20 Bellwether Cases to Be Selected in GranuFlo Side Effects MDL

While trials are months away, Fresenius Medical Care and NaturaLyte class action lawsuit attorneys must each submit a list of 10 lawsuits from the GranuFlo side effects multidistrict litigation (MDL) they would like to see as bellwether trials regarding the kidney dialysis chemicals that reportedly led to heart failure and other dangerous side effects.

The consolidated lawsuits are similar to a NaturaLyte class action lawsuit in that hundreds of plaintiffs are able to save time by having discovery and other pre-trial motions handled jointly. However, as the number of bellwether trials indicate, each lawsuit is still handled separately, meaning that a plaintiff can seek a jury award or settlement on their own.

These initial lawsuits will be trimmed to 10, and then to five, according to the order entered by U.S. District Judge Douglas P. Woodlock. While he may weigh other factors, there will be one lawsuit for each of the following situations:

• Where the alleged GranuFlo heart failure side effects occurred before Nov. 4, 2011;
• Where the injuries alleged by a NaturaLyte class action lawsuit attorneys occurred between Nov. 4, 2011 and March 29, 2012;
• When the kidney dialysis was performed at a Fresenius Medical Care facility;
• When the dialysis was performed at another facility that used either GranuFlo or NaturaLyte.

The dates are significant because they are delineated by actions of officials at the kidney dialysis chemical maker. The company issued an internal memo on Nov. 4, 2011 indicating that the two treatments were linked to a high rate of heart failure side effects including hundreds of deaths over the course of less than one year. On March 29, 2012, the company issued a warning letter to all facilities, including those of competitors, warning there were potential dangers regarding the chemicals.

In the master complaint used to simplify the legal process in the GranuFlo side effects multidistrict litigation, the allegations reach further. Documents allegedly indicate that company officials were aware that there were significant increases in bicarbonate levels in the early 2000s, a condition that can lead to alkalosis and cardiac arrest.

Join a Free GranuFlo Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you or someone you know suffered a heart attack or similar complication and were undergoing dialysis treatment, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for your injuries. Obtain a free legal review of your case by submitting your information now:

Oops! We could not locate your form.