Meningitis Infection Spreads Across 12 States

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a fungal meningitis outbreak has occurred across 12 states stemming from contaminated steroid injections. The contaminated steroids were produced by the New England Compounding Center, which is licensed in all 50 states. The single-dose steroid vials, which are used to treat pain in the back, ankles, knees and other joints, were sent to 23 states and have, thus far, resulted in infections in 185 individuals and the deaths of 14. The states involved include Florida, Texas, Idaho, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, and Virginia. Approximately 13,000 people may be potentially affected by the contaminated steroids, which have been recalled.

Meningitis causes inflammation of brain and spinal cord membranes and, in these cases, is caused by the fungal infection stemming from bacteria in the contaminated steroids. CDC personnel expect more persons who received such injections to report symptoms in the coming weeks, which include headache, nausea, fever, seizures, and back pain and can lead to death. Antifungal drugs are necessary to treat such a medical condition. A director at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health has asserted that the New England Compounding Center did not follow state law in their procedures. Personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits against the Compounding Center are expected to arise out of the situation in the near future.

Coral Springs, Florida Personal Injury Law Firm

The above story is an example of how a manufacturer can be held responsible for negligence when a product proves to be defective and leads to harm for users. In such cases, those injured and those who have lost loved ones may be entitled to legal compensation for all of the damages and losses incurred. Anyone who sustains harm through another party's negligence is thus protected under personal injury law.

If you have been injured or suffered health damage due to another's carelessness or negligence in any type of scenario, from a car accident to a defective product, you should seek qualified legal help. At the law firm of Weinstein & Scharf, P.A. you will find lawyers with more than 85 combined years of experience in the practice of personal injury law. Contact the firm to learn more about your legal rights and options in such a matter. A free consultation is provided.