One such medication that is garnering national attention of late is that of the allegedly hazardous drug Xarelto. This blood thinning drug has been approved by the Food & Drug Administration since 2011 to treat patients who suffer from atrial fibrillation, a rhythmic heart disorder. Xarelto is intended to prevent blood clotting, as clots can, in turn, lead to strokes, pulmonary embolisms and heart attacks.
However, a high number of patients instead allegedly found themselves suffering from internal bleeding, a side effect which was apparently unexpected. In fact, the numerous lawsuits allege that the manufacturers of Xarelto failed to properly warn of the increased risks for gastrointestinal and cranial bleeding that arise when the drug is taken daily. Lawsuits accuse the manufacturers of charges including – but not limited to – design and manufacturing defects, negligence, strict liability, failure to warn, breach of warranties both express and implied, fraud, and more.
While product liability lawsuits involving defective drugs and medical devices are sometimes complex and difficult to litigate, recent results favoring plaintiffs may prove encouraging to others who have suffered due to Xarelto. For example, in another state recently, a jury awarded nearly $28 million in compensatory and punitive damages to an injured plaintiff. For residents of Tennessee who have suffered injuries due to Xarelto or other faulty medical devices or dangerous medications, the counsel of an experienced local attorney could make all the difference in securing just compensation.