A former hospital worker was sentenced to 39 years in prison after causing a hepatitis C outbreak among surgery patients. The worker was found to be taking syringes with painkillers and injecting them into himself before refilling the syringes with water and injecting patients with the tainted solution.  Hospital Staff Stealing Patient…

A Philadelphia nursing home settled a claim of wrongful death with the son of the deceased for $145,000, split between a wrongful death claim and a survival claim. Ola Simmons died from respiratory conditions, which the claim asserts was due to negligence demonstrated by the nursing facility.​ A settlement conference involving plaintiff John Simmons, the administrator of…

Doctor bias is an unfortunate reality in the medical world. It is a topic that we have addressed here several times–including the bias that LGBT+ patients may face, and the bias in pharmaceutical testing and medical treatment which affects women. Just how much do these biases ultimately affect medical care? New research out of Johns…

As the summer months approach, many people will be heading out to theme parks for a day of fun and amusement. There are many parks to choose from around the country including Disneyland, Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, and Six Flags. While most who visit these entertaining venues come home with…

A group of medical malpractice survivors and advocates are pushing for a 2020 ballot measure in California that would target the state’s notoriously low pain and suffering damage cap. The group has launched a campaign to get enough signatures on a petition to add the Fairness for Injured Patients Act (FIPA) to the ballot….

A recently filed lawsuit revealed that thousands of patients had exposure to a nurse with tuberculosis at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The emergency room nurse was believed to have been contagious for up to a four-month period. Physicians are the most common type of medical professional to face claims of medical malpractice;…

A current class-action suit seeks to prove that the IL Department of Corrections (IDOC) places inmates in situations leading to pain, injury and death. Back in 2010, Don Lippert, an inmate with diabetes, claimed that he was not receiving his necessary dosage of insulin, which initiated the now massive suit. The case…

An unprecedented event in the world of electronic entertainment is slated to occur this month: a major player in the field of virtual reality is set to release a groundbreaking virtual reality headset. The headset is named “Oculus Rift” and it is one of many virtual reality devices set to take the…

Loss of a limb can be traumatic. After going your whole life with the use and function of arms and legs, suddenly waking up to find your foot and leg missing takes a lot of time and emotional strength to adapt. Loss of a limb can be even more devastating if it…

Pennsylvania hosts Highway Safety Law Awareness Week in February (this year it was the week of the 18th). The program is facilitated by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania State Police. PennDOT is a critical part of policies and safety that relate to public transportation, highways, airports, railroads, and others. The program seeks…

A ruling by the Florida Supreme Court marked a general victory for injured patients in medical malpractice cases – without having much bearing for the parties involved, who settled the lawsuit on the eve of oral arguments. A motion for dismissal was denied because the case involved “an issue of statewide importance.”…

An interesting question was recently raised in a Georgia court – whether an agreement to arbitrate continues to hold in the event that one of the parties to the agreement dies. The plaintiff, Bernard Norton brought a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of his wife Lola Norton, against United Health Services of…

Manhattan is famous for its skyscrapers. The island boasts some of the most iconic high rise buildings in the world including the Empire State Building, the Flatiron Building, and One World Trade Center. Constructing these impressive buildings is no small feat of engineering. Among the equipment used to build such impressive structures…

In 2012, the deadliest meningitis outbreak in United States history infected more than 700 people and killed 64. The condition stemmed from the administration of steroids contaminated with fungus. On January 9, a trial began in which the head pharmacist of the pharmaceutical company which manufactured and distributed the drug, Barry Cadden,…

Bias in medicine is a serious issue. Many people may harbor conscious or unconscious bias, but this can become particularly harmful when a physician harbors such a bias, and it influences the way in with he or she practices medicine.  As a growing amount of studies have revealed health disparities linked to race,…

We recently discussed a major series of lawsuit claims brought by cities, counties, and Native American tribes across the country against pharmacy chain stores for their role in fueling the opioid crisis. According to that claim, these retail stores failed to follow guidelines which required them to report suspicious orders to the Drug Enforcement…

A new Hampshire couple was awarded $4.7 million after an ophthalmologist was found guilty of performing a procedure that left a woman legally blind. On a Friday morning, Nancy Knox decided to visit her local family eye doctor, Adam Beck, after experiencing issues with her eyes. The 67-year-old had been dealing with…

