Olympus Scopes Lawsuit

Olympus Medical Systems Corporation has faced growing scrutiny and litigation over allegations that certain reusable scopes, endoscopes, and duodenoscopes exposed patients to dangerous bacterial contamination and serious infections. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), reprocessed duodenoscopes may remain contaminated even after hospitals follow manufacturer cleaning instructions.

Dangerous Scope Infections Deserve Aggressive Legal Action

Patients across the country have reported severe infections, sepsis, prolonged hospitalization, and even death after undergoing procedures involving Olympus scopes. Some lawsuits allege the devices contained design flaws that made proper sterilization difficult or impossible, allowing dangerous bacteria to remain inside the scopes and spread from patient to patient.

At ’Maggio Law, we fight for injured people against powerful corporations and insurance companies every single day. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for clients and has built a reputation across Mississippi and the South for handling serious, high-stakes injury cases with aggressive advocacy and personalized representation. Founder Mike Saltaformaggio is a trial-tested attorney recognized by organizations including Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, and America’s Top 100 Attorneys.

What Is the Olympus Scopes Lawsuit About?

Olympus lawsuits center on allegations that reusable medical scopes transmitted dangerous bacteria between patients, including drug-resistant “superbug” infections.

These devices are commonly used in minimally invasive procedures involving:

The digestive system
Lungs
Urinary tract
Pancreas

Because the scopes are reused, they must be cleaned and disinfected between procedures. However, federal regulators have warned for years that some Olympus devices may retain bacteria despite proper sterilization procedures.

The FDA has specifically identified concerns involving reusable duodenoscopes used during ERCP procedures. According to the agency, the complex design of some scopes may allow bacteria to become trapped in hard-to-clean areas.

Types of Olympus Scopes Involved in Lawsuits

Duodenoscopes

Duodenoscopes are flexible scopes used during ERCP procedures involving the bile ducts, pancreas, liver, and small intestine.

Bronchoscopes

Bronchoscopes are used to diagnose and treat conditions involving the lungs and airways.

Laparoscopes

Laparoscopes are commonly used during minimally invasive abdominal surgeries.

Ureterorenoscopes

These scopes are used in procedures involving the urinary tract and kidneys, including treatment for kidney stones.

FDA Investigations and Olympus Recalls

Federal regulators have investigated Olympus products and manufacturing practices for years.
In a November 2022 warning letter, the FDA cited Olympus subsidiary Aizu Olympus Co., Ltd. for multiple alleged violations of the Quality System regulation, including failures in testing, manufacturing documentation, and adverse event reporting.

In January 2023, the FDA explained that the warning letters issued to Olympus and related manufacturers were part of broader efforts to address infection risks associated with reusable endoscopes.

On June 24, 2025, the FDA issued import alerts blocking certain Olympus devices manufactured in Japan from entering the United States due to ongoing quality and compliance concerns. The FDA stated that it continued to have concerns regarding Olympus’s compliance with federal quality regulations.

In January 2025, Olympus issued a voluntary advisory notice regarding the MAJ-891 Forceps/Irrigation Plug due to contamination concerns related to reprocessing. Reports connected the issue to multiple injuries and at least one death.

Serious Infections and Injuries Linked to Olympus Scopes

Reported injuries and complications include:

Drug-resistant “superbug” infections
Sepsis
Bloodstream infections (bacteremia)
Internal bleeding
Tissue perforations
Organ damage
Prolonged hospitalization
Wrongful death

One of the most widely publicized outbreaks occurred at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, where contaminated duodenoscopes were linked to deadly CRE (“superbug”) infections.

How Many Patients Could Be Affected?

The potential scope of Olympus infection claims is significant. According to Olympus estimates and published medical procedure data:

Approximately 17–20 million colonoscopies occur annually in the United States
An estimated 5–10 million upper endoscopies are performed each year
Roughly 1.5 million bronchoscopy procedures occur annually
Between 500,000 and 700,000 ERCP procedures are performed every year

Combined, reusable scope devices are used in more than 30 million procedures annually in the United States (Single-use versus reusable endoscopes in gastroenterology: Systematic review of full and partial economic evaluations - PMC).

Who May Qualify for an Olympus Scopes Lawsuit?

You may qualify to pursue legal action if:

You underwent a procedure involving an Olympus scope or duodenoscope since 2015
You developed a serious infection shortly after the procedure
You required hospitalization, IV antibiotics, or additional medical treatment
You were diagnosed with sepsis, tuberculosis, HIV, or a drug-resistant bacterial infection following the procedure
A loved one died after complications linked to a contaminated scope procedure

Potential eligibility depends on the facts of your case, your diagnosis, and your state’s filing deadlines.

What Compensation May Be Available?

Victims pursuing Olympus scope infection lawsuits may seek compensation for:

Medical expenses
Future medical treatment
Lost wages
Reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Permanent disability
Wrongful death damages

Every case is different, and the value of a claim depends on the severity of the injuries and long-term impact on the victim and family.

What Evidence Is Important in an Olympus Scope Lawsuit?

Medical documentation is critical in these claims. Evidence may include:

Procedure records identifying the device used
Hospital records
Infection diagnoses
Lab testing results
Records of hospitalization or IV antibiotic treatment
Expert medical opinions linking the infection to the procedure

An experienced attorney can help gather records, investigate the circumstances of the procedure, and determine whether Olympus products may have played a role in the injuries suffered.

Talk to ’Maggio Law About an Olympus Scopes Lawsuit

We understand that victims harmed by dangerous medical devices are often left overwhelmed with medical complications, mounting bills, and unanswered questions. That is why our attorneys work directly with clients from the beginning of the case—not through layers of assistants or call centers.

We investigate whether Olympus scopes or related devices were used during a procedure, gather the medical evidence needed to support a claim, and work with qualified experts to evaluate how contamination or device defects may have contributed to serious infections or injuries.

Our firm is not a “quick settlement” law firm. We prepare cases aggressively and pursue full compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial harm our clients have suffered.

Whether someone is facing sepsis, long-term complications from a superbug infection, additional surgeries, lost income, or the wrongful death of a loved one, our team is prepared to fight for accountability. Contact us today to book your case evaluation and learn more about your legal options.