More Meningitis Lawsuits Filed
Meningitis lawsuits are starting to pile up against the compounding pharmacy whose steroid injections are believed to be behind the outbreak of a rare fungal form of the disease that has put as many as 14,000 patients at risk nationwide.
At least three suits – one a class action – have been filed in recent days against the Massachusetts-based New England Compounding Center (NECC) related to the recent fungal meningitis outbreak and more are expected as the number of victims rises.
NECC is at the epicenter of a series of investigations by health officials into the outbreak, which appears linked to its steroid medication. The company has recalled all its products, ceased operations, and is cooperating with investigators.
The Tennessean reports that a 71-year-old woman filed suit in state court alleging that she was infected with fungal meningitis after receiving a steroid shot—methylprednisolone acetate for back pain—at Saint Thomas Hospital. The hospital received 2,000 vials of the suspect drug from NECC.
The plaintiff seeks $15 million in damages for medical expenses and other types of suffering. Her attorney says he plans to file upwards of a dozen more cases on behalf of patients suffering from fungal meningitis.
Meanwhile, a class-action lawsuit was filed in Michigan on behalf of state residents who received or were exposed to injections of the allegedly contaminated drug produced by NECC, reports MedCity News. The Michigan lawsuit was filed by a woman diagnosed with fungal meningitis after she was treated with the now-recalled steroid drug from NECC.
The first meningitis lawsuit was filed in Minnesota federal court by resident Barbe Puro, who claims she received tainted steroid injections while being treated for neck pain, according to MedCity News. Despite receiving medical treatment after the injections, her health status is uncertain.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are 19 fatalities and 247 people from 15 states who have contracted fungal meningitis.
If you or a loved one has been harmed by a dangerous drug, contact Sokolove Law today for a free legal consultation and to find out if a dangerous drug lawyer may be able to help you.
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