Call Today for a FREE Confidential Case Review
Toll-Free 24/7 (866) 920-0753

Dental Infection Outbreak Class Action Filed in New Jersey

August 19, 2016 — The victims of a deadly outbreak of infections have filed a class action lawsuit against a dentist in New Jersey, according to News12.

Health officials have confirmed that 15 people developed bacterial endocarditis, which is an infection that causes inflammation of the inner lining of the heart. It can severely damage heart valves or cause blood clots, stroke, and death.

Twelve of the victims required emergency open heart surgery, including eight who had a valve replacement. One of the victims died.

Dr. John Vecchione is accused of failing to properly sterilize medical equipment. The outbreak allegedly occurred from December 2012 through August 2014 at North Jersey Oral, Maxillofacial and Reconstructive Surgery.

The class action cites a number of safety violations, including:

  • Using a single vial of medication on multiple patients
  • Incorrectly storing syringes and using unsterilized syringes
  • Failing to use sterilized products
  • Storing medications in a locker in the staff bathroom
  • Poor hygiene practices by staff

The New Jersey Health Department began investigating after a man developed endocarditis 5 weeks after having his wisdom teeth pulled. Other cases were soon linked to the outbreak. An unannounced inspection found evidence of unsanitary practices.

Dr. Vecchione was allowed to continue practicing dentistry in New Jersey after signing an agreement to use “best practices in sanitation.”

Do I have a Heart Infection Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting endocarditis induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been infected after oral surgery, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Personal Injury Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Attention Lawyers: We consider a referral from another law firm to be one of the greatest compliments. If your firm is interested in referring us a case or for us to send you a list of previous award judgments and/or average referral fees, please visit the Lawyer Referral section of our website.

Free Case Evaluation


The Schmidt Firm, PLLC has been recognized as one of the nation’s leading plaintiffs' law firms and handles cases in all 50 states. We are very proud of our legal achievements, but equally self-respecting of our firm's reputation for providing personal attention to each and every client we represent.

No matter what type of case you have, you may contact us with confidence by filling out the email contact form below or calling us directly by dialing toll free 24 hrs/day (866) 920-0753.