Contaminated Eye Drops Infection Lawsuit

In January of 2023 the CDC issued a warning regarding EzriCare Artificial Tears lubricating eye drops, which have been linked to several serious bacterial infections across the United States. 

The FDA, in collaboration with the CDC, state, and local health departments, is investigating how the eye drops became contaminated with a drug-resistant type of bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa. As of January 31, 2023, these infections had already already afflicted 55 individuals in 12 states resulting in hospitalizations, permanent vision loss, and one death from a bloodstream infection.

This is not the first time the manufacturing company, Global Pharma, has been criticized by the FDA for their subpar manufacturing practices.Global Pharma has acknowledged that there may be an issue with their Ezricare artificial tears product and have issued a voluntary recall. 

Given the severity of the situation, the CDC has recommended that people stop using EzriCare Artificial Tears until further guidance is provided by the CDC and FDA.

If you have been harmed or developed an infection as a result of using the contaminated artificial tears, you may be entitled to substantial financial compensation in a civil lawsuit.

How Do Eye Drops Become Contaminated?

The contamination of EzriCare® Artificial Tears lubricating eye drops with Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria is a distressing situation that has caused widespread concern, and rightly so. 

The CDC performed laboratory testing on previously opened EzriCare drops bottles from various production lots, confirming the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria in the eye drops. This conclusively established the eye drops as the source of the infections, which have caused severe health issues, including permanent vision loss, hospitalizations, and even one death.

Although the exact source of the contamination is yet to be identified, it is believed to have occurred during the manufacturing or packaging of the product by Global Pharma, based in Tamilnadu, India. It is concerning that the company did not adequately test its products for bacterial contamination, especially considering that most all eye drop products are preservative-free. This fact means eye drop solutions can be easily contaminated and there’s nothing to stop even the smallest amount of bacteria from multiplying.

Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Can Cause Antibiotic Resistant Infections

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a dangerous bacterium commonly found in damp environments such as soil and water, and is particularly hazardous due to its multidrug-resistant nature. The bacterium can cause severe infections in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those in hospitals or with underlying health conditions. 

P. aeruginosa can cause a range of infections, including pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and skin and wound infections, and is especially dangerous for individuals with cystic fibrosis or burn wounds. 

The bacterium is becoming more difficult to treat due to antibiotic resistance, and infection can occur in any part of the body. It is known to produce virulence factors that can damage host cells and tissues, and can form biofilms that make it tough to destroy.  Proper hygiene and cleaning protocols are crucial to preventing its spread in healthcare environments.

What Can Happen if You Use Contaminated Eye Drops?

Using contaminated eye drops could cause severe eye infections leading to blindness. In addition, there have been reports of bacterial infections in other parts of the body, such as the urinary tract, respiratory system, and bloodstream, caused by the use of the contaminated drops. One fatality has been attributed to the use of the contaminated product.

How Do I File a Lawsuit If I was Injured by Contaminated Eye Drops?

Filing a lawsuit may be an option for those who have been injured using contaminated artificial tears. To determine if you have a valid claim, our legal intake team will ask a series of questions such as:

• which artificial tears were used
• when and how often they were used
• what and when was your diagnosis
• who were you diagnosed by

Supporting documentation, including medical records, will also be collected. This information is used to create a “complaint,” which is a legal document that outlines the parties being sued, the losses to be compensated, and the allegations being made.

After the lawsuit is filed, our attorneys will work on your behalf to obtain just compensation from the defendants. This may involve filing motions, issuing subpoenas, taking depositions, exchanging and requesting documents, attending court hearings, and hiring medical experts. If a suitable settlement cannot be reached, we will take the matter to trial.

We encourage any Individuals affected by the use of artificial tears to contact the Hastings Law Firm today to understand their legal options and potential for compensation.

What Compensation Can I Get for My Contaminated Eye Drops Claim?

The value of a contaminated eye drop claim will depend on the extent of the injuries caused by the infection. In most states, it is estimated that a contaminated eye drops lawsuit involving permanent vision damage or impairment may result in an average settlement compensation of $200,000 to over $1,000,000.

The damages in product liability lawsuits can include medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and psychological disorders, among others. The specific damages that you can recover will depend on the severity and financial impact of your injuries, as well as the jurisdiction in which your case is heard. 

While the value of your case cannot be estimated until the details are confirmed, compensation for financial losses and pain and suffering may be available, along with the possibility of punitive damages.

How Much Does it Cost to File a Contaminated Eye Drops Injury Lawsuit?

There are no upfront or out-of-pocket costs for filing an eye drop lawsuit, and the Hastings Law Firm’s payment will come as a percentage of your settlement or judgment. We also offer a completely free, no-obligation case review.

Let Our Law Firm Help With Your Contaminated Eye Drop Lawsuit

If you or someone you know has been affected by the use of contaminated artificial tears, our team at The Hastings Law Firm is here to help. We understand the devastating effects bacterial infections can have on one’s health and the complexity of litigating these cases. Our legal team has a successful track record of obtaining just compensation for our clients, so you can focus on your recovery.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by contaminated eye drops, please do not hesitate to contact us today. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.