As we have previously reported, Boehringer Ingelheim, the manufacturer of Pradaxa, has been sanctioned during the course of the federal litigation for destroying relevant documents. In a recent Case Management Order, Judge David R. Herndon, Chief Judge United States District Court, presiding over the litigation, revisited the manufacturer’s misconduct and fixed new sanctions.

In the recent Order, Judge Herndon found “the wrongs here are egregious” and observed that plaintiffs’ ability to pursue their case may have been greatly and unfairly harmed by Boehringer’s actions. Judge Herndon wrote, “the Court’s imposition of a fine is a measured action, designed to let the defendants know that the Court’s Order and the Court deserve respect.” Judge Herndon affirmed the fine of $931,500.00 that he had previously imposed. Additionally, the latest order requires Boehringer to pay certain expenses incurred by plaintiffs’ attorneys as they take depositions of individuals employed by the drug maker located in Europe. Judge Herndon is requiring Boehringer to pay plaintiffs’ counsel for necessary office space in Amsterdam as well as for the costs of traveling, videographers, interpreters and court reporters retroactively, from December 9, 2013 through August 2014.

If you or a loved one has experienced serious side effects after taking Pradaxa, you can contact Stark & Stark and speak to one of the Mass Tort attorneys, free of charge, who can help assess any claims that you might have against Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.