The creation of MDL No. 3140 streamlines pretrial proceedings for plaintiffs nationwide. Judge Rodgers’ appointment reflects the complexity of the litigation and the need for experienced judicial oversight. The MDL will allow coordinated discovery, expert testimony development, and bellwether trials that could shape the outcome of hundreds— or even thousands— of cases.
An MDL isn’ t the same as a class action. Each person keeps their own case and their own story. However, by combining the cases into one court, lawyers can share evidence, fight back more efficiently, and avoid repeating the same battles in different states. It also helps expedite the judicial process for victims who have already waited far too long.
The MDL is still in the preliminary stages. A leadership team of plaintiff attorneys has been appointed to guide the litigation. These are experienced lawyers who will review medical records, take depositions, and push for the truth. Some cases may go to trial. Others could settle. But now that the MDL is in motion, there’ s finally a path forward— and victims have a better chance of being heard.
INSIDE THE LITIGATION STRATEGY Levin Papantonio attorneys Virginia Buchanan and Chris Paulos are playing key leadership roles in the MDL. Buchanan was appointed Co-Chair of the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee and as a member of the Trial Subcommittee. Paulos has been named Plaintiffs’ Liaison Counsel.
In an interview, Buchanan said the strength of the litigation lies in both the medical science and Pfizer’ s conduct.“ The link between Depo-Provera and meningioma is no longer speculative,” she said.“ There’ s a clear doseresponse relationship and a failure to warn, especially in high-risk populations.”
Chris Seeger, founding partner of Seeger Weiss LLP and Plaintiffs’ Lead Counsel in the Depo-Provera Products Liability Litigation, emphasized that the litigation will center on what Pfizer knew— and when.“ We are still gathering key information to best present our case; however, the company had access to decades of research on the risks associated with Depo-Provera use that should have prompted stronger warnings much earlier,” Seeger said.
The team plans to present the science in a way that resonates with juries by focusing on real-world impacts.“ This is about women who were told this drug was safe,” Buchanan added.“ Instead, they’ re living with brain tumors, cognitive impairment, and surgeries that never should have been necessary.”
Chris Paulos emphasized the need for attorneys to prepare cases meticulously from intake.“ We’ re already seeing clients with significant economic and non-economic damages— loss of earnings, loss of independence, and neurological deficits that affect every aspect of life,” he said.
Seeger echoed that point:“ Damages in these cases are significant, often involving permanent neurological harm and life disruptions, with the most critical intake evidence including medical records, diagnostic reports, and a history of Depo-Provera use.”
Paulos recommends that attorneys collect comprehensive medical documentation, including imaging, surgical records, and pathology reports.“ Early diagnostic evidence is key,” he noted.“ The more you can tie the tumor’ s development to Depo-Provera exposure, the stronger the case.”
FOR FIRMS INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING For firms without prior experience in pharmaceutical MDLs, Buchanan and Paulos offer straightforward advice.“ You don’ t have to go it alone,” Buchanan said.“ There are opportunities to refer cases, co-counsel, or contribute to discovery and bellwether work.”
“ This litigation is medically complex,” Seeger advised.“ So ensure your team understands the key diagnostic criteria and establish a clear, detailed intake protocol from the outset.”
Paulos added,“ If you’ re a good trial lawyer with strong intake practices, we want to work with you. The infrastructure is there— we just need committed partners.”
A CALL TO ACTION: JUSTICE FOR WOMEN HARMED BY DEPO-PROVERA The formation of the Depo-Provera MDL marks a turning point in the fight for accountability. With experienced leadership at the helm and a growing body of medical evidence linking Pfizer’ s contraceptive injection to lifealtering brain tumors, the path to justice is clearer than ever— but only if trial lawyers step forward.
“ This is a critical moment,” said Buchanan.“ We have the science. We have the documents. And now we have the structure in place to hold Pfizer accountable in court.”
For law firms, the opportunity is twofold: to play a role in delivering justice to women who were never warned of the risks, and to participate in a litigation that is both ethically compelling and legally sound.
As Paulos put it,“ This is exactly the kind of case the civil justice system is designed for— when a powerful company hides the truth, and real people pay the price. We’ re here to make sure that price is paid back— with interest.”
* Mary Smith is an alias used to protect attorney-client privilege