Olympus Scope Injury Claims
Here's what you need to know.
If you or a loved one underwent a scope-based medical procedure, such as an endoscopy, colonoscopy, ERCP, cystoscopy, ureteroscopy, or bronchoscopy, and later developed a serious infection or injury, you may be eligible to pursue compensation.
Certain Olympus scope devices and related endoscope accessories have been linked to contamination risks that may expose patients to harmful bacteria and other complications. The FDA has stated that complex duodenoscope designs may make effective reprocessing difficult, and Olympus has also faced federal scrutiny over adverse event reporting and device quality concerns.
2026 Litigation Updates
Olympus scope infection claims remain active in 2026 as attorneys continue reviewing cases involving serious infections after procedures using reusable Olympus scopes or related accessories. Recent regulatory history includes a March 2025 FDA update reporting 120 injuries and one death connected to infection after procedures involving the Olympus MAJ-891 accessory, as well as a June 2025 FDA import alert affecting certain Olympus devices manufactured in Japan.
These updates do not mean every post-procedure infection qualifies for a lawsuit. They do mean patients who suffered sepsis, bloodstream infection, drug-resistant infection, hospitalization, IV antibiotic treatment, ICU care, organ injury, or death after a scope procedure should have their medical records reviewed promptly.
Potential Compensation Tiers for Olympus Scope Lawsuits
There is no guaranteed settlement amount in an Olympus scope lawsuit. Potential compensation depends on the severity of the infection, the treatment required, the strength of the medical records, and whether the records connect the infection to an Olympus scope procedure.
Tier 1: Serious Infection With Hospitalization
These claims may involve sepsis, bloodstream infection, drug-resistant bacterial infection, ICU care, organ injury, corrective surgery, or death.
Tier 2: Confirmed Infection With Extended Treatment
These claims may involve positive lab cultures, IV antibiotics, repeat medical visits, prolonged recovery, or documented complications after the procedure.
Tier 3: Significant Medical Monitoring or Exposure Notice
These claims may involve a hospital contamination notice, confirmed use of Olympus equipment, and follow-up testing or treatment, even if the long-term injury is still being evaluated.
Who May Qualify For Compensation
You should contact The Cochran Firm if you or a loved one:
- Underwent a colonoscopy, endoscopy, bronchoscopy, ERCP, cystoscopy, ureteroscopy, or similar scope procedure in 2015 or later
- Developed a serious infection, organ injury, or bloodborne illness within 30 days of the procedure
- Required hospitalization, IV antibiotics, ICU care, corrective surgery, or other serious medical treatment
- Received a notice from a hospital or medical provider about possible exposure to contaminated scope equipment
Potential Injuries and Complications
Patients have reported a range of serious health issues following these procedures, including:
- Severe infections, including sepsis
- Bloodstream infections
- Drug-resistant infections, including CRE, MRSA, or E. coli
- Pneumonia or serious lung infections
- Internal injuries, including bleeding or organ damage
- Wrongful death in the most serious cases
These conditions may require urgent care and, in some cases, ongoing treatment.
Why These Cases Are Being Reviewed
Certain Olympus devices, including duodenoscopes and bronchoscopes, have raised safety concerns due to how difficult they can be to fully clean and disinfect. In some situations, this may increase the risk of bacteria or viruses being transferred between patients.
In more serious cases, some hospitals have notified patients that they may have been exposed to contaminated equipment.
To help you prove your case, The Cochran Firm is looking for
- Exposure or contamination notice from a hospital or provider
- Medical records identifying Olympus equipment or device models
- Positive lab cultures showing resistant pathogens
- Hospitalization, IV antibiotics, ICU care, sepsis, organ injury, or death shortly after the procedure
Why Should You Choose The Cochran Firm for Your Olympus Scope Injury Claim?
If you believe you or a loved one may have been affected, The Cochran Firm can review your case. The Cochran Firm is a nationally recognized law firm with offices across the country and decades of experience handling complex personal injury, product liability, and mass tort cases.
Practicing Law, The Cochran Way
Backed by the resources, experience, and nationwide reach of The Cochran Firm, our Dothan attorneys are committed to helping clients pursue justice against manufacturers and corporations whose products put public safety at risk. Complete the secure form above or contact The Cochran Firm to find out whether your Olympus scope infection claim may qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know whether an Olympus scope was used during my procedure?
Many patients do not know the manufacturer of the scope used during their procedure. In many cases, this information can be found in hospital records, procedure reports, equipment logs, or other medical documentation. An attorney can often help obtain and review these records.
How common are procedures involving reusable medical scopes?
Procedures involving reusable medical scopes are performed millions of times each year in the United States. Colonoscopies are among the most common, with an estimated 17 to 20 million performed annually. Millions of upper endoscopies, bronchoscopies, and ERCP procedures are also performed each year. While most patients do not experience complications, the large number of procedures means that even a relatively small infection risk can affect many individuals.
Do I have to be notified about contaminated equipment before I can file a claim?
No. While a hospital exposure notice may strengthen a claim, a notice is not necessary.
What medical records are important in an Olympus scope lawsuit?
Important records may include procedure reports, hospital records, laboratory test results, infection diagnoses, discharge summaries, antibiotic treatment records, and documentation showing the timeline between the procedure and the resulting illness.
Can an infection appear weeks after a scope procedure?
In some cases, symptoms may not develop immediately after a procedure. Depending on the type of infection involved, patients may not recognize a problem until days or weeks later. Anyone who develops unusual symptoms following a scope procedure should seek medical attention.
What Compensation Can Be Recovered in an Olympus Scope Lawsuit?
Depending on the circumstances, plaintiffs may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, reduced earning capacity, and other losses related to their injuries. Families who lost a loved one may also be eligible to pursue wrongful death damages.
How long do I have to file an Olympus scope lawsuit?
The time limit for filing a claim depends on several factors, including state law, when the injury occurred, and when the connection between the procedure and the injury was discovered. Because deadlines can vary, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
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