When the AIDS virus was discovered and billions of dollars were spent researching and learning about AIDS, HIV and how the virus transfers between people, precautions were taken in nearly ever medical setting that could lead to a potential transfer of the HIV virus.  One of the first areas to be reviewed carefully was that of organ transplants, as medical professionals have been extremely careful when it comes to moving an organ from one person's body to another.  Unfortunately, we can no longer say that this system is devoid of problems, as a New York City man has been confirmed to have contracted HIV from a kidney transplant.

According to statements, this New York medical malpractice issue began in 2009 when an unidentified man needed a kidney transplant.  He received a new kidney in New York in 2009, and the kidney donor was tested for several different viruses including HIV about 10 weeks prior to the transfer.  This thorough testing is always part of the transplant protocol.  However, medical officials now believe that the donor contracted the HIV virus between the time he was tested for the disease and the time he donated the kidney.  Both people are being treated for the virus.

HIV Statistics

First and foremost, we'd like to offer our hope that both people who are battling this virus are doing well.  While medical advances have allowed people an opportunity to live with HIV, the fact that both of these men have only one kidney will make that battle more difficult.  In addition, this situation will now open its own database of records of HIV being transferred because of an organ transplant, as most believe this is the first case of its kind on record.

New York Medical Malpractice Lawyers

While much more information would be needed in order to determine fault in this matter, if it turns out that those who were supposed to take steps to protect the kidney recipient from this type of result were negligent, it could lead to the filing of a New York medical malpractice lawsuit.  If such a lawsuit is filed and is successful, it could lead to an award of damages that compensates the man for his losses both past and in the future.

If you or someone you love has suffered because of a mistake made by medical professionals, you need to seek the help of New York medical malpractice lawyers who have been fighting for injured patients for 40 years.  Contact Fitzgerald & Fitzgerald today to schedule a free initial consultation.