Pradaxa Mass Tort Officially Formed for Upcoming Litigation

After the official formation of the multidistrict litigation (MDL), or mass tort, against Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, the company now faces more than 2,000 Pradaxa lawsuits, alleging that Pradaxa caused severe internal bleeding injuries, making the patients contend with permanent injuries or death.

The Pradaxa mass tort is consolidated in the state courts of Illinois, California and Connecticut. The Pradaxa mass tort was created in August 2012, with only 21 pending Pradaxa lawsuits at the time. Since the mass tort’s formation, dozens of Pradaxa lawsuits have been filed against Boehringer Ingelheim.

Even before the formation of the mass tort, Boehringer insisted that each of the Pradaxa lawsuits lacked the merit in their allegations, and that the company will fight each and every case. Boehringer also pointed out that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has publicly stated that taking Pradaxa 150mg tablets twice a day offers a positive benefit-risk ratio and provides vital health benefits to patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

Despite the arguments, the Pradaxa mass tort has been formed and the bellwether trials are currently being set up. In December 2013, U.S. District Judge David Herndon, the judge overseeing the mass tort, hit Boehringer with a $1 million penalty for discovery of abuses, and found evidence of bad faith conduct. A week later, Judge Herndon stated that Boehringer may be slapped with even more sanctions.

After the discovery process for the bellwether cases is completed, Judge Herndon may issue an adverse jury instruction related to the misconduct or add on several other litigation penalties. For example, the judge may bar Boehringer from making certain arguments during the trials. The judge ordered the company to make their executives available for depositions in New York or another convenient location for the plaintiffs’ counsel.

Boehringer appealed the first ruling, but the decision was later overturned in January 2014 by the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, when the court ruled that Judge Herndon had overstepped his authority by placing such a sanction. Currently, federal law does not give Judge Herndon the authority to order the production of foreign-based individuals for depositions. However, Judge Herndon continued his judgment against Boehringer by unsealing dozens of documents in the Pradaxa lawsuits, finding that the Boehringer could not justify keeping the documents confidential.

Judge Herndon had granted the plaintiffs’ motion to de-classify 85 documents, making exceptions for certain German custodial documents that he said should be released in redacted form. Boehringer argued that the documents were merely composed of “nonpublic internal communications,” that is sensitive to Boehringer’s proprietary business information. Additionally, Boehringer has accused the plaintiffs’ motion as an effort to “try this case in the press.”

As the bellwether Pradaxa lawsuits continue to be organized for trial, Boehringer and the plaintiffs continue to prepare for the outcome.

Overview of Pradaxa Complications

Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate) is the second anticoagulant in the history of the United States to be approved by the FDA. It was approved on Oct. 19, 2010 to help prevent blood-clot injuries in non-valvular atrial fibrillation. It is manufactured and marketed by Boehringer Ingelheim, and is one of the most popular drugs in the United States. In its rising popularity, several Pradaxa complications have come to light, which has earned a reputation of infamy from the FDA and medical community.

As of now, Pradaxa can cause uncontrollable internal bleeding in patients, and there is currently no reversal agent. In addition, the irreversible Pradaxa bleeding risk is not mentioned on the drug’s label.

Because of this Pradaxa complication, many patients suffered from uncontrollable bleeding, often leading to hospitalization and death. Currently, Boehringer is developing a reversal agent for the bleeding problem, but has made no other announcements as of yet.

The Pradaxa MDL is In re: Pradaxa (Diabigatran Etexilate) Products Liability Litigation, Case No. 3:12-md-02385, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois.

Join a Free Pradaxa Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you or a loved one were medically diagnosed with internal bleeding problems after using Pradaxa, you may be able to take legal action against the drug’s manufacturer. Joining a Pradaxa class action lawsuit or filing an individual Pradaxa lawsuit may help you recover compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages. Obtain a free case evaluation now:

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