A family in Massachusetts has filed a lawsuit against the New England Cord Blood Bank (NECBB) for negligence in the handling of their daughter’s umbilical cord blood. The family claims that the cord blood was mishandled and stored improperly, resulting in the loss of a potentially life-saving stem cell treatment for their daughter.
The family’s daughter, who is now five years old, was born with a rare genetic disorder called Fanconi anemia. This disorder can cause bone marrow failure, and the only known cure is a stem cell transplant. The family had their daughter’s umbilical cord blood stored at the NECBB in the hopes that it could be used for a stem cell transplant if needed.
However, when the family attempted to retrieve the cord blood for the transplant, they discovered that it had been mishandled and stored improperly. The family claims that the cord blood had been stored in an unrefrigerated room, which caused it to degrade and become unusable.
The family is now suing the NECBB for negligence, claiming that the mishandling of the cord blood has caused them emotional distress and financial hardship. They are seeking damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with the failed stem cell transplant.
The case is still ongoing, and it remains to be seen how it will be resolved. However, it serves as a reminder of the importance of proper storage and handling of cord blood, as it can be a potentially life-saving treatment for those with rare genetic disorders.
