Summary

The family of John Michael Murdoch is suing Oregon Health and Science University for $900,000 after his face caught fire during a 2022 tracheostomy.

The lawsuit alleges staff failed to let isopropyl alcohol fully dry before using a sparking surgical tool, igniting a fire fueled by oxygen.

Murdoch, allegedly awake during the incident, suffered severe burns and lasting trauma before dying six months later from unrelated causes.