AEGiS-PRn: Patients Exposed to HIV and Hepatitis Through Questionable Medical Equipment Leads to Filing of Class Action Lawsuit by Thurswell, Chayet & Weiner Against W.A. Foote Memorial Hospital, Inc. in Jackson, Michigan

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2000. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Patients Exposed to HIV and Hepatitis Through Questionable Medical Equipment Leads to Filing of Class Action Lawsuit by Thurswell, Chayet & Weiner Against W.A. Foote Memorial Hospital, Inc. in Jackson, Michigan

PRNewswire - Monday November 6, 2000

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Nov. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Southfield-based personal injury law firm Thurswell, Chayet & Weiner is representing former patients of W.A. Foote Memorial Hospital, Inc. in Jackson, Michigan, who were possibly exposed to HIV and Hepatitis during minor outpatient scope procedures. According to the hospital, the medical equipment may not have been completely disinfected. A new disinfecting machine purchased by the hospital was not properly connected to the potentially infected scopes. A class action lawsuit concerning this issue was filed on Friday, November 3, 2000, and will be decided by Judge Charles Nelson. Thurswell, Chayet & Weiner's client, the Plaintiff Jerry Moore of Somerset Center, Michigan, underwent a colonoscopy (a scope procedure) in August 2000. On approximately October 24, 2000, Moore received a letter from Defendant Foote Hospital stating they had discovered that a piece of equipment used in Moore's procedure, although allegedly cleaned thoroughly by hand, may have not been completely disinfected and therefore the hospital could not assure that the scope was completely disinfected. All patients are being urged by the hospital to contact their physicians. A Detroit surgeon contacted regarding this issue has stated that, "there is a difference between cleaning and sterilization. Without the machine, there is potential for viral contamination."

Cy Weiner, lead counsel on the case, comments, "Although the hospital claims there is a low risk of infection, our client has undergone blood testing for exposure to Hepatitis and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) due to the failed sterilization process." Weiner continues, "This is an extremely stressful time for Mr. Moore and his family and we will actively pursue the suit against Foote Hospital."

Individuals receiving a similar letter from W.A. Foote Hospital in Jackson, Michigan are urged to join the class action lawsuit by calling Thurswell, Chayet & Weiner at 248-948-0000.

SOURCE: Thurswell, Chayet & Weiner

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