Can I Sue for an Olympus Endoscope Infection?
Patients undergoing endoscopic procedures should not have to worry about developing life-threatening infections from contaminated medical devices. If you or a loved one developed a serious infection after a procedure involving an Olympus endoscope or duodenoscope, you may have legal options. Morgan & Morgan can help you explore your rights. Take our free case evaluation today.
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Meet Our Olympus Endoscope Lawsuit Lawyers
Morgan & Morgan’s product liability attorneys investigate claims involving defective medical devices and infections linked to endoscopic procedures. Backed by the resources of America’s Largest Injury Law Firm™, we fight for patients and families harmed by dangerous products.
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What Is the Olympus Endoscope Infection Risk?
Endoscopes are medical devices used to examine and treat conditions inside the body. Certain specialized endoscopes, called duodenoscopes, are used during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). This procedure allows physicians to diagnose and treat problems involving the bile ducts, pancreatic ducts, and surrounding structures.
Many duodenoscopes are reusable and must undergo thorough cleaning and disinfection between patients. However, their complex designs, including narrow channels and difficult-to-reach components, can make complete cleaning challenging.
Concerns have emerged that bacteria and other microorganisms may remain inside some reusable endoscopes even after recommended cleaning and disinfection procedures have been followed. These concerns have led to regulatory warnings, device recalls, and lawsuits alleging that contaminated Olympus endoscopes exposed patients to dangerous infections, including infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Patients who developed serious infections after undergoing procedures involving these devices may be exploring whether defective medical equipment or inadequate safety warnings contributed to their injuries.
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Olympus Endoscope Lawsuits at a Glance
Potential Bacterial Contamination
Alleged Design Defects
Serious and Potentially Fatal Infections
FDA Safety Warnings and Device Recalls
Do I Have a Case?
An Endoscopic Procedure Involving an Olympus Device
A Serious Infection Following the Procedure
Evidence Connecting the Infection to the Device
In Their Words
Based on select nationwide reviews.
Reusable endoscopes help diagnose and treat gastrointestinal conditions. However, bacteria that remain inside a device after cleaning may be transferred to another patient during a subsequent procedure.
Some bacteria associated with healthcare-related infections resist commonly used antibiotics, making infections difficult to treat. These infections can be especially dangerous for patients with existing medical conditions.
A 2026 Olympus Wrongful Death Lawsuit
In June 2026, a wrongful death lawsuit was filed against Olympus, alleging that a contaminated TJF-Q190V duodenoscope transmitted a vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) infection to a patient during an ERCP procedure.
According to the complaint, the patient developed a bloodstream infection followed by septic shock, organ failure, and death. The lawsuit alleges that Olympus failed to adequately address contamination risks and provide sufficient warnings about infection risks despite recommended cleaning procedures.
These allegations have not been proven, and the lawsuit does not establish that Olympus or its products caused the patient's infection or death.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about reusable endoscope safety and the potentially devastating consequences of medical device-related infections.
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Ways We Can Help
Medical Expenses
Lost Income
Pain and Suffering
Future Medical Care
Loss of Earning Capacity
Wrongful Death
Potential Olympus Endoscope-Related Infections and Complications
Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus (VRE)
Other Antibiotic-Resistant Bacterial Infections
Bloodstream Infections
Sepsis and Septic Shock
Organ Failure
Wrongful Death
What is an Olympus endoscope lawsuit?
An Olympus endoscope lawsuit is a legal claim alleging that an Olympus endoscope or related medical device caused or contributed to a patient's injuries.
Some lawsuits involve allegations that reusable duodenoscopes were defectively designed or inadequately labeled, allowing dangerous bacteria to remain inside the devices despite recommended cleaning and sterilizing procedures.
Patients who developed serious infections following procedures involving these devices may be able to pursue compensation if evidence supports a connection between the device and their injuries.
What is the difference between an endoscope and a duodenoscope?
An endoscope is a medical instrument used to examine or treat areas inside the body. A duodenoscope is a specialized type of endoscope commonly used during ERCP procedures to access the bile and pancreatic ducts.
Duodenoscopes have complex components, including an elevator mechanism that helps guide medical instruments during procedures. These features can make the devices more challenging to clean and disinfect between patients.
What infections have been linked to contaminated endoscopes?
Contaminated endoscopes have been associated with the transmission of bacteria, including certain antibiotic-resistant organisms.
Potential infections include VRE, infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE), and other serious bacterial infections.
In severe cases, infections can progress to bloodstream infections, sepsis, septic shock, or organ failure.
However, developing an infection after an endoscopic procedure does not automatically establish that the endoscope caused it.
Have Olympus endoscopes been recalled?
Yes. Olympus has issued recalls and safety corrections involving certain endoscopes and related accessories.
For example, the FDA classified a recall involving the Olympus MAJ-891 endoscope accessory as Class I in 2025 because of concerns involving contamination and infection risks.
Not every Olympus endoscope has been recalled, and different recalls may involve different devices, safety concerns, and corrective actions.
Patients who are unsure which device was used during their procedure may be able to obtain that information through their medical records.
Can I sue if I developed an infection after an ERCP procedure?
You may have legal options if you developed a serious infection following an ERCP procedure and evidence suggests that a contaminated or defective medical device contributed to your injuries.
An attorney can review your medical records, investigate the equipment used during the procedure, and evaluate whether a manufacturer, healthcare provider, or another party may be legally responsible.
The availability of a claim depends on the circumstances, supporting evidence, and applicable law.
How long do I have to file an Olympus endoscope lawsuit?
The time available to file a lawsuit depends on the state, the type of legal claim, and the circumstances surrounding the injury.
Different deadlines may apply to product liability, medical malpractice, and wrongful death claims. Certain exceptions or special rules may also affect when a filing deadline begins or expires.
Because missing an applicable deadline can prevent you from pursuing compensation, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Why should I choose Morgan & Morgan for my Olympus endoscope lawsuit?
Medical device lawsuits can involve complex medical evidence, product design questions, infection histories, and disputes over whether a device caused a patient's injuries.
As America’s Largest Injury Law Firm™, with more than 1,100 lawyers nationwide, $35 billion recovered, and 35 years of experience, Morgan & Morgan has the resources to investigate serious medical device claims and pursue compensation from responsible parties.
Our attorneys can review medical records, investigate potential product defects, consult qualified experts, and help patients and families understand their legal options.
We believe everyone deserves access to excellent legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. That's why we offer free case evaluations, and with our contingency fee arrangement, you don't pay attorney's fees unless we win your case. The Fee is Free®.
Take our free case evaluation today to learn how we may be able to help.
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