The pain injections associated with the fungal meningitis outbreak have only been recalled for a little more than a month. However, hundreds have already been infected as a result and two dozen have died–including many seniors. All other products made around the same time by the involved company–the New England Compounding Center–have also been recalled. The facility itself has been completely shut down.
Also, the first lawsuit connected to the matter will likely be filed soon. That does not mean that all cases will proceed shortly afterward, and it does not even mean that all those affected by the incident have already sought out legal counsel. Because of the long incubation period for this rare type of meningitis, it may be awhile before some of those harmed know the full extent of their injuries. More information will undoubtedly also come to light in upcoming months that shed details on exactly what happened and what should have been done to prevent the harm.
However, considering the first legal actions will likely hit the court soon, some are already asking questions about some of the legal details of the cases and how the general framework might play out. At a basic level, questions are being asked about whether the medical caregivers who administered the drug (or the clinic where they worked) will face any liability for the harm caused by the contaminated products.