According to her complaint, Paulsen began receiving injections of Depo-Provera in 1998 and continued to receive the quarterly birth control shots through at least 2000.
In 2003, Paulsen indicates that she began experiencing headaches and other health effects, which she now believes were caused by Depo-Provera. Years later, in 2015, the lawsuit indicates she began suffering neuropathic pain in her legs and feet, back spasms and spine pain.
Following numerous medical tests, including multiple MRIs, it was determined that Paulsen had developed a small meningioma and a bronchogenic cyst on her spine. She has since undergone numerous tests to monitor the brain tumor’s growth.
During an MRI just last month, doctors determined that the brain tumor continues to grow, meaning she must have regular medical monitoring.
“Kathryn will require an MRI every one or two years for the remainder of her life,” the lawsuit states. “Kathryn may require brain surgery if her symptoms worsen and/or the meningioma continues to grow.”
The lawsuit indicates Depo-Provera caused the brain tumor, and that defendants concealed the risks from doctors and patients. The Paulsens present claims of strict liability, negligent manufacturing, breach of express warranty, violation of Indiana’s Consumer Sales Act, negligence, failure to warn and loss of consortium. They seek both compensatory and punitive damages.