Recently, lawsuits against EzriCare Artificial Tears have been in the news. In March 2023, The Washington Post reported on a fourth person who died in the U.S. because of a bacterial infection.
The CDC revealed that it is a drug-resistant bacteria called ‘Pseudomonas aeruginosa,’ found in EzriCare eye drops. This outbreak made fourteen people lose their vision and four people undergo enucleation, a process of surgically removing eyeballs.
The CDC first warned people about this outbreak in January. To date, EzriCare eye drops have infected nearly 81 people across 18 states. Following the warning, the manufacturer promptly recalled these over-the-counter eye drops. Consequently, numerous other eye products were removed from shelves, irrespective of their history of bacterial infection.
Most Americans rely on eyedrops to address several vision-related problems. Even though many products are safe, people are now thinking twice before using eye drops because of new complications.
In this article, we will discuss how EzriCare Artificial Tears affected people’s vision and raised concerns about product safety. We will also share how patients who suffered after using this eyedrop can file a legal complaint.
Olivia’s Lawsuit Against EzriCare
In March 2023, ABC News shared the story of Clara Olivia, a 68-year-old woman from Miami who lost her eye after using EzriCare Artificial Tears. She urged Global Pharma Healthcare, the eye drop manufacturer, to cover her damages. She is also seeking compensation from Leon Medical Centers which prescribed her the eye drops.
Typically, this eyedrop is applied to soothe dry and irritated eyes. But Olivia’s eyes became unusually watery in August 2022 upon using EzriCare eye drop. An ophthalmologist examined her at the medical center and told her she might have a corneal scratch. Despite taking many medications, she saw no improvement. Instead, her infection aggravated. The eye pain made her feel as if sharp pieces of glass were moving inside her eyes.
Olivia’s EzriCare lawsuit mentioned a biopsy that was performed. What doctors initially believed to be a fungal infection was an infection caused by ‘Pseudomonas aeruginosa’ bacteria.
In order to help her recover, the surgeons tried to remove the damaged section of her eye and use a donor tissue to replace it. However, they had to cancel the procedure because of extensive damage and couldn’t remove the cornea. Finally, the doctors had no choice other than removing her eye.
Olivia’s lawsuit mentions several accusations, with claims of strict liability and negligence. Strict liability denotes situations where a defendant is held responsible for their actions regardless of their intent. She is waiting to recover her medical care costs and other damages. However, a precise settlement amount is yet to be decided.
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Speaking about her tragic predicament, Olivia shared that EzriCare has no idea how it affected her life. Owing to their negligence, incompetence, and irresponsibility, they not only led to untimely deaths but also adversely affected her quality of life. Today, she can’t lead an independent life like before. She emphasizes that there needs to be justice.
If anyone you know has suffered similar consequences after using EzriCare eye drops, they should file a legal complaint. Hence, getting in touch with a lawyer is essential, as they know the legal procedures and formalities. Before filing a legal claim, a victim must collect all relevant evidence.
TorHoerman Law states essential evidence includes medical reports and records, proof of the eye infection, purchase receipts, and proof of vision loss. An experienced lawyer will use these facts to develop a solid legal case and present it in court. The damages that an EzriCare lawsuit can cover are lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, permanent disability, wrongful death, and emotional damage.
Is EzriCare Artificial Tears Safe to Use?
Considering Olivia’s story and other anecdotal accounts backed by medical proof, it is not safe to use EzriCare Artificial Tears. In February 2023, CNN Health shared that the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) had urged consumers and healthcare providers to stop using this eye drop. Based on investigations, the eyedrop led to hospitalizations, vision loss, and even deaths.
The early symptoms start with redness in the eye, swelling, fever, headache, pinkeye, and blurred vision and gradually lead to other severe damages in the eye. No one wants their eye condition to worsen. Hence, it is advised not to use EzriCare eye drops.
Conclusion
It is common for people with eye problems to use eyedrops to remedy it. But the infections and harm caused by EzriCare eye drops across the globe have made people question their safety and efficacy. Additionally, people are becoming doubtful about using other eye drops as well.
The lawsuits filed by Olivia and others throw light on how a manufacturer’s negligence can adversely affect someone’s health and life quality. People with eye problems must think twice before using any eye drop recommended to them. In fact, they should investigate it to make an informed decision. If they discover any negative customer review or health concerns linked to it, they must consult their doctor.
Furthermore, people who have suffered after using EzriCare Artificial Teardrops should seek correct medical help. That aside, they should also seek legal aid to get the compensation they deserve.