Plaintiff Allen Williamson and his wife Kathryn filed the suit against Daiichi Sankyo, the second largest pharmaceutical company in Japan, Forest Laboratories and Dr. Srinivasa Kothapalli on July 7 in Jefferson County District Court.
Benicar is a blood pressure medication.
According to the lawsuit, Dr. Kothapalli, a Port Arthur physician, prescribed Benicar to Williamson.
While taking the recommended dosage of Benicar, he developed serious gastrointestinal issues, including colonic disease manifestations, several types of colitis and intestinal malabsorption.
As a result, Williamson suffered from chronic diarrhea, rapid weight loss, nausea, vomiting, malnutrition, dehydration and acute renal failure and had to be hospitalized.
In his suit, Williamson says he’s suffered serious and life threatening injuries, causing him severe emotional distress.
The plaintiffs allege gross negligence and seek an award of exemplary damages, on top of damages for pain and suffering, medical expenses and loss of consortium.
Attorneys Paul “Chip” Ferguson Jr. and Tom Landry represent them.
Judge Gary Sanderson, 60th District Court, has been assigned to the case.
Case No. B-198699