Family of Prafull Thakkar files wrongful death claim against EzriCare and Amazon for contaminated eye drops

Andrew Ackley and his team at the Stritmatter Firm filed a wrongful death lawsuit against EzriCare, the brand name of eye drops recalled due to contamination with treatment-resistant pseudomonas aeruginosa.  The company’s eye drops led to the tragic death of Prafull Thakkar, a husband of 52 years and father of two children.  Mr. Thakkar’s death was the first reported death related to the FDA’s nationwide recall of the product due to violations of current good manufacturing practices (CGMP) by Global Pharma Healthcare in India, where the product was manufactured. 

Established in 2020, EzriCare’s website boasted FDA compliance, “institutional advisors,” and quality assurance.  Yet after the recall, EzriCare disclaimed both knowledge and responsibility, stating that it merely designed an exterior label and marketed the eye drops to customers. EzriCare has since terminated its operations and vanished.

The lawsuit alleges that Amazon is responsible for enabling fledgling companies to reap profits and evade responsibility.  Amazon develops and promotes new companies to increase selection on its site and profits from their sales via Amazon’s mass distribution channels.  At the same time, Amazon systematically advertises that its products are safe and reliable.

“Fledgling online companies with nothing to lose can ride Amazon’s credibility, product placement, and distribution channels into thousands of American homes.  They can injure or kill dozens of people and then just close shop.  If Amazon can profit from these sales and evade any responsibility for its role, the American public is not safe.  Amazon needs an incentive to make smart decisions, especially when it comes to sterile medical products.”  - Attorney Andrew Ackley.