Jacksonville Injury Attorney Blog
An 87-year old man diagnosed with fungal meningitis filed suit in Orange County, Florida, against a Massachusetts drug compounding company for allegedly distributing contaminated steroids. These epidural steroids, used for back pain, are thought to be the source of the national fungal meningitis outbreak, which has affected 285 people. The injectable drug was recalled by the FDA on October 5, 2012.
Fungal meningitis develops when a fungus infects the protective membranes on the spinal cord and brain. According to the Centers for Disease Control, symptoms may include stiff neck, fever, headache, incoherency, nausea, vomiting and light sensitivity.
Eighteen Florida patients contracted fungal meningitis after taking the contaminated steroids, and three of those patients died. There are no reported cases of fungal meningitis in Jacksonville, Florida. However, 16 medical facilities in Northeast Florida received the steroids from the Massachusetts drug company and are undergoing thorough investigations to determine if anyone was administered the steroid. Any clinic administering the contaminated steroid is obligated to inform affected patients.
Companies making defective products available to the public are subject to product liability laws. The lawsuit in Orange County contends that the drug company is guilty of fraud, product liability and product negligence. Product liability and defective product cases are extremely complicated and require a law firm with the experience and resources to thoroughly pursue the claim. The attorneys in Jacksonville at The Lawrence Law Group, P.A., have successfully represented a range of product liability cases.
Written by Elizabeth Allen
If you or a family member has been affected by a defective product, our Jacksonville attorneys at The Lawrence Law Group can help. We are willing to meet you at our office, your home or a location convenient to you.