Fatalities in the U.S. caused by medical errors have risen to approximately 250,000 annually. The true number is likely higher, as the National Institute of Health believes that 10% of such errors go unreported. The Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority (PSA) is an organization that operates as an independent advocate for the safety of those…

Medical malpractice related costs have taken a considerably large toll on the American healthcare system for years. These costs persist directly through skyrocketing malpractice premiums, which translates to higher expenses for patients and insurance companies. Moreover, they affect the healthcare system indirectly by prompting medical professionals to recklessly practice defensive medicine. A…

We are in the midst of the emotionally charged political election season, which is drawing massive crowds for rallies, conventions and events. On the presidential campaign trail it has been common for venues to be filled to capacity, with thousands of people turned away. Fire marshals are on-site regulating the number of…

According to the American Bar Association, only a small percentage of personal injury cases go to trial, as the majority are dismissed or settled prior. The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP) is the framework the majority of local courts use in crafting their own procedural rules. Once an action has progressed through pleadings, pre-trial, and discovery,…

During the cold and snowy winter months, millions of people across the country flock to the great outdoors to participate in various recreational activities such as ice skating, sledding, skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling. These activities can be great fun, but unfortunately accidents happen each year. One such accident occurred two years ago…

Patients often have little idea what drugs doctors and nurses administer while they are in the hospital. A syringe full of medication could consist of one dose or a dozen doses. Patients leave it up to the healthcare professionals to administer the proper dose. Too little of the drug may not do…

The actual number of medical mistakes that result in injury or death to patients is difficult to nail down. Some doctors fail to report mistakes for fear that they will be held accountable for taking short cuts. Coroners may not be required to list “medical error” as the cause of death, making…

The coronavirus epidemic has had a major impact on day-to-day life.  There is still a lot of uncertainty going forward as people try to return to normal life. Any fact-to-face interaction can present a possible risk of transmission of COVID-19, including doctor visits, surgery, or mental health counseling.  When healthcare professionals do…

A jury in Cook County Illinois recently awarded the biggest verdict against ever against the city of Chicago in a personal injury case. Tierney Darden, a 26-year-old from Vernon Hills, was left paralyzed from the waist down after a bus shelter at O’Hare International Airport collapsed amid a storm. Judge Clare McWilliams announced the unprecedented…

The Pennsylvania Superior Court found no grounds for a new trial in a case where jurors in Philadelphia awarded an injury victim $55.3 million in damages. Carlos Martinez, the plaintiff, was driving to work in his Acura Integra in 2010 when he had a tire blow out. The vehicle spun out of control and…

Carmen Ruiz, 54, brought a premises liability claim against Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (TJUH) in Philadelphia after a slip-and-fall accident in a hallway. She claims to have slipped on a liquid and injured her right shoulder. The claim states that the defendant was negligent in allowing for a dangerous condition on the property and…

Summer is approaching, although it feels very different this year because of COVID-19. Kids have been out of school for months and many are looking forward to traditional summertime activities like swimming at the local public pool, swimming at a friend’s house, or floating in a lake or river.  According to an…

Plaintiff Michelle Lewis brought a medical malpractice action based on negligence against Dr. Frederick D. Rutkovsky and LHHN Med P.C. The claim alleges that Dr. Rutkovsky failed to diagnose a benign brain tumor that was later discovered. Her allegations state that the doctor failed to detect and treat this meningioma and she ended up undergoing…

This week, a Kansas City woman was awarded $2.5 million in a wrongful death case when a physician’s negligence led to a stillborn birth of her son in 2010. In Clay County, it is only the second case in the last ten years to favor the plaintiff. Johnna Hughes, a 44-year-old single…

A federal appeals court reinstated a proposed California statewide class-action lawsuit accusing Nissan of installing defective hydraulic clutch systems, which can cause a clutch pedal to stick to the floor. The suit was filed by a San Jose man, who claimed he had to spend more than $700 to replace the clutch…

A medical malpractice claim was brought against Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center by a man’s estate after he died while in their care. Judge Lesa S. Gelb, of the Luzerne County Court, approved a $4.5 million settlement, of which $2.52 million will be paid to the estate of Andrew J. Martin and $1.81 million…

