A Washington state jury awarded $24 million to the family of Michael Trujillo, a Colorado electrician who died in 2019 after a botched stem cell injection for ALS at the now-closed Seattle Stem Cell Center. The unanimous verdict blamed negligence: no fluoroscopic imaging guidance during the spinal procedure while he was on blood thinners (Coumadin), causing dura puncture, spinal/brain bleeding, and fatal herniation the next day.
What Happened
- Trujillo (diagnosed with ALS in 2017) saw the clinic’s online ads claiming stem cells could treat it (no FDA approval exists; ALS Association confirms).
- Flew from Colorado for free consult and first IV treatment (Feb 2019); returned for second epidural injection (April 2019).
- Clinic owner Dr. Tami Meraglia says initial plan was IV, but performing doctor switched to epidural despite risks; she plans to appeal, citing excluded evidence.
Family statements highlight deception and hope turned tragedy: Wife Carmen flew home alone; daughter Holly Trujillo-Lopez calls it “deeply wrong” to expose others.
Prior Accountability
Washington AG sued in 2022 under Consumer Protection Act for “deceptive claims” on unproven stem cells for ALS, MS, Parkinson’s, etc. Result: $800k judgment, permanent marketing ban. Complaint cited Facebook posts preying on desperate patients.
Key Takeaway
Attorney Dylan Cohon stresses honest marketing, patient safety, and informed consent in unproven therapies. Trujillo, a master electrician with 2 sons, 3 daughters, and 10 grandkids, built his company from scratch—verdict seeks justice and deterrence. Clinic’s Facebook promotions targeted “end of traditional options.”
