Family Files $1 Million Lawsuit After Man Suffers Severe Facial Burns During Conscious Surgery

Family Sues Oregon Hospital After Fire During Surgery

Source: UNILAD

Incident Overview

• The family of John Michael Murdoch is suing Oregon Health & Science University for nearly $1,000,000.
• The lawsuit follows an incident where Murdoch’s face allegedly caught fire during a surgical procedure while he was awake.
• Murdoch was undergoing a tracheostomy due to his cancer diagnosis.

Details of the Surgical Fire

• The fire reportedly started when a spark from a surgical tool ignited an alcohol swab used during the operation.
• Murdoch experienced severe physical trauma including burns, scars, and swelling.
• His wife claims in the lawsuit that both the use of oxygen and alcohol contributed to the fire.

Aftermath and Legal Proceedings

• Murdoch lived with his injuries for six months before passing away from cancer in June 2023.
• His attorney described the incident as entirely preventable, highlighting the known risks associated with surgical procedures involving ignition sources.
• The lawsuit raises concerns about surgical fire risks, with estimates suggesting upwards of 100 such incidents occur annually in the U.S.

Hospital and Medical Professional Response

• Oregon Health & Science University and the involved physician, Dr. Adam Howard, have declined to comment due to privacy regulations.
• Dr. Howard’s medical license was reported to be in a 'lapsed' status as of January 2024.

Broader Context

• The Joint Commission has identified oxygen, ignition sources, and flammable substances as factors that can increase the likelihood of surgical fires.
• The Murdoch case underscores the critical need for stringent safety protocols in surgical settings.