The owner and three employees of a Michigan medical center have been charged in connection with the death of 5-year-old Thomas Cooper, who died from an explosion inside a hyperbaric chamber on January 31. The incident occurred at the Oxford Center in Troy, Michigan, where Cooper was receiving treatment for ADHD and sleep apnea.
- Michigan medical center charged in boy's death
- 5-year-old Thomas Cooper died in chamber explosion
- Charges include second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter
- Safety concerns highlighted by Attorney General Nessel
- Oxford Center misused hyperbaric treatments for profit
On March 11, Attorney General Dana Nessel announced that charges include second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter against the center’s owner, Tamela Peterson, and two employees. The chamber operator also faces charges related to false information in medical records.
The tragic incident involving Thomas Cooper has raised significant concerns regarding safety protocols at medical facilities using hyperbaric chambers. Investigators found that safety measures were not adequately prioritized by the Oxford Center’s management during treatments. This negligence allegedly contributed to the fatal accident.
Key details surrounding this case include:
- The explosion occurred while Cooper was undergoing treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sleep apnea.
- The boy’s mother sustained injuries during the incident as she was near the chamber when it exploded.
- Charges against those involved highlight serious allegations of misconduct and negligence regarding patient safety.
Attorney General Nessel emphasized that financial motives appeared to drive the center’s operations, leading them to provide unapproved treatments despite potential risks. She stated that these actions demonstrated a disregard for patient safety standards established by medical science.
This case is currently under investigation as authorities seek further accountability for those responsible for maintaining safe practices within healthcare settings. The legal proceedings will likely shed more light on operational failures at facilities like the Oxford Center.
The charges brought against four individuals underscore serious concerns about operational standards at medical centers using specialized equipment like hyperbaric chambers. As investigations continue, there is hope for increased scrutiny on patient safety regulations across healthcare facilities nationwide.
