Contaminated Tissue Transplant Litigation

Contaminated tissue transplant lawsuits are civil actions in which those victimized as a result of receiving diseased tissue from 2001 through 2005 seek financial compensation for their medical bills, permanent disabilities, decreased quality of life, pain, and suffering. Despite the fact that the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have extensive protocols in place for screening tissue donors and collecting/cleaning donated tissues, Biomedical Tissue Services (BTS), CyroLife, and others were found to be grossly violating these policies.

Some of the ways in which BTS and others were negligent and reckless include:

  • forging donor consent forms
  • forging death certificates to lower a donor’s age or conceal diseases (s)he had in order to make him/her appear to be eligible
  • not properly cleaning collected tissue and bone specimens.

Approximately 8,000 of an estimated 13,000 contaminated specimens were implanted in patients during various procedures, some of which may include skin grafts, organ transplants, bone grafts, heart valve replacements, and back/ankle/knee surgeries.

FDA Recall Triggers Contaminated Tissue Transplant Lawsuits

In October 2005, the FDA announced that it was recalling all contaminated tissue and bone specimens. Although a significant portion of diseased tissues were taken off the market:

  • Approximately 8,000 were implanted in patients; and
  • Some medical facilities failed to pull likely tainted tissues (largely because they received the tissues from a third party and were unaware of the affiliation with BTS).

Those who think that they received a diseased tissue implant are strongly advised to seek medical attention to evaluate whether they have developed any of the following reported complications associated with tainted tissue implants:

  • HIV/AIDS
  • hepatitis
  • syphilis
  • other irreversible conditions

Once their health is no longer in grave danger, potential plaintiffs are encouraged to consult with a skilled diseased tissue lawyer to receive a professional, thorough evaluation of their case, followed by expert advice on how to proceed for the best chances of secure the maximum possible settlement from BTS.

If you or a loved one received bone or tissue from BTS or Cryolife and contracted HIV, AIDS, hepatitis, or syphilis you should contact us immediately for a free and confidential case review. You may be entitled to compensation and we can help.