Woman died within months of taking Yaz birth control pills – $775,000 Settlement

Decedent was prescribed and ingested Yaz birth control medication. She suffered massive pulmonary emboli and died as a result on March 12, 2008, after using Yaz for only three months. At the time of her death, decedent was in good health and seeing no physicians for any significant medical problems. She died just one week after her 48th birthday.

Decedent, an honorably discharged Army warrant officer, active church member, minister and human rights advocate, left behind a husband and two daughters. The statutory beneficiaries plan to donate a part of the settlement to their church for its missionary programs.

[15-T-060]

Type of action: Wrongful death
Injuries alleged: Blood clot, pulmonary embolism
Name of case: Cooke-Bates, admin’r v. Bayer Corporation
Court: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Illinois
Case no.: 3:11-cv-20020-DRH-PMF
Judge: David R. Herndon
Special damages: Funeral expenses – $17,630.50
Verdict or settlement: Settlement
Amount: $775,000
Attorneys for plaintiff: John C. Shea and J. Penn Crawford, Richmond; Greg J. Bubalo, Louisville, Kentucky