutical company had a duty of care to ensure the safety of their product, which includes thorough testing, proper warnings, and effective communication of risks. Plaintiffs must demonstrate that the company breached this duty, causing harm through negligence, inadequate testing, or failure to warn.
Key elements to establish include:
Long-term use of hormonal contraceptives, particularly injectable options like Depo-Provera, may not be as safe as people believe or drug manufacturers like Pfizer suggest.
If you’ve suffered severe side effects or developed a life-changing condition from a contraceptive medication, it’s crucial to act fast. Consulting with healthcare professionals and seeking legal guidance can help protect your health and legal rights. KNR is here to provide the support and advocacy you need.
Contact us for a free case evaluation to explore your legal options to seek justice and compensation. Call 1-800-HURT-NOW or submit your information here. KNR’s dedicated attorneys are here to fight for you.