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Widow Files GranuFlo Lawsuit after Husband Dies from Cardiac Arrest
By Jessica Tyner
Patricia Thomas of Mississippi filed a GranuFlo lawsuit on Oct. 23, 2013 after losing her husband, Lonnie Thomas, while he was undergoing kidney dialysis treatment. At the time of his death, Lonnie was reportedly being treated three times per week at a Fresenius Medical Care center.
To date, Fresenius remains the largest operator of dialysis centers in the country. According to the GranuFlo lawsuit, there are at least 49 Fresenius dialysis centers in Mississippi. GranuFlo and NaturaLyte were also sold to non-Fresenius clinics and are meant to impact the bicarbonate levels of the blood during dialysis treatment.
“GranuFlo and NaturaLyte have been implicated in a national epidemic of deaths of dialysis patients,” reads Patricia’s GranuFlo lawsuit. “Fresenius misrepresented and concealed said dangers, failing to provide proper protocols for clinicians to protect patients and, as a result, patients suffered cardiac arrest, strokes, death and other medical emergencies.”
In June 2012, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recalled the products, but it was too late for many. In November 2011, an internal memo was sent by Fresenius officials warning just a few key personnel at a handful of their own clinics of the risks, but that memo was kept under lock and key until it was internally leaked — evidence that Fresenius knew about the GranuFlo risks. Lonnie died on November 7, 2007 and at the time Patricia thought it was an unrelated incident. Neither she nor her late husband could have known GranuFlo may have contributed his death until the recall came years later in 2012.
Making Strides
According to Patricia’s GranuFlo lawsuit, her husband was killed by “the negligence and acts of (Fresenius)” and it’s not until now that she can seek justice for his death. As his wife, she’s been robbed of spending her golden years with her husband. In its heyday, Fresenius treated 33 percent of all dialysis patients in the country. Patricia says Fresenius concealed the dangers and failed to follow protocols once the dangers were discovered to save patients like her husband. The GranuFlo lawsuit states that Fresenius is “liable for all elements of damages arising from the decedent’s wrongful death.”
Patricia is suing Fresenius for negligence, negligent misrepresentation, product liability, failure to warn, breach of warranty, fraudulent misrepresentation and fraudulent concealment. Lonnie’s wrongful death case comes with Patricia seeking compensation for damages to all involved, including for loss of love, companionship, society, “value of life,” economic support and maintenance.
The GranuFlo lawsuit is Patricia Thomas, et al. v. Fresenius Medical Care, et al., Case No. 4:13-cv-00185, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi.
Do You Have a GranuFlo Story?
If you or a loved one were hurt by GranuFlo or NaturaLyte, you may have a GranuFlo legal claim and could be eligible for compensation. Find out more about what you can do at the Kidney Dialysis Heart Attack, GranuFlo & NaturaLyte Recall Class Action Lawsuit Settlement Investigation. After you submit your information, an attorney will contact you if you qualify for a free GranuFlo claim review.
All medical device, dangerous drug and medical class action and lawsuit news updates are listed in the Drug and Medical Device section of Top Class Actions.
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