The family of 5-year-old Thomas Cooper, who tragically lost his life in a hyperbaric chamber explosion in January, has initiated a lawsuit seeking over $100 million. The legal action targets the Oxford Center, its owner, three employees, as well as the chamber’s manufacturer, Sechrist Industries Inc., and Office Ventures Troy I LLC, the property owner where the center is located.
The lawsuit, filed in Oakland County Circuit Court, accuses the defendants of conducting unapproved experiments on Thomas and other patients. They allege negligence, breach of warranty, and mismanagement within the center. During a press conference, James Harrington of Fieger Law criticized the defendants for prioritizing profits over safety, highlighting the absence of appropriate warnings about the potential dangers of hyperbaric chambers.
Attorney General Dana Nessel noted that Cooper died when a spark ignited the chamber. The hyperbaric chamber, used for administering pure oxygen at high pressure, was evidently not equipped with necessary safety warnings. Expert testimony suggested that static electricity may have contributed to the fire.
Four individuals connected to the Oxford Center, including owner Tamela Peterson and safety director Jeffrey Mosteller, face criminal charges. They are accused of gross negligence and ignoring critical safety protocols. A preliminary examination is ongoing, with potential charges ranging from second-degree murder to involuntary manslaughter.
The Oxford Center is accused of misleadingly promoting hyperbaric treatments for unapproved conditions, such as sleep apnea and ADHD, raising questions about their practices. A former employee, Tiffany Hosey, testified about previous concerns regarding safety measures, although she had not reported them externally.
The ongoing preliminary exam will establish whether there is sufficient evidence to advance the case to trial in the Oakland County Circuit Court. If the allegations hold, this case could emphasize the urgent need for stringent safety measures and regulations in alternative medical treatments.