Colorado man’s family receives $24 million after his death following stem cell injection in Seattle

Seattle clinic in April 2019. The court found that the clinic performed the procedure without imaging guidance while Trujillo was on blood-thinning medication, leading to catastrophic bleeding and brain herniation. The tragic incident resulted in the closure of the Seattle Stem Cell Center in 2021.

The clinic’s owner, Dr. Tami Meraglia, expressed intentions to appeal the jury’s decision. She cited the exclusion of vital evidence during the trial and stated plans for a prompt appellate review. Meraglia owned the clinic that Trujillo visited in search of stem cell therapy for ALS, which he was diagnosed with in 2017. Carmen Trujillo, his widow, testified during the trial, recalling their journey to Seattle filled with hope, and the heartbreaking return home alone.

Post-verdict, Carmen received overwhelming support from the jurors, emphasizing love and warmth through hugs and celebration. Despite Meraglia’s plans to appeal, she acknowledged the highly regrettable outcome and expressed sorrow for the loss of Michael’s life. Dylan Cohon, counsel for the plaintiffs, highlighted the significance of the verdict in seeking justice, compensation, and accountability for vulnerable patients who had been misled by deceptive marketing of unproven treatments.

Meraglia faced legal action in the past when the Washington Attorney General filed a separate lawsuit against her and US Stemology in 2022 for deceptive marketing practices related to stem cell therapies. The case concluded with an $800,000 judgment and permanent marketing restrictions, shedding light on the need for honesty and scientific evidence in promoting medical treatments to patients.

In her statement following the recent trial, Meraglia reiterated her disappointment and compassion for all affected parties, recognizing the profound impact of the loss of life. The verdict underlined the importance of ensuring transparency and integrity in medical practices, especially when serving patients with serious conditions like ALS. Michael Trujillo’s death serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of misleading healthcare practices and the necessity for accountability in the medical field. The $24 million awarded to the Trujillo family signifies a step towards justice and reparation for the irreparable loss they endured.