Many people across sixteen states that use artificial tears products have been reported to suffer a severe eye infection that resists antibiotics. The most prominent brand of artificial tears, EzriCare Artificial Tears, has been mentioned in connection with this multi-state cluster of eye infections because a dangerous bacteria named Pseudomonas aeruginosa has contaminated the product.
The bacterial contamination of EzriCare Artificial Tears caused significant health issues, including eye infections that resist antibiotics. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) called for the discontinuation of the product, while its manufacturer, Global Pharma Healthcare, had to voluntarily recall EzriCare Artificial Tears. Now, those affected by eye infections look to recover compensation for damages caused by Global Pharma Healthcare’s negligence through EzriCare Artificial Tears lawsuits.
EzriCare Artificial Tears Contaminated by Dangerous Bacteria
EzriCare Artificial Tears is a preservative-free over-the-counter eye care product that helps soothe the symptoms of dry eyes. While they work to relieve and prevent dry eyes, concerns have come up about the eye drop product’s connection to a recent multi-state cluster of eye infections. Sixty-eight people across sixteen states have suffered from severe eye infections and cited the use of artificial tear products, such as EzriCare Artificial Tears.
The cause of the severe eye infections is the contamination of EzriCare Artificial Tears by a gram-negative bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This germ can invade the body and reject antibiotic treatment, causing long-term health issues for EzriCare Artificial Tears users.
The Timeline of EzriCare Artificial Tears Eye Infections
After EzriCare Artificial Tears were linked to a multi-state cluster of eye infections, many agencies released reports regarding the product’s safety. Litigation regarding the eye care product also developed as victims filed lawsuits to pursue compensation for damages.
The following is a timeline of some developments with EzriCare Artificial Tears:
- January 20th, 2023: The Center for Disease Control (CDC) called for consumers to stop using EzriCare Artificial Tears.
- February 2nd, 2023: Global Pharma Healthcare issued a voluntary recall for EzriCare Artificial Tears after discovering evidence of bacterial contamination.
- February 9th, 2023: The first consumer class action EzriCare Artificial Tears lawsuit was filed in federal court.
- March 31st: The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) released a report citing sterilization concerns with Global Pharma Healthcare manufacturing facilities.
Symptoms of Eye Infections Caused by EzriCare Artificial Tears
If you used EzriCare Artificial Tears, it’s possible you suffered a bacterial eye infection caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Bacterial eye infections are severe medical conditions that can cause significant pain and suffering, difficulties seeing, and reduced quality of life. You should pay attention to the following symptoms to determine if you suffered a bacterial eye infection.
The following are some symptoms of eye infections caused by EzriCare Artificial Tears:
- Eye pain
- Redness and swelling in and around the eye
- Foreign body sensation in the eye
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Watery discharge from the eye
- Sores on the iris
- Dry eyes
Those who suffer from the above symptoms should go to the hospital to have a healthcare professional diagnose their eye infection and suggest options for treatment. Even if you do not exhibit these symptoms, you should still see your doctor, so they can see if EzriCare Artificial Tears caused an eye infection. They can also suggest options for a different eye care product.
Eye Infections Caused by EzriCare Artificial Tears are Antibiotic-Resistant
One of the major issues with eye infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa is that gram-negative bacteria have an outer membrane that can nullify the effects of antibiotics. A doctor normally uses antibiotics to treat a bacterial eye infection, but gram-negative bacteria make that an ineffective strategy. For a more severe bacterial infection, they would use carbapenems, which are also ineffective due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa’s outer membrane.
This makes treating bacterial eye infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa very challenging. Without a clear avenue for treatment, those affected by EzriCare Artificial Tears may suffer from eye infection symptoms for a long time.
Can You File a Lawsuit to Hold EzriCare Artificial Tears Manufacturer Accountable for Damages?
Those who suffer from damages because of eye infections for EzriCare Artificial Tears can file product liability lawsuits to hold Global Pharma Healthcare accountable for their negligence. Victims can suffer economic damages that affect their financial situation or non-economic damages that affect their quality of life.
The following are some damages you could pursue in an EzriCare Artificial Tears lawsuit:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Lost earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of society
If you suffered an eye infection from using EzriCare Artificial Tears, you could file a lawsuit to begin the process of recovering compensation for your damages. A product liability or defective drug lawyer can help you with the lawsuit process and put you in the best position to recover fair compensatory damages.
How Can a Product Liability Lawyer Help With Your EzriCare Artificial Tears Lawsuit?
Hiring a product liability lawyer can help as you attempt to hold Global Pharma Healthcare accountable for your eye infection damages. They can apply their experience to your case and craft a plan for pursuing fair compensatory damages. An experienced product liability lawyer will know what paperwork to file, when to file it, and what other steps must be completed for your to recover compensation. Some ways they can help you also include calculating the cost of your lawsuit, collecting evidence to prove your case, speaking to medical experts, and negotiating a fair settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company,
Contact The Russo Firm for Help With Your EzriCare Artificial Tears Lawsuit
At The Russo Firm, our product liability lawyers have experience helping victims of dangerous products recover compensation to pay for damages. Global Pharma Healthcare’s negligence led to the contamination of EzriCare Artificial Tears that caused a multi-state cluster of eye infections. If you suffer from an eye infection from using the eye care product, our product liability lawyers can help you craft a legal counsel plan that can put you in the best position to recover fair compensation for your damages. Contact us for a free case evaluation today at (561) 270-0913 or leave a message on our online contact page.
