Mass torts — cases in which a large number of individuals suffer harm due to a single instance of negligence — present numerous legal and administrative issues. In order to handle these cases quickly, efficiently and fairly, courts must be ready to adapt by creating systems that promote the uniform and equitable resolution of such claims. The current flood of Pradaxa® litigation is no exception.

Since the FDA issued its warning regarding Pradaxa bleeding risks in December of 2011, a flood of claims have flowed into federal courts across the nation from individual patients and their families who suffered harm due to the drug’s numerous side effects. More than 200 deaths have already been documented and Pradaxa lawyers expect as many as 500 more claims could surface in the near future. As a result, on August 8 the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation ordered all federal Pradaxa lawsuits consolidated into a single action in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois. The Honorable Judge David Herndon presides over this case, entitled In re Pradaxa Product Liability Litigation, MDL No. 2385. A recent order issued by Judge Herndon notes that as of July 25, there were 36 substantially similar Pradaxa cases pending across 14 separate federal judicial districts.

If you or a family member has been injured by Pradaxa side effects, an experienced products liability lawyer at Phillips Law Offices can explain how this recent development affects your rights and what you need to do to start the process of receiving fair compensation.