Pradaxa Bleeding Victim Sues Boehringer for Defective Blood Thinner

Pradaxa is an anticoagulant designed to reduce the risk of stroke for patients suffering from non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Patients with this condition have an increased risk of stroke due to the formation of blood clots, which Pradaxa is designed to prevent. In some instances, however, Pradaxa can cause uncontrollable bleeding in victims who suffer a minor injury such as a fall or blow to the head.
The Pradaxa lawsuit alleges that as a result of ingesting Pradaxa, Beard suffered severe personal injuries and physical pain. He will allegedly require lifelong medical treatment monitoring and medications.

The Pradaxa injury lawsuit states that Boehringer spent significant money in promoting the drug, which included $67 million spent during 2010 (although Pradaxa was not approved for sale in the United States until October 19, 2010).

The Pradaxa lawsuit also alleges that as a result of promoting Pradaxa’s effectiveness, safety and benefits, Beard and his physicians were unaware of the side effects associated with the drug, including the risk of excessive and uncontrollable bleeding and other risks.

In his Pradaxa lawsuit, Beard claims that had Boehringer provided adequate warnings that there is no agent to reverse the anticoagulation effects of Pradaxa, he would not have used the drug.

According to the Pradaxa injury lawsuit, Boehringer “knew or should have known of the defective nature of Pradaxa and persons who were prescribed and ingested Pradaxa for even a brief period of time, including the Plaintiff, were at increased risk for developing life-threatening bleeds.“

As of December 31, 2011, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration received more than 500 reports of deaths of Americans linked to Pradaxa which, at that point, had been available in the United States for approximately 14 months. In addition, there were more than 900 reports of gastrointestinal hemorrhages, more than 300 reports of rectal hemorrhages and more than 200 reports of cerebrovascular accidents suffered by U.S. citizens associated with Pradaxa.

The Plaintiff is seeking relief for punitive damages, actual damages against defendants, medical expenses, non-economic damages, attorney’s fees and other further relief that the Court may deem necessary.

The Pradaxa injury lawsuit is Arthur Beard v. Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Boehringer Ingelheim International GMBH, Case No. 313-cv-51339-DRH-SCW, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois.

If you or someone you love has experienced Pradaxa internal bleeding, you may be able to join the hundreds of plaintiffs who have already filed lawsuits against the drug’s manufacturer. They are seeking compensation for their medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages and other losses. To learn more about your legal options, visit our Pradaxa Internal Bleeding Class Action Lawsuit Investigation. When you submit information about your Pradaxa injuries, a lawyer will conduct a free case evaluation to determine if you qualify to join a Pradaxa lawsuit. If you qualify, you could receive substantial compensation for your injuries. If a loved one has died from Pradaxa internal bleeding, you could be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for funeral expenses, medical bills and other losses.