Seattle Children’s Hospital has been ordered to pay $215,000 in a recent lawsuit over aspergillus mold exposure. The class action lawsuit, filed in 2019, was brought by families whose loved ones were exposed to the dangerous fungus while at the hospital. Among the victims were two babies and an 11-year-old child who were exposed to the mold during heart surgery in an operating room.
After years of litigation, a King County jury reached a verdict on Thursday, ordering Seattle Children’s to pay two families $100,000 each, with an additional $15,000 awarded to an unnamed victim. The families’ attorney, Andrew Ackley from Stritmatter, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “It took years of litigation for the hospital to finally take the blame. This class action and this trial are about taking responsibility, even where children did not suffer the worst possible outcomes.”
The lawsuit highlights the importance of accountability and preventing negligence from affecting more families in the future. Ackley emphasized that this verdict is a step toward full accountability for Seattle Children’s Hospital and serves as a warning to other healthcare institutions to prioritize the health and safety of their patients.
Seattle Children’s Hospital has accepted the jury’s verdict and issued a statement acknowledging its responsibility for the potential exposure in their operating rooms. “Seattle Children’s greatest priority is the health and safety of our patients,” the hospital stated. “We thank the Court and jurors for their work and careful consideration of the evidence in this matter.”
This is not the first time Seattle Children’s Hospital has faced legal action regarding aspergillus mold. Since 2019, multiple lawsuits have been filed against the hospital after it was revealed that they were aware of the mold danger as early as 2005. The outbreak of aspergillus mold at the hospital has led to illnesses and deaths among children who were undergoing surgeries or receiving care over several years.
The recent verdict serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in healthcare institutions. Patients and their families place their trust in hospitals to provide a safe and sterile environment, especially during critical procedures. The exposure to aspergillus mold at Seattle Children’s Hospital has undoubtedly caused distress and harm to numerous families, highlighting the need for improved safety measures and stricter adherence to protocols.
As this story continues to develop, it is crucial to stay informed about the progress of the lawsuits and any updates regarding the hospital’s response. The outcome of these legal proceedings will not only provide justice for the affected families but also serve as a catalyst for change within the healthcare industry. Ensuring the health and safety of patients should always be the top priority, and incidents like these should prompt hospitals to reevaluate their practices and take proactive measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