When a plaintiff is successful in proving a defendant’s liability in a personal injury case, they are then able to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to an amount of money centered around the monetary losses incurred as a result of the injury. Usually economic damages include medical bills,…

National “Secure Your Load Day” is now recognized across the country on June 6th in response to tremendous safety concerns. It began in 2004 with the death of Maria Federici, a 24-year-old, when a large particle board fragment flew from a truck in front of her and smashed through her windshield. The AAA Foundation for…

In the age of quick fixes and fast results, prescription drugs have served as an immediate temporary relief. Since the emergence of opioids, also known as “wonder drugs,” in the 90s, the federal government, as well as drug users quickly learned the great level of dependence users experience on this drug upon…

It is estimated that approximately 8% of U.S. patients fail to take prescribed medications because of the cost. This problem persists although about 80% of prescribed products are generic. For certain medical conditions, there is no generic alternative available or the generic product is determined to be ineffective for a particular patient….

The e-cigarette is a helpful tool for smokers. It provides the nicotine of a cigarette, but without all of the toxins and carcinogens normally associated with tobacco cigarettes. An e-cigarette, or “vape” as it is commonly known as, relies on a re-chargeable battery to heat up flavored liquid to the point of…

A Texas jury found that the staff at Hillcrest Baptist Medical was not negligent in their actions prior to 35-year-old Sarah Gann’s death. In 2011, Gann was admitted to the facility with pains in the lower back region. A jury in the 170th District Court deliberated for just over one hour when…

Juana Montoya was being attended during her pregnancy at the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, California. When she went into labor, she gave birth to a healthy baby. When she was discharged, she went home to recover. However, one day later, she returned to the medical center where it was determined she…

Two suits were filed accusing Cape Fear Valley Health in Fayetteville of medical negligence in caring for a patient who died. David Bryant Sr., a 67-year-old, was admitted to the hospital complaining of minor injuries after falling. The suit states that Bryant developed large bedsores and later died as an eventual result of the neglect. The…

Reuters reports that Home Depot recently reached a settlement agreement in a class-action lawsuit brought by consumers over the massive data breach in 2014, though the agreement must be approved by the federal court. The data breach occurred between April and September of 2014 and affected many customers in the United States…

The men and women who serve in our armed forces take an extraordinary risk in order to keep our country safe. This week, members of Congress are considering legislation that would permit members of the armed forces to bring about medical malpractice claims for negligence suffered during service, a remedy not currently available to…

A term that is relatively common within medical malpractice law is that of apology laws. Apology laws pertain to situations where health care providers, who have injured patients as a result of their medical negligence, take the time to sympathize with the injured party and their families without the act being used…

Medical malpractice can be scary enough when it involves a significant injury caused by a physician that the patient trusted. The concept is nothing short of terrifying when a medical professional’s negligence causes a death. While horrifying to think about, deaths at the hands of a trained medical physicians are more common…

Joe Buck is a sportscaster most known for calling Major League Baseball games on Fox. At 24, Buck became the youngest man to announce National Football League games on network television. However, at that same young age, worried about losing his hair, he began to receive hair transplants. For more than a…

While many of us believe that most police officers act reasonably when conducting an arrest or using force, there are times when law enforcement may take things too far. Within the past few years, a number of cases have come to light where the death or forceful apprehension of alleged suspects may…

In Western Pennsylvania, a federal jury has awarded a couple $14.5 million in a medical malpractice suit against the doctor who delivered their baby. In the lawsuit, they allege that the physician’s misconduct caused brain damage, cerebral palsy, and other long-term conditions. Justin Brinkley and Nicole Welker had their baby in July…

Whether we realize it or not, most of us enter into some company’s algorithm every day. This includes online shopping choices, Google ads, and email alerts. Algorithms use information to try and establish patterns and make predictions. Banner Health, a hospital group based in Arizona, tried to create an algorithm to predict…

The American Bankruptcy Institute’s data for 2016 indicated that there were 11,287 cases of Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Maryland. Victims in severe personal injury cases are likely to experience financial problems as often their income may fall due to an inability to work; meanwhile, they may be accumulating significant medical bills and…

