Siskinds is not pursuing any further litigation with respect to this medication.
Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate) is an anti-coagulant (blood thinner) manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim and approved for use in Canada. Pradaxa is prescribed to treat or prevent conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, as well as atrial fibrillation and sometimes following certain surgeries, to prevent strokes that can occur as a result of blood clots.
Pradaxa and Bleeding Events
Use of Pradaxa has been linked to uncontrollable bleeding and hemorrhaging causing serious injuries and death.
Developments
Siskinds is no longer prosecuting actions related to Pradaxa, including the action titled Albert C. Batten et al v Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd. et al (Court File No.: CV-13-475701-00CP. On October 5, 2021, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice granted a discontinuance of the action. A copy of the discontinuance order can be viewed here.
Discontinuance of the Quebec Class Action
Siskinds, Desmeules filed a similar action in Quebec. On November 14, 2019, petitioner Lionel Whiteduck was authorized to discontinue his motion for authorization to institute a class action and to obtain the status of representative, dated May 6, 2015 in the file number 500-06-000741-153. A copy of the judgment rendered by the Superior Court of Quebec authorizing the discontinuance, is available here. The Notice of Discontinuance can be found here.
By reason of this discontinuance, the operation of Article 2908 of the Civil Code of Québec has ceased and limitation periods (prescription) are no longer suspended.
Nothing in this notice is intended to be legal advice and you may wish to consult your own attorney.
FAQs
What is a class action?
A class action is a lawsuit that is brought by one or more persons on behalf of a larger group of people whose claims share common legal and/or factual issues. Class actions provide a cost-effective way for groups of people with common interests to pursue a legal claim.
What does “certification” mean?
Certification is the motion where the court determines whether the action can properly be pursued as a class action. The court will consider factors such as whether the claims of the class members raise common legal and/or factual issues and whether a class action is the preferable method of pursuing the claims (as opposed to other methods, such as individual actions).
Do I have to pay anything to participate in the class action?
Class action lawyers are usually paid on a contingency basis. This means that class counsel are only paid if successful. Class counsel are paid a percentage of any settlement or court award. Class counsel fees are subject to court approval.
Who is affected by the Pradaxa class action?
You are affected by the class action and are a “class member” if you were prescribed Pradaxa and suffered complications, including an adverse hemorrhaging (bleeding) event.
You might also be affected by the class action if you are a family member of the “class member” (i.e., you are the parent, sibling, etc. of the person who was prescribed Pradaxa and suffered adverse events).
What should I do to protect my rights?
To protect your rights, you should:
- Keep a record of medical expenses incurred—appointments not covered by your provincial health care provider, prescriptions, medical devices, etc.
- Keep a record of all medical treatments, including the names and contact information of the health care provider (doctor, surgeon, physiotherapist etc.).
- If possible, keep a journal of symptoms and note down any times when you are unable to attend work or school as a result of your symptoms.
If you have not done so already, contact Siskinds in order that we can contact your health care providers to obtain relevant medical and pharmacy records. As time passes, it can be more difficult to collect this information. All personal information provided to Siskinds regarding any injuries/symptoms you may have suffered will be kept private and confidential.
If you are a family member of the “class member”, you should keep a record of:
- Any expenses reasonably incurred for the benefit of the class member.
- Travel expenses incurred in visiting the class member during his or her treatment or recovery.
- Any services provided for the class member as a result of the injury (i.e., nursing, housekeeping).
- If the class member is deceased, any funeral expenses reasonably incurred.
I still have a question. Who should I contact?
If you have a question, please complete the form on this page or call 1.800.461.6166 for English enquiries.
For French enquiries, please contact our Quebec affiliated firm Siskinds, Desmeules by phone at 418.694.2009 or at the toll free number 1.877.735.3842 or by email at [email protected].