PSBR attorneys have filed another lawsuit against medical device manufacturer Olympus America, Inc., Olympus Corporation of the Americas, and Olympus Medical System Corporation (collectively, “Olympus”) for the wrongful death of a 48-year old woman who was infected with CRE “superbug” infection (carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceaecontanim) while being treated at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. CRE is extremely resistant to treatment with antibiotics. Medical professionals estimate that up to 50% of patients infected with CRE will die.
The lawsuit alleges that the woman was infected with CRE when she underwent multiple procedures with a contaminated Olympus TJF-Q180V Duodenoscope. She died on November 8, 2014 and is survived by her husband, four children and mother.
As alleged in the complaint, Olympus did not develop or communicate an appropriate protocol for cleaning the Q180V Scope before it can be used on a new patient. As a result, medical providers are not able to adequately clean the scopes and subsequent patients are then exposed to CRE and a significant risk of infection during procedures.
The lawsuit, which was filed in the Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleges claims against Olympus for Wrongful Death, Negligence, Products Liability, Fraud – Intentional Misrepresentation and Fraud – Negligent Misrepresentation.
Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP represents numerous patients who have been exposed to CRE after medical procedures in which the Q180V Scope was used.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to the CRE infection during a procedure at UCLA or another medical facility, call Peter Kaufman or Kevin Boyle at 877-800-1700 or contact the firm here for a free consultation.
Click here to see February 26, 2015 Los Angeles Times Article