At some point during your personal injury or medical malpractice case, you may be called upon to testify. This could be in a deposition or it could be at trial. In rare cases, you may be required to testify at a pretrial hearing. While the situations may be different, there are many…

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that when an employer’s stored data is breached exposing employee’s personal information, it is a failure in their common law duty to exercise reasonable care. The decision changes the way litigation regarding cybersecurity will be handled. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) failed to protect sensitive…

Given all the headlines about the number of medical mistakes injuring patients around the world, it would seem like hospitals would be motivated to cut down on those injuries. However, at clinics, hospitals, and doctors offices across the country, the reports of medical mistakes appear to be increasing. According to a recent…

Shariff Floyd, a former defensive tackle in the National Football League, has been unable to play since 2016 following a surgical procedure on his knee. He has since filed a claim of medical malpractice against Dr. James Andrews and the Andrews Institute in Pensacola, FL in an Orange County Circuit Court. Floyd…

A Bellevue, Washington software developer, Dennis Montgomery, underwent surgery for a brain aneurysm in 2013. The treatment required the use of a medical device known as the “Penumbra Coil 400.” The Penumbra Coil 400 and other similar coil devices are the primary method used to treat brain aneurysms. Normally, all goes well,…

The Washington Post reports that rates of auto insurance are increasing at double the rate of inflation. The average estimated premium nationally is $1,427. According to consumer advocacy groups, insurance companies are utilizing Big Data to determine rates for drivers. The data, based on factors such as credit ratings and levels of education, are most…

A case as been filed over the death of a Milwaukee, WI kickboxer, who lost his life after an amateur fight in 2014. The family of Dennis Munson Jr. has filed a wrongful death case against several defendants including the event promoter, the ringside physician, the gym where Munson trained, and Munson’s…

Marjorie Locklear, who was 75 at the time in 2012, had a heart attack and needed vascular surgery. During her surgery at Southeastern Regional Medical Center, Locklear fell from the operating table. Her body contained surgical tools at the time and she endured a concussion, trouble with vision, a jaw injury and…

Physical therapy can be a beneficial treatment for patients after an injury accident. Injuries sustained in a car accident, slip and fall injury, or workplace accident can cause head, neck, or back injuries which can make it more difficult to move around or do regular daily activities.  Even if physical therapy does…

One of the interesting aspects of medical malpractice that is often overlooked is how it gets reported and studied by experts. Because a doctor’s malpractice can open up both the doctor and a hospital to a costly lawsuit and earn them both a bad reputation, medical malpractice can go unreported, is often…

Harrison Ford was almost crushed to death while filming Star Wars: Force Awakens and this week a British court held Disney responsible for the injury. On June 12, 2014, Ford was in England on-set of the Star Wars film. Ford was not aware that the set of the Millennium Falcon was live during…

Most states in the U.S. have acknowledged the “epidemic” of distracted driving and established some legislation aimed at reducing the unnecessary consequences including property damage, injuries, and even death. The majority of the accidents involve the usage of mobile devices while operating a vehicle. This which should come as no surprise because many people are using their devices constantly. …

Fort Myers, Florida was the host of an annual Halloween-themed event late last year known as Zombicon. The event is a charity event that both celebrates the attendees’ affinity for zombie-themed horror film and fiction, while also raising money for things like blood drives and food donations. What was supposed to be…

Ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft seem to be taking the U.S. by storm. Many people are enamored by how quick and easy it is to call for a ride, and how cheap it is to get a lift to where they need to go. Especially with more and more people moving…

Attempts at medical malpractice reform have been long underway at both the federal and state levels. Many states have developed their own models in efforts to lower costs both of litigation and malpractice liability insurance for providers. The American Medical Association reports that currently in Maryland, Michigan and Kentucky, courts are tasked…

We have been covering the mysterious lung illness, which appears to be associated with vaping, for many weeks now. What began as a group of Wisconsin teens experiencing serious lung issues and developed into dozens of cases of severe lung disease across the United States, it is now a fatal health condition…

The case of Brewington v. Philadelphia School District has reached the Supreme Court. The Commonwealth Court had allowed a Philadelphia Public School student’s family to pursue damages when a 9-year-old boy was injured after running into a concrete wall in a gymnasium that the plaintiff’s felt should have had protective wall padding….

