Wife Files GranuFlo Wrongful Death Lawsuit

In recent years, Fresenius Medical Care was both the company that had the most kidney dialysis centers in the United States and also manufactured drugs that were used to level blood’s bicarbonate levels during dialysis. These two dialysis drugs, GranuFlo and NaturaLyte, are at the core of a growing number of GranuFlo lawsuits filed by people claiming that their spouses were victims of a “wrongful death” following the use of the drugs during dialysis. Many survivors have also joined the litigation, claiming that they were never warned about the GranuFlo risks.

In a recent GranuFlo lawsuit filed on Feb. 18, 2014, Carolyn Romero claims that her husband is another GranuFlo victim. The California woman has joined a GranuFlo multidistrict litigation (MDL) along with several other survivors. In this process, she can take advantage of a faster resolution while still getting an individual trial. The GranuFlo MDL is welcoming new class members on a regular basis as survivors and heirs become aware that cardiac arrest may have been caused by the drug.

Fresenius is a large company with a long history. In late 2009, an internal memo was leaked which revealed that key company employees likely knew about the GranuFlo risks but chose to keep them hidden. This memo was sent to a handful of physicians at just a few of the clinics and detailed the possible GranuFlo complications. However, the memo was never sent, nor did there appear to be plans to send it (according to GranuFlo lawsuits) to the entire medical community or all Fresenius clinics. Following the release of the memo, Fresenius allegedly took no steps to warn the public or medical providers. There are a number of drugs on the market which can level blood bicarbonate levels. However, survivors like Romero claim that they were never told of the risks.

According to Romero, on Feb. 20, 2012, her husband suffered a cardiopulmonary arrest and subsequently died. Fatal cardiac arrests are a common theme among GranuFlo lawsuits, sometimes happening during the dialysis treatment. Her husband was reportedly being treated at Kindred Hospital in Ontario, Calif. Although this wasn’t a Fresenius center, the company did sell GranuFlo and NaturaLyte to a number of other clinics and hospitals.

Mr. Romero reportedly died in 2012, two years after the internal memo was initially leaked. In Mrs. Romero’s prayer for relief, she demands a full trial by jury regarding the death of her husband. Like many GranuFlo class action lawsuit members, her individual case will be considered, but discovery (such as details of the memo) won’t have to be addressed time and again, saving everyone time, effort and costs.

Kidney dialysis itself is a fairly common procedure and can be stressful and time-consuming. However, the process itself has been around for decades. Romero and others like her say that there were never any warnings from their physicians or on any materials they were given that suggested GranuFlo could pose an increased risk of death or cardiac arrest. Physicians also rely on comprehensive information from drugmakers to make the best decision for their patients. In the many GranuFlo lawsuits filed against Fresenius Medical Care, it’s asserted that Fresenius either knew or should have known about the potential complications well in advance. Research is also pointed out which shows that GranuFlo could potentially cause serious side effects.

Detailing the GranuFlo Lawsuit Allegations

Romero is suing Fresenius for 13 counts including strict liability, negligent failure to warn, negligent design, negligence, negligent misrepresentation, breach of warranties, fraud, violation of consumer protection laws, loss of consortium, wrongful death and survivor action.

In addition to these counts, Romero may also be eligible for punitive damages and related court or attorney’s fees, as well as any other compensation the court deems appropriate. While no amount of money can make up for the loss of a spouse, seeking compensation is a good step for many.

The GranuFlo MDL is In re: Fresenius GranuFlo/NaturaLyte Dialysate Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 2428, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts.

Do You Have a GranuFlo Experience?

If you or a loved one experienced negative GranuFlo side effects, you might have a GranuFlo legal case and may qualify for compensation. Find out more when you visit the Kidney Dialysis Heart Attack Issues GranuFlo Lawsuit & NaturaLyte Recall Class Action Lawsuit Settlement Investigation. After submitting your information, an attorney will contact you if you have a case for a free GranuFlo claim review.