NOVI, Mich. – Fieger Law announced it has been retained by several families whose loved ones were seriously or critically injured following routine dialysis treatment at a DaVita dialysis center in Novi, as state health officials continue investigating the death of one patient and illnesses affecting several others.
The law firm said on Thursday (June 25) that it has launched its own investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incidents, including whether proper safety protocols were followed and whether preventable failures contributed to patients’ injuries.
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“Our hearts are with every patient and family impacted by these tragic events,” James Harrington, president and CEO of Fieger Law, said in a statement. “Individuals receiving dialysis place immense trust in their healthcare providers. Something went wrong, and families deserve answers.”
Fieger Law encouraged anyone who became seriously ill or experienced complications after treatment at the Novi dialysis center to contact its office as the investigation continues.
No criminal conduct found
The legal announcement came hours after the city of Novi said police found no evidence of criminal conduct in connection with the incidents.
“Since the initial investigation, the Novi Police Department has worked closely with local and state health officials to review all available information,” the city said in a statement Thursday. “At this time, no evidence of suspicious activity, foul play, or criminal conduct has been identified.”
The investigation is now being led by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
How the investigation began
Police began investigating on June 21 after receiving a report of a missing 71-year-old dialysis patient who failed to return home following an appointment at the DaVita Novi Dialysis Center near Grand River Avenue and Beck Road.
Officers responding to the facility found the patient dead inside a vehicle in the parking lot.
Police said there were no signs of foul play.
During the investigation, Novi police learned that several patients who had recently received treatment at the facility sought medical care at Henry Ford Providence Novi Hospital.
Four patients were identified at the hospital, including one who remained in intensive care.
A fifth patient who had received treatment at a DaVita facility in Southfield was also hospitalized.
As a precaution, the Oakland County Health Division requested that the Novi dialysis center temporarily close while the public health investigation continues.
DaVita, state agencies respond
The city said Thursday that, because the matter is no longer being investigated criminally, it does not expect to issue further updates.
DaVita previously said it could not comment on the specific incident because of patient privacy laws.
“We are aware of the incident and out of respect for patient privacy, we are unable to comment on its specifics,” a company spokesperson said in a statement. “Our unwavering focus remains on delivering exceptional care for our patients, many of which are medically vulnerable with complex care needs.”
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs said it is working with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and local health officials “to help ensure the health and safety of patients at this facility.”
No cause for the illnesses or the patient’s death has been publicly identified, and health officials have not released a timeline for when the Novi dialysis center may reopen.