If you or a loved one requires dialysis treatments, it is important that you take note. Although dialysis can be life-saving, there are instances in which patients have suffered serious infection, cardiac arrest, and even death during or shortly after a dialysis session. Additionally, there is a dialysis solution called GranuFlo that is being commonly used for dialysis patients. Unfortunately, GranuFlo has been alleged to cause dangerous side effects including serious PH balance problems, alkalosis, cardiac arrest, and even death.
$383.5 Million Dollar Jury Wrongful Death Award Against DaVita, Inc.
The Paynter Law Firm, PLLC, recently went to trial in Colorado on behalf of three families who sued DaVita, Inc. for wrongful death resulting from alleged negligence and fraudulent concealment during dialysis. The plaintiffs prevailed, with a jury award for the plaintiffs of $383.5 million dollars. The plaintiffs were represented by attorneys from Hagens, Berman, Sobol, Shapiro LLP and the Paynter Law Firm, PLLC.
The defendant, DaVita, Inc., runs one of the largest networks of outpatient dialysis centers in the country, with over 2,539 centers across the U.S. It is estimated that they serve over 200,000 dialysis patients. The plaintiffs in the above-referenced case consisted of family members who lost loved ones who were undergoing dialysis at DaVita and received GranuFlo.
In 2012, the Federal Food and Drug Administration issued a Class 1 recall of GranuFlo, warning dialysis centers that the excess acetate in Granuflo could cause problems such as metabolic alkalosis and cardiac arrhythmias which could result in cardiac arrest and even death.
What is Granuflo?
Granuflo is a dry acid concentrate that is used in dialysis to clean the blood for patients with end stage kidney disease. The manufacturer of the drug, Fresenius Medical Care of North America, allegedly knew that that drug has been implicated in multiple patient deaths.
The drug causes problems by causing elevated bicarbonate levels in the blood. Excessive bicarbonate levels cause a condition called metabolic acidosis, which can result in blood clots, sudden cardiac arrest and death.
Symptoms of Metabolic Acidosis can include:
- Arrhythmias
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Loss of consciousness
- Coma
- Seizures
- Severe trouble breathing
- Death
If you or a loved one underwent dialysis treatment and suffered cardiac arrest, serious infection, or sudden death during or shortly after the treatment, it is important to contact us. We can discuss what legal options you may have. The consultation is completely free.