Synthes Sued for Wrongful Death and Fraud

Synthes is being sued in a wrongful death lawsuit filed in federal court by the family of a Texas woman who died after she was injected by a doctor with bone cement made by the company and its former subsidiary Norian.

Lois Eskind died on January 13, 2003, from cardiac arrest just moments after she was injected with Synthes’ bone cement, according to Philly Pharma. She was the first of three patients who died during illegal clinical trials of the product in 2003 and 2004.

The families of the other victims filed a joint complaint against the company and several executives in California state court earlier this year.

Philly Pharma writes that Synthes, Norian, and four company executives plead guilty to criminal charges last year that resulted from a 2009 indictment brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Philadelphia. Federal prosecutors were able to show that the company ignored portions of the FDA approval and labeling process while promoting its bone cement to surgeons from 2001 through 2004.

If you or a loved one has been injured by an unsafe medical device, contact Sokolove Law for a free legal consultation and to find out if a product liability lawyer may be able to help you. For legal help, call (800) 581-6358.

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