What Is SteriCare Solutions and Why Is It Dangerous?
SteriCare Solutions products, manufactured by Nurse Assist, LLC, are saline and sterile water solutions designed for medical irrigation during procedures and treatments. These products are used extensively throughout Missouri’s healthcare system for wound cleaning, surgical irrigation, and various medical procedures where sterility is absolutely essential.
In 2023, the healthcare community was shocked when Nurse Assist issued an urgent recall of its SteriCare irrigation products after discovering bacterial contamination. FDA investigations subsequently identified harmful bacteria, including Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC), in products explicitly marketed as “sterile.”
This contamination creates serious dangers when these fluids contact open wounds, surgical sites, or body cavities. Possible complications include:
- Introduction of bacteria directly into vulnerable tissue
- Development of deep and difficult-to-treat infections
- Spread of bacteria to the bloodstream, potentially causing sepsis
- Tissue damage and necrosis that may require amputation
- Extended hospitalization and intensive medical intervention
- Permanent health complications
- Fatal outcomes in severe cases
Medical research has established a clear connection between contaminated SteriCare products and patient infections. A multi-state investigation documented clusters of unusual infections across numerous healthcare facilities, all linked to specific contaminated lots. Laboratory analysis confirmed matching bacterial strains in both patient samples and the irrigation solutions themselves.
For Missouri patients affected by these contaminated products, the consequences have been life-changing. Many required extensive antibiotic treatment, surgical interventions, and prolonged hospital stays. Some faced permanent disability, disfigurement, or even lost limbs due to severe infections that could have been prevented if proper sterility had been maintained.
The FDA’s investigation into Nurse Assist’s manufacturing practices revealed disturbing lapses in quality control and sterility testing protocols. These failures endangered countless patients and form the foundation for the growing number of lawsuits against the company nationwide.
The Serious Health Risks of SteriCare Contamination
Contaminated irrigation fluids can introduce bacteria directly into surgical sites, causing severe infections that compromise healing and may require additional surgeries.
Bacteria from tainted SteriCare products can enter the bloodstream, potentially causing septicemia, which is a life-threatening condition requiring emergency treatment and intensive care.
In severe cases, infections from contaminated irrigation fluids have caused tissue death, forcing medical teams to amputate limbs to prevent further spread.
Patients fighting SteriCare-related infections often face weeks or months of additional treatment, multiple surgeries, and lengthy rehabilitation periods beyond their original medical issue.
Even after the infection is controlled, many patients experience lasting health complications including chronic pain, reduced function, scarring, and emotional trauma.
Legal Foundations for SteriCare Claims
The SteriCare Solutions lawsuits are grounded in several powerful legal principles that provide strong grounds for seeking compensation.
Medical product manufacturers bear strict liability for harm caused by defective products, regardless of intent or negligence. Contaminated “sterile” products clearly meet this standard.
SteriCare lawsuits allege critical failures in manufacturing, quality control, and sterility testing – fundamental breaches in the production of medical products advertised as sterile.
Evidence suggests Nurse Assist may have delayed issuing warnings after discovering contamination issues, potentially exposing more patients to harm even after problems were identified.
The contamination represents potential violations of FDA regulations and federal laws governing sterile medical products, strengthening claims against the manufacturer.
Cofman Townsley’s product liability team understands how these legal principles apply to SteriCare contamination cases. Similar litigation involving contaminated medical products has established clear precedent for holding manufacturers accountable.
Legal Basis for Filing a Claim
In comparable cases, such as the 2012 New England Compounding Center litigation involving contaminated steroid injections, courts awarded substantial damages to patients harmed by tainted medical products. That case resulted in hundreds of millions in settlements and criminal charges against company executives for safety violations.
For Missouri residents harmed by contaminated SteriCare products, a lawsuit can provide compensation for:
- All related medical expenses, current and future
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Physical pain and emotional suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Diminished quality of life
- In fatal cases, wrongful death damages for surviving family members
In instances involving particularly egregious manufacturer misconduct, courts may also award punitive damages designed to punish the company and deter similar safety violations in the future.
Our SteriCare contamination attorneys will work with medical experts to establish the direct connection between your infection and the contaminated products. We understand both the complex scientific evidence and legal strategies needed to build the strongest possible claim on your behalf.
Who Qualifies to File a Lawsuit?
If you or a loved one suffered infection after exposure to SteriCare products, you may be eligible for compensation. Cofman Townsley is evaluating cases that meet specific criteria:
Must have received treatment with Nurse Assist/SteriCare “sterile” medical water or saline during a medical procedure or wound care.
Must have been diagnosed with bacterial infection and received medical treatment following exposure to these contaminated products.
Infection must have developed within 14 days of SteriCare product use, consistent with the expected timeframe for bacterial infection.
Medical records must document that the specific irrigation fluid came from Nurse Assist/SteriCare rather than another manufacturer.
Injury must have occurred between 2021-2024, when contaminated products were distributed to medical facilities across Missouri.
Qualifying infections typically include surgical site infections, wound infections, bloodstream infections, or other serious bacterial infections requiring significant medical intervention. The most severe cases involving sepsis, amputation, or death may qualify for substantial compensation.
Missouri residents who meet these criteria should contact our SteriCare Solutions lawyers immediately. Our experienced team can review your medical records to determine if you have a valid claim and guide you through the entire legal process.
Even if you’re unsure whether you qualify, we encourage you to complete our Instant Online Case Evaluation. The assessment is free, confidential, and comes with no obligation to proceed with a claim.
Get Your Instant Case Evaluation
Don’t delay finding out if you qualify for compensation. Strict legal deadlines limit your time to file a SteriCare claim. Our Instant Case Evaluation takes just minutes and can quickly determine if you’re eligible to seek damages for your SteriCare-related infection.
The evaluation is completely free and confidential with no obligation. Let Cofman Townsley’s experienced Missouri contaminated SteriCare solution lawyers fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on your health and recovery.