ATTENTION: Dialysis patients! The experienced personal injury lawyers at the law firm of Estey Bomberger are currently investigating cases involving GranuFlo and NaturaLyte. If you have seen TV ads warning consumers of the risk of death when undergoing dialysis treatment with either one of these dangerous drugs, our lawyers can answer your questions and provide expert legal guidance.
Inappropriate use of GranuFlo or NaturaLyte, which are both manufactured by Fresenius Medical Care (FMC), can cause:
- Cardiac arrest
- Sudden heart attack
- Cardiopulmonary arrest
- Low blood pressure
- Hypokalemia (low potassium levels)
- Death.
What are GranuFlo and NaturaLyte?
GranuFlo dry acid concentrate and NaturaLyte liquid are used in the treatment of acute and chronic renal failure (kidney failure) during a process called hemodialysis. These products contain either acetate or sodium diacetate, which if inappropriately administered can result in high serum bicarbonate levels in dialysis patients. High serum bicarbonate levels can cause serious complications that if not treated appropriately can lead to serious adverse health consequences, including death.
FDA Class I Recall
As mentioned in several television ads, in March 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Class I recall for GranuFlo and NaturaLyte because of the potentially life threatening injuries associated with both products. However, FMC was already aware of the dangers associated with their product as a result of an “in-house” study conducted in 2010. Shockingly, FMC did not release the findings of their study until November 2011 and even then, only warned FMC owned and operated facilities of the dangers of these drugs. It wasn’t until March 2012 when non-FMC run dialysis centers received a memo warning them of the drugs’ dangers and recall.
Filing a Lawsuit to Recover Financial Compensation
If you suffered a heart attack or any other serious complication during or after dialysis, you may be able to file a lawsuit against FMC. Even if you did not receive dialysis at a FMC run center, you may be entitled to financial compensation for the damages related to your heart attack or injury. Examples of the different types of damages you may be entitled to compensation for, include:
- Hospitalizations
- Doctor visits
- Medicine
- Medical equipment
- Therapy
- Caregiving services
- Lost earnings from missed time at work
- Lost benefits
- Loss of quality of life
- Shortened life expectancy
- Loss of relations (if applicable)
- Pain and suffering.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit Stemming From a Dangerous Drug
If your loved one died during or after dialysis, you may also be entitled to financial compensation and should seek the counsel of a dangerous drug lawyer at the law firm of Estey Bomberger immediately. The sooner we are contacted, the sooner we can get help you begin to put the pieces of your life back together following a heartbreaking loss.
Call our firm 24 hours day to schedule a free consultation. We will gladly meet you at your home, office or hospital room to discuss your case.