It was recently reported that the Veterans Administration Hospital in Miami failed to notify 79 colonoscopy patients that they may have been exposed to dirty equipment during their colonoscopy examinations. The hospital's failure to notify 79 patients brought back into the news the fact that in March, 2009 approximately 2,400 former Miami VA Hospital patients were informed that they needed to be tested for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and other infections due to their exposure to dirty equipment. Of the Miami patients who have been notified, three have tested positive for HIV, seven for hepatitis C and one for hepatitis B.

Veterans Administration officials conducted an initial investigation of the Miami facility and determined that an employee at the Miami hospital chose to rinse certain colonoscopy equipment after its use, rather than sterilizing it in accordance with the manufacturer's directions.

In fact, a similar lack of care of equipment at Veterans Administration hospitals in Tennessee and Georgia affected approximately 7,500 patients. Between the three Veterans Administration Hospitals, about 50 patients have tested positive for various infections, including 8 cases of HIV.

If you or a loved one have suffered any complications as a direct result of undergoing a colonoscopy at a Veterans Administration Hospital, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries. Our compassionate and experienced team of medical malpractice attorneys are here to help and will answer your questions free of charge. For a free consultation with an experienced medical malpractice lawsuit attorney call the law firm of Freidin • Dobrinsky at 1-866-495-8060.