Parker Waichman LLP

NY Hep C Lawsuit

First Lawsuit in New York Alleging Hep C contamination Has Been Filed. In addition to the numerous hepatitis C cases cropping up nationwide and allegedly linked to former surgical tech Kristen Diane Parker, 26, what appears to be the first lawsuit in New York alleging hep C contamination due to Parker’s practices has been filed. The […]

Hepatitis C lawsuit

First Lawsuit in New York Alleging Hep C contamination Has Been Filed. In addition to the numerous hepatitis C cases cropping up nationwide and allegedly linked to former surgical tech Kristen Diane Parker, 26, what appears to be the first lawsuit in New York alleging hep C contamination due to Parker’s practices has been filed.

The New York Post is reporting that David Swift, 53, a former patient at Northern Westchester Hospital is the first patient in New York to allege hep C contamination from Parker. Swift underwent outpatient ankle surgery in 2007 and was recently advised to undergo testing because he was administered Fentanyl when Parker was working in the operating room, said The Post. Last month, the Northern Westchester Hospital advised over 2,700 patients to receive testing, said LoHud.com, previously.

Parker is infected with hepatitis C and, now, so too is Swift. “My wife and I try to live a healthy life. Now somebody else’s risky behavior is causing me a lot of hardship,” said Swift, quoted The Post. Swift’s attorney filed the lawsuit late last week against both Parker and the Northern Westchester Hospital, said The Post.

Parker allegedly swapped sterile Fentanyl syringes with dirty—potentially hepatitis C-contaminated—saline-filled syringes, endangering countless patients. Hepatitis C is spread by contact with infected body fluids, especially blood. The disease attacks the liver, and can lead to cirrhosis or cancer of the liver. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C and the incurable disease can be fatal. According to LoHud.com, hepatitis C is the leading cause of liver transplants.

Parker worked at Rose from Oct. 21 to April 13 and at Colorado Springs’ Audubon Surgery Center from May 4 until June 29. Parker also worked at Christus St. John Hospital outside Houston, Texas between May 2005 and Oct. 2006, the Associated Press (AP) previously reported and at Northern Westchester Hospital in New York’s Mount Kisco between Oct. 8, 2007, and Feb. 28, 2008. Investigations continue in all three states and patients continue to be tested.

Patients From Rose Tested Positive For The Deadly Disease

We recently reported that 19 patients from Rose tested positive for the dangerous and sometimes deadly disease. LoHud.com recently reported that five of over 1,200 former surgical patients at Northern Westchester Hospital in New York have also tested positive for the hepatitis C virus, citing hospital officials. Three of those patients apparently contracted the disease prior to Parker’s employment at the facility. One patient from Audubon, said KRDO previously, also tested positive for the virus. More positive hepatitis C results are expected.

Parker was indicted last week on 42 counts by a federal grand jury, 21 counts of product tampering and 21 counts of obtaining a controlled substance by deceit, reported the Denver Post previously. These charges, said the Denver Post, only relate to Parker’s alleged activities at Rose. Parker was also charged with three criminal counts earlier in the month that were connected to stealing Fentanyl, the Denver Post noted. The Denver Post reported that additional charges could be made in future indictments and that, if convicted, Parker could face life in prison.

Although Parker alleges she did not know she was infected with hepatitis C at the time the crimes were committed, the Associated Press (AP) previously reported that Parker tested positive with the virus before she began working at Rose, but that Parker never followed-up on the diagnosis. The Denver Post noted that Parker was told at a pre-employment exam at Rose that she was likely infected with hepatitis C and Parker, herself, told police she shared needles when she used heroin.

Need Legal Help?

The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
My sister and I pursued a case when our mother was seriously injured in a Nursing Home. We were referred by Alison and our paralegal was Michelle Pabon. We were treated with professionalism and kindness throughout the whole process. We were extremely happy with the results for our mother's pain and suffering. Thank you to Alison, Michelle Pabon and the staff at Parker Waichman.
Carol Bifulco
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I have dealt with Parker Waichman twice and each time I received excellent services!
Dianne Solomon
6 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Responsiveness , Value
Mary Sinanan
3 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038