Another lawsuit has been filed against a shoe company that some attorneys say has been knowingly causing injuries for a decade. A Texas couple is suing footwear maker Crocs after their toddler son’s foot was caught in an escalator while wearing the malleable clogs. The family was visiting a Waikiki resort in…

This December, the daughter of a woman who died in 2014 filed a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson for failing to warn consumers about the increased risks of ovarian cancer that have been associated with talc, a naturally occurring mineral and the main ingredient in the company’s baby powder. Amy Darnold filed…

Going through the winter season in Philadelphia can be gloomy. At the height of winter, during the solstice on December 21st, residents get a maximum of 9 hours and 20 minutes of daylight. This compares to more than 15 hours of sun at the height of summer. With almost 6 hours less…

This October, we examined the story of a Texas couple who lost custody of their newborn son because physicians misdiagnosed a genetic medical condition as the physical symptoms of child abuse. While this case was devastating for the parents involved, a year-long investigation suggests that loss of custody due to diagnostic errors is occurring…

When someone requires a blood transfusion, they rely on another person’s blood to keep them alive. However, blood does not only provide life-giving opportunities. Blood can also carry disease, transmitting deadly diseases to the recipient of the transfusion. Decades after a mass blood contamination epidemic, healthcare officials offer patients and their families…

The Maryland legislature is currently hearing a bill that would make it a crime for drivers or passengers to use marijuana while in a moving vehicle. The initiative seems to come as the leading edge of a movement towards decriminalizing marijuana in the state. Studies are still in conflict as to whether…

A Washington Post story reported on a case involving Richard Rochford, a Frederick County Sheriff’s Deputy, who was working security at a movie theater. In 2013, the manager pointed out to Rochford that a man had entered a movie without paying. Rochford encountered Robert E. Saylor, a 26-year-old man with Down syndrome, and attempted to persuade him to…

There has been a minor international uproar over a fatal car accident that seems to have been caused by the wife of a U.S. diplomat to the United Kingdom. According to the British police, the crash involved a car that was driving on the wrong side of the road when it hit a motorcyclist. The motorcyclist,…

Throughout the U.S. in recent years, a widespread problem that has emerged involving unauthorized access and usage of data such as credit card numbers, account information, and social security numbers. Many individuals have been victims of “identity theft” where the criminal may create credit accounts under another person’s identity. Civil court case filings may have documents…

A three-judge panel in an appeals court in Maryland heard a lawsuit against two heating, ventilation & air conditioning repair (HVAC) service providers accused of negligence for failing to warn five occupants of a home that carbon monoxide was present. The death of these five people is being blamed on Caviness Mechanical…

Sometimes when a victim suffers a personal injury in someone else’s home or on a company property, it can be overwhelming to know how to approach the case, especially if the injury is severe or if the victim knows the owner of the property. This month, in Greenwich, Connecticut, such a case…

Before medications are placed on the market for distribution and sale, they must undergo a comprehensive and meticulous approval process. As a part of this process, pharmaceutical companies are required to submit explicit evidence that medications are safe for consumption and effective for its intended and prescribed use. As with most industries,…

At least two lawsuits were filed against legging manufacturer LulaRoe after the company continued to ignore the complaints of dissatisfied customers for months. According to the lawsuits and the accounts of tens of thousands of consumers, the leggings are prone to ripping and tearing quite easily. A few years ago, women everywhere…

What’s being called the biggest payout in Pennsylvania history has been awarded to a Ukrainian immigrant who was seriously injured in the deadly 2013 Center City building collapse. An arbitrator awarded the woman a whopping $95.6 million for her injuries. The 2013 building collapse killed six people and left plaintiff Mariya Plekan…

Last week, an 8-year-old boy drowned after falling into a pool abroad a Royal Caribbean cruise ship off the coast of New Jersey. The death comes in a string of almost a dozen drowning or near-drowning accidents on cruise ships in the last two years. Many cruise ships have large public pools…

A case was brought before the Mississippi Supreme Court to review the interplay between the state’s wrongful-death statute and the “minors savings” clause. The minor savings clause tolls the applicable statute of limitations until the child reaches the age of majority. Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-59 states that: “If any person entitled…

