Dan Morgan
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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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Dan Morgan
“The Fee is Free unless you win.”
Dan Morgan Managing Partner

The attorney shown above may not be licensed in your state. To find an attorney licensed in your area, please visit our attorney page.

    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.

    The attorneys shown in these photos may not be licensed in your state. To find an attorney licensed in your area, please visit our attorney page.

    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

    Reusable duodenoscopes contain intricate components that can be difficult to clean and disinfect. Bacteria may remain trapped in internal channels or other areas, potentially exposing subsequent patients to infection.

    Alleged Design Defects

    Lawsuits have alleged that the design of certain Olympus duodenoscopes makes them difficult to disinfect completely, allowing microorganisms to survive even when recommended cleaning procedures are followed.

    Serious and Potentially Fatal Infections

    Contaminated endoscopes may expose patients to dangerous bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant organisms. Serious infections can lead to bloodstream infections, sepsis, organ failure, and potentially death.

    FDA Safety Warnings and Device Recalls

    The FDA has raised concerns about reusable duodenoscope contamination, including a Class I recall of Olympus’s MAJ-891 endoscope accessory announced in January 2025 due to potential contamination risks.

    Do I Have a Case?

    An Endoscopic Procedure Involving an Olympus Device

    Patients who underwent an ERCP or another endoscopic procedure involving a potentially contaminated Olympus endoscope may have grounds to investigate whether the device contributed to their injuries.

    A Serious Infection Following the Procedure

    A diagnosis of VRE, another antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection, a bloodstream infection, or sepsis following an endoscopic procedure may warrant further investigation, particularly when the infection resulted in hospitalization or other serious complications.

    Evidence Connecting the Infection to the Device

    Medical records, procedure reports, bacterial cultures, infection timelines, and information about the endoscope used may help determine whether a contaminated medical device contributed to the infection.

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    Why This Risk Matters

    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

    Compensation may help cover hospitalization, diagnostic testing, antibiotic treatment, intensive care, additional procedures, and other medical expenses related to a serious infection.

    Lost Income

    Patients recovering from severe infections may miss substantial time at work or become unable to return to their previous employment.

    Pain and Suffering

    A claim may seek compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, prolonged hospitalization, and other effects of a serious medical complication.

    Future Medical Care

    Some patients may require ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, follow-up testing, or specialized medical care after experiencing a severe infection.

    Loss of Earning Capacity

    If complications from an infection cause permanent disabilities or long-term health limitations, compensation may account for reduced future earning potential.

    Wrongful Death

    When a contaminated medical device is found to have contributed to a patient's death, eligible surviving family members or representatives may be able to pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim.

    Potential Olympus Endoscope-Related Infections and Complications

    Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus (VRE)

    VRE is a type of bacteria resistant to the antibiotic vancomycin. It can cause serious infections, including bloodstream infections, particularly in hospitalized patients and those with weakened immune systems.

    Other Antibiotic-Resistant Bacterial Infections

    Contaminated endoscopes may transmit other dangerous bacteria, including certain multidrug-resistant organisms that can be difficult to treat with standard antibiotics.

    Bloodstream Infections

    When bacteria enter the bloodstream, they can spread throughout the body and cause serious complications requiring immediate medical attention.

    Sepsis and Septic Shock

    Sepsis is a life-threatening response to infection that can damage tissues and organs. Severe cases may progress to septic shock, involving dangerously low blood pressure and an increased risk of death.

    Organ Failure

    Severe infections may interfere with the function of vital organs, including the kidneys, lungs, liver, and heart. Some patients may require intensive care or experience permanent complications.

    Wrongful Death

    In the most severe cases, complications from a serious bacterial infection can be fatal. Families who lose a loved one because of an allegedly defective medical device may have legal options.
    FAQ
    Reviewed by Erin Salay, Associate Attorney at Morgan & Morgan, on October 16, 2026.
    • 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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    Reviewed by Erin Salay, Associate Attorney at Morgan & Morgan, on October 16, 2026.

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