Opinion ID: 3055142
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Beumel’s Victims

Text: Five patients were identified who contracted HCV from Beumel’s use of the syringes. One patient experienced liver damage caused by the HCV and subsequently died from other illnesses. Another patient victim successfully eradicated his HCV by undergoing a year of aggressive and painful treatment. However, that patient victim was infected with the HCV while being treated for multiple myeloma and one week prior to receiving a high dose of chemotherapy that essentially destroyed his immune system. Though this patient was able to eradicate the HCV, having the infection while his immune system was compromised created a substantial risk of death. Two other patient victims continued suffering from their HCV infections at the time of Beumel’s sentencing and could not undergo treatment due to their advanced age and other health problems. They both face protracted impairment of the liver as a result of the HCV. Beumel’s fifth victim contracted HCV during a follow-up procedure for his successful liver transplant. Although his HCV was aggressively treated, the treatment negatively impacted his overall health and was discontinued without 5 Case: 12-15056 Date Filed: 06/21/2013 Page: 6 of 15 success. The HCV damaged the patient’s new liver and, after three years of fighting the disease, he died from complications related to his HCV.