Pradaxa is a prescription blood-thinner made by Boehringer Ingelheim that was formulated to reduce the risk of stroke in patients who have atrial fibrillation (a-fib). Although it is popular, it has a serious side effect. Our Pradaxa lawyers understand that it has been determined that 40% of all deaths and serious bleeding events that are related to Pradaxa use could have been avoided through blood testing. Before the drug was approved, researchers learned that monitoring patients' blood levels would allow doctors to reduce or stop dosing patients with dangerously elevated levels of Pradaxa. But a primary selling point for the drug has been that it can be prescribed without blood tests. Reports of fatalities due to the drug have climbed. The manufacturer settled over 4,000 claims for $650 million in 2014, but it continues to claim the drug is safe. If you were injured or a loved one died because of using Pradaxa or another dangerous drug, the product liability lawyers at Moll Law Group may are available to pursue a claim for compensation. Billions of dollars have been recovered in cases in which we were involved.
Many consumers have experienced heavy bleeding and other adverse events after using Pradaxa. Researchers want to do away with the recommendation that patients' blood levels do not need monitoring during Pradaxa use. They suggest that the FDA should approve a lower dosage than what is currently approved.
Often, filing a product liability lawsuit is the only way for injured patients to get reimbursement for significant hospital expenses or lost income. Lawsuits are also a way to educate the public about the dangers of a particular medication. Pradaxa lawyers have alleged that the company aggressively marketed the drug as safer than Warfarin, a standard blood thinner, even though there is an antidote for excessive bleeding suffered by Warfarin users, and none for Pradaxa users. Allegations also include failing to provide an antidote or adequate treatment for those who suffer serious bleeds, using deceptive marketing tactics, failing to warn about risks, and intentionally concealing the dangers of using Pradaxa.
Manufacturers and others in the chain of distribution may be held accountable when they failed to provide adequate warnings, if a consumer is injured as a result. A failure to warn is considered a marketing defect, which is actionable under a strict liability theory in most states. Those who successfully prove a failure to warn claim may be able to recover economic and noneconomic damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, mental anguish, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. If a patient died due to a manufacturer’s failure to warn, his or her family may be able to recover funeral expenses and damages for the loss of companionship, society, and affection.
When a manufacturer conceals vital information about the dangers of a drug, punitive damages may also be available. Their purpose is to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct. In some cases, conscious disregard for others' safety, rather than intentional malice, can be the basis for punitive damages. For example, a failure to adequately test a product has been the basis for punitive damages in certain situations.
If you suffered harm due to using Pradaxa, the product liability attorneys at Moll Law Group are available to represent you in bringing a claim for compensation. We represent injured individuals nationwide, including in states such as California, Florida, New York, Texas, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan. Call us at 312-462-1700 or use our online form to arrange a free consultation with a Pradaxa attorney.