A Seattle man is suing the United States government for $10 million, alleging a federally funded clinic doctor pricked himself with a needle and then used it to inject him, triggering an HIV scare, emergency medication treatment, fainting episodes, and a heart attack.
A lawsuit filed in Seattle federal court last month claims a routine medical visit at Seattle Indian Health spiraled into a medical crisis after a doctor allegedly injected patient Shawn Lane with a contaminated hypodermic needle.
Lane alleges the incident occurred on Nov. 20, 2023, when he sought treatment following a rear-end collision in Seattle. According to the complaint, Dr. Christopher Gaynor “pricked his own finger with the same needle that he then used to administer trigger point injections” into Lane’s neck and upper back.
After Lane left the clinic, the doctor called him back to check his HIV “status,” according to the lawsuit. When Lane returned the next day, he was told he had been injected with a contaminated needle and needed HIV testing, the complaint states.
Upon learning this, Lane “experienced what he describes as a panic attack,” including hyperventilation and chest tightness, according to the filing.
HIV Prevention Treatment, Fainting Episodes
Lane was prescribed Truvada and Isentress for post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP, medication used to prevent HIV infection after potential exposure, according to the complaint.
He later experienced repeated episodes of vasovagal syncope, or fainting caused by sudden drops in blood pressure. One blackout allegedly resulted in a traumatic brain injury, the lawsuit states.
Lane completed the PEP regimen in early December 2023. On Jan. 3, 2024, he tested negative for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C, according to court documents.
However, the lawsuit alleges that on Jan. 29, 2024, Lane was diagnosed with an inferior myocardial infarction, or heart attack. The complaint states the heart condition developed “as a side effect of his PEP regimen, and the stress and fear of an HIV scare.”
Federal Liability Claim
Seattle Indian Health is a federally qualified health center, meaning the United States government is named as a defendant under the Federal Tort Claims Act.
The lawsuit alleges medical negligence, failure to follow proper procedures, and failure to adequately train and supervise staff. It states the clinic breached the standard of care when Dr. Gaynor injected Lane with a contaminated needle and told him he was at risk of contracting HIV.
The complaint also names the driver involved in the October 2023 rear-end collision, alleging negligence in causing the initial crash that led Lane to seek treatment.
Lane claims he has suffered “serious physical, mental, and emotional injuries that are painful, progressive and permanent,” according to the filing. He is seeking $10 million in damages.
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