The potential for a lawsuit exists following an investigation into security problems at the Center for Disease Control (CDC) laboratory in Atlanta. The problems discovered at the lab were detailed in a report on an anthrax exposure incident issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as part of a Congressional committee summary. Anthrax Incident The USDA report focused on an incident in which a high-security CDC lab was supposed to completely kill anthrax samples before shipping them to two other CDC labs, but the bacteria was not completely sterilized. This led several CDC employees to be exposed to the potentially deadly bacteria. Although no employees became ill, the report discovered many security lapses that could have the potential for a lawsuit due to exposure. The investigators found that lab staff unnecessarily used unapproved sterilization techniques as well as the use of a strong version of anthrax in an experiment. Other Security Failures Beyond the problems with the anthrax bacteria, which could lead to a lawsuit, investigators found even more troubling lapses in security at the laboratory. Disinfectants used to decontaminate vials and bags were beyond their expiration date and employees were unable to recall if they used the expired chemicals to clean up after the anthrax incident. Some of the workers who were exposed to anthrax were not examined until five days later. In a possible law violation as employees have a right to be protected in the workplace. The investigators also found that anthrax was stored in unlocked refrigerators in an unrestricted hallway. One refrigerator had its key stored in its lock. Employees used Ziploc bags to transfer anthrax between labs, violating protocol. When negligence is suspected as the cause or contributing factor in an incident that could cause injury or death, a lawsuit may be in order. Contact Dallas-Fort Worth lawyers at Frenkel & Frenkel to schedule a free initial consultation regarding an in incident where injuries may have been caused or worsened by someone else’s negligence.
