Family sues over boy’s death in hyperbaric chamber fire

The family of 5-year-old Thomas Cooper, who died in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber fire in January, has filed a lawsuit accusing the manufacturer and clinic of “corporate greed” that led to his death. The lawsuit, filed on September 22, 2025, in Michigan, claims Thomas was burned alive due to unsafe chamber design and lack of proper warnings.

Thomas died on January 31 when a fire ignited inside the hyperbaric chamber at the Oxford Center in Troy, Michigan. His mother tried to save him but was burned in the process. The lawsuit alleges the chamber was designed without effective emergency escape and that warnings about fire risks were ignored. The family’s attorney states the clinic promoted hyperbaric therapy for profit without informing them of deadly risks. Eight defendants, including the clinic, its staff, and the chamber manufacturer, are named. The lawsuit seeks over $100 million in damages. The incident has spotlighted the unregulated use of hyperbaric therapy, which is approved only for specific conditions, not the broad uses promoted by the clinic. Meanwhile, four staff members face criminal charges, each pleading not guilty. A safety expert testified that static electricity caused the fire, and staff failed basic safety standards. The case underscores the dangers of unregulated hyperbaric treatments and the importance of safety standards.

• The lawsuit accuses defendants of ignoring fire risks and failing to warn families.
• Four clinic staff members face criminal charges, including second-degree murder.
• Experts link static electricity to the fire, citing safety violations.
• The case raises concerns over unregulated hyperbaric therapy for unapproved conditions.

This tragedy emphasizes the need for stricter safety standards and regulation in hyperbaric treatments to prevent future incidents.

Thomas’ death remains a tragic reminder of the risks associated with unapproved wellness practices, prompting calls for increased oversight.