Fungal Meningitis from Contaminated Steroid Lawsuit Attorneys

The New England Compounding Center located in Framingham, Massachusetts recalled their entire list of products after a steroid made by the company has been linked to a widespread meningitis outbreak.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has already reported that over 13,000 received the steroid shot, stating that it is unclear how many of those shots are contaminated with the meningitis-inducing fungus. Most of these epidural injections were used for lower back pain, but may have been used on other areas of the body including the knees and shoulders.  The steroid is commonly referred to as preservative-free methylprednisolone acetate, which is formed by the combination of a powder and a liquid. The CDC further urges individuals who have received an epidural injection since May 21 to get checked immediately, especially if they are experiencing symptoms related to the fungal meningitis including:

• Headaches
• Swelling
• Redness
• Warming at the point of injection
• Fever
• Stiff neck
• Vision sensitivity
• Difficulty speaking
• Weakness throughout the body

The personal injury attorneys at Downtown L.A. Law Group are now accepting applications for victims suffering from fungal meningitis as a result of steroid injections throughout the United States.  Please call a lawyer immediately to protect your rights and receive a free case evaluation.

What is Fungal Meningitis

Fungal meningitis is a rare form of meningitis that is commonly caused by the spread of a fungus into the blood stream and to the spinal cord.  Fungal meningitis is most commonly caused by a weakened immune system.  Most cases are cuased by the inhalation of contaminated bird or bat droppings.  However, in the case of the common instance of steroid injections, the fungal meningitis was injected directly into the central nervous system. Fungal meningitis is treated with prolonged and heavy dosage of antifungal medication administered through an IV.  Treatment time generally depends on the severity of the meningitis, the strength of the individuals immune system, and the prevalence of other conditions such as AIDS, diabetes or cancer. Fortunately, fungal meningitis is not contagious.  However, the effects of the fungal meningitis are often severe and could even be fatal.  Victims have been known to suffer from stroke and even death.

Fungal Meningitis Lawsuit

Individuals injected by the steroid who have been infected with fungal meningitis have recourse.  Although precedent has not yet been set on these cases because it is so new, victims will be able to receive compensation for their damages, as the steroid was clearly defective and therefore any company involved in the manufacturing is strictly liable. Over 17,000 single dose vials of the steroid medication was sent out to 23 states including Virginia, Indiana, Florida, Maryland, Tennessee, Michigan, North Carolina and Ohio.  The CDC has also provided a map of the locations and numbers of the meningitis outbreak. Currently, the Food and Drug Administration has limited authority over compounding pharmacies such as NECC that manufactured the contaminated vials with fungal meningitis.   Instead, these pharmacies are commonly regulated by state boards, and do not require any sort of FDA approval.  The FDA has attempted to garner greater control  under the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, but to date have failed to generate greater control.

Contact a Fungal Meningitis Attorney

Our Law Firm is dedicated to providing legal assistance to individuals infected by fungal meningitis across the United States including residents in the state of Michigan, Indiana, Tennessee, Florida, Minnesota,  Virginia, Maryland,  Ohio, and Wisconsin. If you have been diagnosed with fungal meningitis as a result of a contaminated steroid, it is important that you contact a our personal injury law firm immediately.  A dedicated team of attorneys will answer all your questions and concerns.