What Happens If Depo-Provera Is Injected Wrong? (Apr 2025)

Understanding Depo-Provera Injections

This injectable contraceptive thins the lining of the uterus and reduces ovulation. It’s an effective form of birth control, boasting only a 6% failure rate. Women can experience the desired effects from the very first dose, and these effects tend to last for up to 14 weeks.

There are a few approved injection sites, like the upper arm. Because the shot is one that must be administered via a muscle, you can also be injected in the glutes, deltoid or upper thigh muscles.

Even when applied correctly, you can experience side effects from Depo-Provera, including:

• Nervousness
• Headaches
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Loss of bone density
• Sudden weight gain

The problems you might experience could be much worse, however, if your doctor doesn’t inject the shot correctly.

What Happens if Depo-Provera Is Injected Wrong?

If a medical professional doesn’t inject Depo-Provera correctly, they can cause you to suffer pain while also putting you at risk of not being protected by the drug. An injection into the wrong place could mean not getting the contraceptive fully into your bloodstream, increasing your chances of pregnancy.

You may notice the muscle swelling after a botched injection, and you could even face bacterial infections and the development of abscesses. If your doctor chooses to inject Depo-Provera into your glutes, and they do so incorrectly, it could nick sensitive nerves in the area and even result in sciatica pain.

The doctor could also press the needle too hard at the injection site. That could lead to significant pain. It also has the potential to damage blood vessels and all manner of tissues.

So what does all this mean for you, legally? You may be able to file a claim against the medical professional by establishing that they committed medical malpractice.

The Challenges Of Medical Malpractice Claims

Medical malpractice lawyers are essential when filing these kinds of claims. Sometimes, people assume that the process will be the same as when filing claims for injuries accidents have caused, but that’s not so.

In a regular personal injury claim, the reasonable person standard would apply. It means that a reasonable person would not have behaved as the defendant did. When dealing with medical malpractice, however, there’s a much higher standard that needs to be breached for the case to be considered viable.

You have to demonstrate that another professional with the same experience and training would not have made the same error. Doing so requires having medical experts who will testify to that effect.

Another challenge of these claims is the ruthless insurance companies involved in them. Clinics and hospitals often have entire teams devoted to handling malpractice claims, so having representation is crucial. When you have a lawyer aggressively negotiating on your behalf, you’re more likely to receive fair compensation.

Damages Available in Depo-Provera Cases

What happens if Depo-Provera is injected wrong? When a medical professional makes this mistake, you could suffer injuries. If that happens, you have the chance to recover general and special damages. But what’s the difference between general damages vs. special damages?

General damages are losses that are financial in nature. These would include the medical expenses you might suffer if you need to get treatment for the injuries that the injection caused. You might need to get future care as well, especially if you suffered mobility issues because of nicked nerves.

If you experienced significant injuries that required you to miss work, those losses can be covered by general damages, too. You can claim lost salaries, bonuses, commissions and any other income you would have made if the injury hadn’t occurred. In the most severe cases, you may even be able to claim loss of earning potential.

In contrast, special damages are losses that aren’t tangible and that are unique to you. These can include pain and suffering, as well as loss of enjoyment of life. The more significant your injury is, the more substantial the special damages can be.

Working With Medical Malpractice Lawyers

If you have suffered injuries because of a medical professional's negligence, you shouldn’t attempt to tackle a claim on your own. There’s too much at stake. By hiring experienced lawyers, you can focus on healing from your injuries while they take care of the legal issues that could arise.

At ConsumerShield, we can help connect you with the person who can fight for fair compensation. Our team has contacts with some of the most experienced lawyers around the country, which means we can help you receive the exact support you need, no matter how complex the case. Contact us to learn more about our services.