Woman Awarded $5.1 Million After Contracting Hepatitis C from Contaminated Colonoscopy Instruments

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In a recent case out of Brooklyn, New York, a woman was awarded $5.1 million in damages after filing a medical malpractice lawsuit against two doctors, specifically a gastroenterologist and an anesthesiologist. The woman claimed to have contracted Hepatitis C as a result of cross-contamination during a routine colonoscopy. This case represents just one of the numerous cases involving medical cross-contamination that occur each year during colonoscopies and other medical procedures, often resulting in serious complications for patients. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), healthcare-associated infections account for 16 million days of unnecessary hospitalization and staggering costs every year, not to mention untold suffering for patients. Fortunately, injured patients are provided with a legal mechanism through which to pursue compensation for injuries caused by the negligence of doctors, hospitals, and other medical professionals.

At Fronzuto Law Group, our highly experienced medical malpractice attorneys fight tirelessly on behalf of victims in cases involving hospital malpractice, surgical errors, and other forms of medical negligence in New Jersey and New York. We work to achieve maximum compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, necessary future accommodations, and pain and suffering. If you suspect that medical negligence may have caused health problems for you or someone you love, contact our offices at 973-435-4551 to discuss your case. Consultations are always provided free of charge.

Infection from Contaminated Colonoscopy Tools

The plaintiff in this case, 48-year-old Lucy Gonzalez, received anesthesia for a colonoscopy procedure in March of 2008. Approximately 6 weeks after the procedure, Gonzalez began to suffer symptoms including abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting blood. When she sought treatment at a nearby hospital, medical professionals determined that she had contracted acute Hepatitis C.

Gonzalez, who had no prior history of Hepatitis C and no other risk factors for the infection, suspected that she contracted the infection during the colonoscopy procedure just weeks before. According to the plaintiffs, a subsequent investigation revealed that Gonzalez’s viral strain was a genetic match to a previous colonoscopy patient. They argued that cross-contamination, specifically inadequate sterilization of the instruments used for the colonoscopy, such as the colonoscope, biopsy forceps, or needles, were the cause of the Gonzalez’s Hepatitis C infection.

A jury validated the plaintiff’s claims with a verdict in her favor. They ultimately held gastroenterologist Dr. Yashpal Arya 60 percent responsible and anesthesiologist Dr. Saroj A. Hazari 40 percent responsible for medical negligence that resulted in Gonzalez’s injuries. The award totaled $5.1 million. For additional information pertaining to this case, access the following article: Plaintiff awarded $5.1M in medical malpractice trial

Injured during a Colonoscopy in New Jersey? Fronzuto Law Group can Help

If you have suffered an infection, illness, or physical injuries due to malpractice during a colonoscopy, the experienced medical malpractice lawyers at Fronzuto Law Group can help. With offices in New Jersey and New York, our firm has dedicated over 100 years of combined experience to representing victims of surgical infections, hospital malpractice, pediatric medical negligence, and other failures to provide adequate healthcare treatment and services. To speak with an attorney about your case free of charge, call us now at 973-435-4551 or fill out our convenient online form. A member of our team is always available to assist you.

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