A Maryland Xarelto lawyer may be able to help patients who took the medication and developed serious bleeding complications. When a patient is at an increased risk for blood clots, his or her doctor will often recommend a blood thinner to reduce the chances of complications. This type of medication has been prescribed for several years, but many users of one type of drug, Xarelto, have claimed that the side effects for use have proven to be fatal or serious. Affected patients and their families may be eligible to seek compensation with the help of a Maryland Xarelto lawsuit attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Maryland to learn more about your options. We offer free, confidential, no obligation consultations. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a claim we can connect you with an affiliated Maryland Xarelto lawyer.
Why Use a Blood Thinner?
According to the National Blood Clot Alliance, there are several different reasons why a doctor may prescribe a blood thinner, including the following:
- Previous heart attack
- Irregular heartbeat
- Post-surgery or injury
- Previous or current blood clots
The group states that, while bleeding risks are inherent with blood thinners, they still save lives and are prescribed to 2 to 3 million patients each year. There are a few different ways that blood thinners can aid in the prevention of death by blood clots:
- If a patient has a current clot, the medication can prevent its growth
- Thinning the blood can prevent clots from forming
- If clots exist, blood thinners can prevent them from moving to crucial organs of the body, such as the heart, brain and lungs
While these can all be life-saving measures for the patient, they can also result in blood that is too thin and unable to clot properly, leaving the patient open to complications from excessive bleeding.
What Blood Thinners Do
Blood thinning medications can work in two different ways. Xarelto’s official website claims that the first method prevents clots from forming by ensuring the platelets can’t stick together. The second, which is how Xarelto works, is by preventing natural coagulation of the blood. Despite being commonly known as blood thinners, these medications don’t actually thin the blood.
The exception to the circumstances warranting the use of a blood thinner is a patient with a heart valve problem. While Xarelto is not recommended for those users, it can be used in patients suffering from deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
Complications Leading to a Maryland Xarelto Lawsuit
While many patients have benefited from the use of Xarelto and other blood thinning medications, there are several users who have claimed that the drug caused harm. WebMD reports that serious bleeding can be caused as a result of blood failing to coagulate. Doctors recommend seeking immediate help in the case of side effects such as slurred speech, vision changes, abnormal urine output and confusion. Additionally, there are other symptoms that can indicate serious bleeding, including the following:
- Persistent nosebleeds
- Bloody vomit
- Difficulty swallowing
- Bruising that seems abnormal
- Stool that is black
- Urine that is dark or pink
These symptoms can be indicative of serious bleeding problems and require medical help. Problems with dizziness and breathing can also be signs of allergic reactions to the medication. Less serious symptoms that may occur, but are not life threatening, include excessive bleeding from injuries such as minor cuts and nosebleeds and excessive bruising. While these symptoms are not usually life-threatening, they do require prompt medical attention from a health care provider.
While cases have been filed by patients who experienced abnormal bleeding, victims who suffered death have had claims filed on their behalf by surviving family members. A woman from New Jersey has filed a claim alleging that her aunt was one of hundreds of victims who experienced injuries that caused fatal or serious consequences. Her aunt’s death is being blamed on the marketing company’s misrepresentation and negligence in educating consumers about the life-threatening consequences possible with Xarelto use.
How a Maryland Xarelto Lawyer Can Help
Drug makers have a duty to provide safe products. If there are risks of harm associated with their products, they also must provide adequate warnings. If a drug maker fails to fulfill this duty, it could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result.
People injured by bad drugs may be eligible to recover money for:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
The families of those who have died may be eligible to recover money for funeral expenses and the pain that comes with losing a loved one.
The Time You Have to File a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Maryland. You can fill out the form on this page or contact us by phone or email.
After you contact us, an attorney will follow up to answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
