The Indiana Organ Procurement Organization faces two medical malpractice claims after two people died from cancerous organ transplants.
Both men received organs from the same donor in October 2006. Anthony Taylor received a liver and a kidney, and James Fell received the other kidney. The organ donor had melanoma that had spread to her liver and kidneys. Both transplant recipients died within a year of the operation.
Both families have filed medical malpractice lawsuits against the organ procurement organization, claiming they were negligent in their screening of the organs. The organ group stands by its work, stating that the screening of these organs met all federal and state regulations.
The lawyer for Fell’s family argues that the organ group ignored indications that the donor’s organs were diseased. According to the attorney, the organ group disregarded clear signs that the donor suffered from skin cancer.
This is not the first time people have come down with diseases from an organ transplant. In 2005, four people contracted hepatitis and HIV from an organ transplant in Chicago.
While organ screening is very good, it is not perfect. Approximately one percent of organ transplants spread a disease to the recipient. Therefore, it is important to consult an experienced medical malpractice attorney if you or a loved one contracts a disease from an organ transplant. You may be eligible to receive compensation for your damages.
If you have a medical malpractice claim in the Chicago, Illinois area, please contact the law offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. today to schedule an initial consultation.
