Harrell and Nowak has been contacted by Ochsner patients who were notified that they may have been exposed to infectious diseases, including HIV and Hepatitis, from the use of endoscopes which were not properly cleaned. An endoscope is a device that is used by doctors to look inside the body. Ochsner has offered to provide free testing for patients who may be at risk. According to Ochsner, 200 patients who had procedures between June 25, 2010 and March 2, 2011 may have been exposed. Although Ochsner expects that no patients will be infected, many of the patients who have been potentially exposed are very concerned and emotionally traumatized. And even though they can be tested for these infections, they won’t know for months if they are clear of infection because several of these infectious diseases have latency periods that last months.
Anyone who had an endoscopy procedure at the Ochsner Jefferson Highway location between June 25, 2010 and March 2, 2011 should contact a doctor and an attorney if they are interested in pursuing legal action. The firm of Harrell and Nowak is a Louisiana lawfirm with experienced Medical Malpractice attorneys who handle medical malpractice cases throughout Louisiana. As a registered nurse and an attorney, Shirin Harrell has handled cases against hospitals, doctors and nursing homes in Louisiana.