The Boston City Hall property has a plaza where the walkway is made of bricks that have been poorly maintained. A woman was injured after a fall and filed a complaint with the city; however, the city rejected it based on their state-granted immunity from actions for personal injury. Another woman fell several…

The kidneys are among the most important organs in the human body. Your kidneys continually filter your blood and remove waste products and excess water. Kidneys are also amazing because people can still function normally with only a partial kidney intact. However, when doctors remove the wrong kidney during surgery, the patient…

With a lot fewer people driving around Washington, D.C. lately due to the pandemic, you’d think there would be a noticeable decrease in car accidents. And technically, there is, as the number of car accidents, in general, has been reduced. But sadly, deadly car accidents are almost as common as they were…

Lyft recently removed their fleet of pedal-assisted electric bicycles from major cities including San Francisco and Washington D.C. There was a wave of reports that the front braking system was causing riders to be propelled over the handlebars of the bikes. The recall efforts were initiated voluntarily by the organization. Often these actions are…

The Cleveland Clinic made history on February 24, 2016 when a team of doctors performed the first uterus transplant ever completed in the United States. The surgery took gynecological and transplant surgeons nine hours to complete. A press release from the Cleveland Clinic reported that the patient was recovering in stable condition…

A New Year’s Day head-on crash in Montgomery County has resulted in serious injury for drivers of both vehicles. The truth is, a car crash can happen to anybody. No matter how careful you are, you cannot always predict the actions of another driver. If you are in a car crash, follow these steps….

Every day, countless people seek help from a medical professional in Philadelphia. From the elderly patient seeking advice from the pharmacist at the local drug store to the transplant recipient following instructions from the heart surgeon at Temple University Hospital, we entrust our health–and sometimes our lives–to medical professionals with the expectation…

As many are aware, the United States Supreme Court has been down a judge since the February death of Antonin Scalia. However, shortly after President Trump took office, he nominated Neil Gorsuch to fill the vacancy. While many people have been focused on what a Gorsuch appointment could mean from a social…

A recent article published by The Guardian presented frightening information that could (and probably should) be alarming to all women. According to a study conducted by the Brain Tumor Charity, women with brain tumors are being dismissed at alarming rates when they attempt to seek medical intervention for symptoms. Women who presented…

Many people get nervous when it comes to needles. Unfortunately for them, it may be a necessary part of health care. Flu shots, vaccines, and Novocaine are often delivered as an injection under the skin, with few alternatives. A skilled doctor can help to mitigate the effects of a painful shot through…

Alison Parker has filed a lawsuit following the death of her husband, James Abromitis, who was killed while on a commercial rafting trip on the Roaring Fork River in Colorado. The claim against Aspen Whitewater Rafting (AWR) includes allegations of wrongful death, fraud, gross negligence and a violation of the Consumer Protection Act. She…

When patients are injured in medical malpractice cases, they may take their claim to court. However, most medical malpractice cases are settled before they ever get to a trial. Many of these settlements include a confidentiality agreement so that the terms of the settlement are not made public. Doctors may want to…

Hospital-acquired infections, also known as healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are plaguing medical facilities and hospitalized patients nationwide, causing the American healthcare system’s quality of care to rapidly diminish. Data reveals that hospitalized patients who require supplementary care and treatments are acquiring these illnesses at astounding rates, ultimately leaving them more ill than they…

A fall can be particularly harmful to a person the older they are. According to the National Council on Aging, fall injuries are the leading cause of fatal injury and most common cause of nonfatal traumatic injuries in seniors. Not to mention, falls in older adults are somewhat common, as 25% of…

Using a bicycle to get around or to commute to work has become more and more popular in recent years. With people moving back into urban environments, there has been a surge in public and alternative forms of transportation. The winter months, however, make it much more difficult to get around on…

Public transportation allows many people to get around the city, without having to sit through traffic, deal with parking, or risk a car accident. For others, public transportation may be their only way to get to work or school. However, passengers of public transportation across the country are still at risk of…

Hospitals host thousands of surgeries each year, reusing countless surgical supplies and equipment. In order to make sure these surgical tools are kept clean and safe for the next patient, they have to be properly processed and sterilized. When the sterilization process breaks down, patients can suffer serious, life-threatening infections from dirty…