The Maker of Pradaxa, Boehringer Ingelheim, hit with $1.25 Million Verdict

A federal jury in Huntington, West Virginia, has awarded the family of a deceased West Virginia woman $1.25 Million. The jury found that Boehringer Ingelheim, the maker of Pradaxa, failed to warn the risks associated with taking Pradaxa and caused her to suffer gastrointestinal bleeding.

Betty Erelene Knight was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and prescribed warfarin. After Knight and her family saw a commercial for Pradaxa, they asked Knight’s doctor about changing her medication to Pradaxa. Shortly after, Knight suffered a heart attack and was told to take Pradaxa, Plavix, and aspirin. She then suffered gastrointestinal bleeding and had to be hospitalized. After she was released, she remained weak and was frequently hospitalized. She later suffered another heart attack.

The jury found that, “[Boehringer Ingelheim] fraudulent misrepresentation claim and determined that Pradaxa proximately caused Betty Knight’s injuries, but not her death. The jury also found that absent BIPI’s wrongful conduct, Knight would not have taken the blood thinner.” The estate of Betty Erelene Knight was awarded in $250,000 in compensatory damages, and $1,00,000 in punitive damages.

Pradaxa Side Effects

Pradaxa can cause serious side effects, the most serious being the risk of severe bleeding, that can lead to death. Other side effects include:

• Red or black tarry stools
• Vomiting that either looks like coffee grounds or resembles blood
• Joint pain or swelling
• Headaches and Dizziness
• Gastrointestinal ulcers
• Abdominal pain and discomfort
• Unusual bruising or bleeding

If you or a loved one has suffered serious side effects after taking Pradaxa, it is important to talk to an experienced Dangerous Drug Attorney. These are often consolidated into class-action lawsuits. Class-action lawsuits can be long and complicated. It can take years for cases to go to trial. The attorneys at KBA have the experience needed to help fight for you.