Xarelto Lawsuits: What to Know

What Is Xarelto and What Are the Damages?

Xarelto is a blood thinner drug used to prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. Unfortunately, Xarelto is linked to severe—sometimes fatal—side effects, including an increased risk of life-threatening bleeding and over-anticoagulation. Additionally, on top of serious bleeding risks, Xarelto can cause liver damage and other adverse health effects.

Serious side effects include:

• Brain hemorrhage
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Acute kidney injury
• Nerve issues (e.g., numbness, tingling, etc.)
• Uncontrollable bleeding

Because of these side effects, over 32,000 lawsuits have been filed against the makers of Xarelto. The plaintiffs in these cases claim that they were not adequately warned about the risks of taking Xarelto and that the drug caused them unnecessary pain, suffering, and even death.

What Are the Xarelto Lawsuits?

The lawsuits against the makers of Xarelto alleged that they failed to warn consumers about the potential side effects of Xarelto. The plaintiffs also alleged that the drug companies were aware of these risks but still marketed and sold Xarelto without informing consumers.

The claims in the Xarelto lawsuits ranged from product liability to negligence to death. The cases ultimately resulted in a $775 million settlement in 2019. Under this settlement, the drug companies agreed to pay $775 million in compensation to the victims and their families.

However, three bellwether trials were held early to test the waters and establish how these cases might be decided. In each trial, a jury found the drug companies in favor. The verdicts for these three bellwether cases came down as follows:

• The jury awarded Joseph Boudreaux no damages after listening to evidence about the effects of Xarelto on his health.
• Joseph Orr’s claim related to his wife, who died from a hemorrhagic stroke due to taking Xarelto; the jury sided with Janssen Pharmaceuticals and Bayer AG.
• The jury also denied Dora Mingo damages after alleging that Xarelto caused her to suffer from gastrointestinal bleeding and acute blood loss.

It is important to note that while the court decided these three cases in favor of the defendants, this does not mean that you cannot pursue justice if you or a loved one have been injured due to taking Xarelto. It simply means that each case must be evaluated on its own facts and merits.

What Was the Settlement Value of the Xarelto Lawsuits?

In total, about 32,000 lawsuits were filed against the drug companies. Of those suits, about 25,000 have been settled. The settlement value of the Xarelto lawsuits was $775 million. This settlement amount was divided between Johnson & Johnson and Bayer, with each company paying half. 

The payouts from the settlement will vary from case to case, with those who were prescribed Xarelto on or after December 1, 2015, or who experienced an alleged Xarelto-related injury on or before March 1, 2016, receiving reduced payments. Furthermore, the settlement also caps payments for anyone hospitalized for two consecutive days or less due to a Xarelto-related injury.

Notably, Bayer and Johnson & Johnson did not admit liability under the settlement terms. They simply agreed to pay out the compensation to avoid further litigation.

Were You Impacted By Xarelto?

If you or someone you love was prescribed Xarelto and experienced adverse side effects, you must speak with a lawyer about your options. Depending on your circumstances, you may still be able to file a claim and seek compensation for your losses.

The first step is to consult a lawyer specializing in Xarelto cases. An attorney will be able to evaluate your case and determine if you are eligible to take legal action against the makers of Xarelto. If you do have a valid claim, your lawyer will be able to help guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit and seeking damages.

It is important to remember that the statute of limitations for filing a Xarelto claim varies by state, so you should consult with a lawyer immediately. Time is of the essence, so you should take advantage of your chance to seek justice.

Talking to an attorney about your case can ensure you take the necessary steps to protect your rights and seek compensation for your losses. Contact a qualified Xarelto lawyer today to get started. 

Interested in funding on your Xarelto case? Once you receive an offer on your case, a pre-settlement loan can help you pay for living and medical expenses while your case is pending.