Wrongful death lawsuit filed over patient’s use of Pradaxa

A wrongful death lawsuit claims a Hemphill man was not warned of the increased risk of bleeding associated with the prescription drug Pradaxa, a drug used to treat atrial fibrillation. 

Mildred Iles Jordan and Donald Paul Iles and James Thomas Iles, co-independent executors of the Estate of Marvin James Jordan, deceased, filed suit against Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GMBH & Co. KG, Boehringer Ingelheim International GMBH and Bidachem S.p.A. on March 15 in Eastern District of Texas, Beaumont Division.

Marvin Jordan was prescribed Pradaxa on March 2, 2011, as a blood thinner. According to the lawsuit, he suffered a severe gastrointestinal bleed on March 9, 2011, and experienced uncontrollable bleeding resulting in his death on March 18, 2011.

Pradaxa is a direct thrombin inhibitor that is indicated to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, the suit states.

According to the lawsuit, prior to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of Pradaxa, the only oral anticoagulation available was Warfarin, and its users must follow dietary restrictions and regularly monitor their blood levels.

The defendants are accused of failing to warn of the increased risk of uncontrollable bleeding.

Causes of action filed against the defendants include:

• Strict liability;

• Failure to warn;

• Design defect;

• Negligence;

• Negligent misrepresentation;

• Fraud;

• Breach of express warranty;

• Breach of implied warranty;

• Merchantability;

• Fraudulent concealment; and

• Deceptive trade practices.

The lawsuit is seeking an award of damages for medical and funeral expenses, pain and suffering and mental anguish, loss of compensation, loss of household services, loss of inheritance, punitive damages, interest, attorney’s fees, expenses and court costs.

The plaintiffs are represented by Christopher T. Kirchmer of Provost Umphrey Law Firm in Beaumont. A jury trial is requested.

U.S. District Judge Ron Clark is assigned to the case.

Case No. 1:13-cv-00152