Aziyo Biologics Fibercel Spinal Implant Infection

Aziyo Biologics FiberCel Spinal Implant Infected with Tuberculosis

On June 2, 2021, Aziyo Biologics announced the recall of a specific donor lot of its FiberCel spinal bone implant due to multiple reports of patient recipients contracting tuberculosis (“TB”) after surgery. The infected FiberCel products were distributed by Medtronic.

The Centers for Disease Control has issued guidance regarding the alarming situation, telling recipients:

Patients who underwent spinal fusions or fracture repairs using FiberCel products from Lot # NMDS210011 are likely to have been implanted with viable Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). Given the risk of post-operative infection and abscess formation, vertebral (or other skeletal) osteomyelitis, and dissemination of MTB, CDC recommends all patients who have received this product lot should receive treatment for active tuberculosis (TB) disease.

Medical Malpractice Lawyers

The Alvarez Law Office is investigating claims for patients who underwent surgeries to implant the infected Aziyo/Medtronic FiberCel products. There is no excuse for these companies manufacturing and distributing bone implants that were infected with tuberculosis.

Call the Alvarez Law Office as soon as possible, before you speak to an insurance adjuster, to avoid making a mistake that might compromise your case. We accept cases on a contingency fee basis, so you can hire the attorney of your choice with no out-of-pocket expenses and pay nothing—ever—unless we win money for you.

Reports indicate that over 140 people were implanted with these infected products nationwide, and that more than 20 people in the state of Indiana received them during surgeries.

If you or a loved one was among the unfortunate people to have received an infected Aziyo/Medtronic bone implant, you should take immediate action to discuss the situation with an attorney to ensure you are protecting your important legal rights. You could be entitled to significant compensation.

Call to Schedule a Free Consultation

Call the Alvarez Law Office to schedule a free consultation about your personal injury or criminal legal case. If you can’t make it to our office, we’ll be happy to come to you. We serve Lake, Porter, Laporte, Jasper, Newton, St. Joseph, and White Counties, and the Chicagoland area.

What Causes Bicycle Accidents in Indiana?

Various forms of driver negligence can cause preventable collisions. Drivers often fail to notice cyclists or give them the same courtesy they would extend to other drivers even though they owe a legal duty of care to everyone on the road. Many Indiana bicycle accidents are caused by:

  • Battery of Children

    Battery occurs when any person knowingly touches another in a rude, insolent, or angry manner. A simple battery is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and no more than 180 days in jail. If the battery results in bodily injury, it becomes a Class A misdemeanor punishable with a fine of up to $1,000 and no more than one year in jail.

    When the battery occurs against a child, the severity of the crime increases significantly. If the battery is committed by someone who is at least 18 years of age against someone who is less than 14 years of age, it becomes a Level 3 felony. This is punished with a fixed prison term between six and 20 years and a fine of up to $10,000. If the battery results in death, it’s a Level 2 felony with a prison term between one and 30 years and a fine of up to $10,000.

    If the case is considered an aggravated battery, the charges are more severe. Aggravated battery occurs when the individual intentionally or knowingly inflicts injury that creates:

    • Substantial risk of death.
    • Loss of a fetus.
    • Serious permanent disfigurement.
    • Impairment or protracted loss of the function of an organ or part of the body.

    Aggravated battery is typically a Level 3 felony, but it becomes a Level 1 felony if it results in death and is committed by a person at least 18 years of age against someone less than 14 years of age. This is punishable by 20 to 50 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

  • Nonsupport of a Dependent

    If you fail to provide support for a dependent child either knowingly or intentionally, you can be charged with a Level 6 felony. Support includes food, shelter, clothing, and medical care. This is a Level 5 felony if you have a previous conviction under this charge. 

    You may have a valid defense against this charge if the child has abandoned the home of the family without the consent of their parents or an order of a court. However, if the child left the home due to abuse, this is not a defense.

  • Neglect of a Dependent

    If you’re charged with neglect of a dependent, you’re facing a Level 6 felony. This is punishable with imprisonment for anywhere from six months to two-and-a-half years and a fine of up to $10,000. If the offender has a previous conviction under this statute, the offense is elevated to a Level 5 felony. Neglect occurs if a child:

    • Is put in a situation that endangers their life or health.
    • Is deprived of education as required by the law.
    • Is abandoned.
    • Is cruelly confined.
    • Is deprived of necessary support.