Lawsuit alleges drug Depakote caused woman’s acute liver and kidney failure

NEW ORLEANS - An Orleans Parish woman has filed a lawsuit claiming the drug Depakote caused her to suffer from acute liver and kidney failure.

Ciera Stiles files suit against Abbott Laboratories Inc. on Dec. 16 in federal court in New Orleans.

Stiles was prescribed the prescription drug Depakote to treat her seizure disorder and bipolar disorder in September 2012.  In November 2012, she was hospitalized with acute liver and kidney failure. According to the lawsuit, it was ultimately determined that her conditions were caused by her prescribed use of Depakote.

The defendant is accused of inadequate warning, construction and composition defect, design defect, and breach of express warranty.

The plaintiff is seeking an award of damages for physical pain and suffering, mental anguish and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, mental and physical impairment and deficits, medical expenses, lost wages, interest, and court costs.

Stiles is represented by R. Dean Church, Jr. of Dean Church Law, LLC in Luling, Louisiana. A jury trial is requested.

U.S. District Judge Stanwood R. Duval, Jr. is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:13-cv-06672