Traction Law Group Is Investigating Potential Claims Against the New Jersey Organ and Tissue Sharing Network
Following a congressional investigation that revealed disturbing allegations against the New Jersey Organ and Tissue Sharing Network (NJ Sharing Network), Traction Law Group is actively investigating potential legal claims on behalf of affected families.
If your loved one’s case involved NJ Sharing Network, or if you have concerns about how organ donation procedures were conducted, you may have grounds for legal action.
What We’re Investigating
Based on testimony from whistleblowers and findings from the House Committee on Ways and Means, we are investigating multiple categories of potential claims, including:
Proceeding Despite Signs of Life
The most egregious allegation involves a summer 2025 incident at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Camden, where NJ Sharing Network’s president allegedly instructed staff to continue organ procurement after a patient showed signs of life. Hospital staff intervened to stop the procedure, but the directive to continue raises serious questions about:
- Proper determination of death
- Medical negligence
- Violation of medical standards of care
- Emotional distress caused to families
- Potential tampering with medical records
Violation of Documented Wishes
Whistleblowers allege that NJ Sharing Network pressured families to consent to organ donation even when patients had explicitly revoked their organ donor status. This may constitute:
- Violation of patient autonomy
- Fraud or misrepresentation
- Intentional infliction of emotional distress
- Breach of fiduciary duty
Improper Organ Allocation
Federal records reportedly show NJ Sharing Network allocated organs out of proper sequence approximately 25% of the time, allegedly sending organs to “friends in the industry” rather than following established waiting list protocols. Families of patients who:
- Died while waiting for transplants that went to others out of sequence
- Had their medical conditions worsen due to delayed transplants
- Are still waiting after being bypassed
…may have claims for wrongful death, negligence, or violations of federal organ allocation laws.
Financial Misconduct
A former employee has filed a lawsuit alleging NJ Sharing Network collected organs inappropriate for transplants to generate Medicaid reimbursements. This raises questions about whether the organization prioritized profit over patient welfare and family wishes.
Destruction of Evidence
Congressional investigators report that emails related to the “reanimation” case may have been deleted and donor records potentially tampered with—actions that could constitute:
- Spoliation of evidence
- Obstruction of justice
- Cover-up of negligent practices
Who May Have a Claim?
You may have grounds for a legal claim if your loved one’s case involved NJ Sharing Network and:
- Organ donation procedures occurred between 2022 and present
- You have concerns about whether death was properly determined
- Your loved one had revoked organ donor status but organs were still procured
- You felt pressured to consent to donation
- Your loved one was on a transplant waiting list but was skipped over
- You discovered information was withheld or records were altered
- Medical staff expressed concerns about procedures
- You were denied access to complete medical records
- Something about the process felt rushed or inappropriate
Facilities Where NJ Sharing Network Operates
NJ Sharing Network serves as the federally designated organ procurement organization for New Jersey. If your loved one received care at any New Jersey hospital and organ donation was discussed or pursued, NJ Sharing Network was likely involved.
Hospitals specifically mentioned in the investigation include:
- Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital (Camden)
- And numerous other facilities throughout New Jersey
What Makes These Cases Different
Organ procurement negligence cases are complex and require attorneys who understand:
- Federal organ donation laws and regulations
- Medical standards for determining death
- Organ allocation protocols
- Healthcare institutional practices
- The sensitive nature of end-of-life care
At Traction Law Group, we have experience handling cases involving negligence in the care and treatment of deceased individuals. We understand how to investigate complex medical claims while treating your family’s experience with the compassion and respect you deserve.
The Investigation Is Ongoing
The House Committee on Ways and Means has demanded that NJ Sharing Network CEO Carolyn Welsh respond to their allegations by December 3, 2025. The committee is requesting:
- Additional documents and communications
- Interviews with more than two dozen staff members
- Explanations for allocation practices
- Information about deleted emails and altered records
As this federal investigation continues, more information may come to light that affects potential legal claims.
Time Limits Apply
Like all legal claims, lawsuits related to organ procurement negligence are subject to statutes of limitations—strict deadlines for filing. In New Jersey, these deadlines vary depending on the type of claim.
Don’t wait to seek legal advice. The sooner we can begin investigating your case, the better we can preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Why Choose Traction Law Group?
Experience in Complex Negligence Cases
We have successfully represented families in cases involving negligence by medical facilities, funeral homes, and other institutions entrusted with the care of deceased loved ones.
Compassionate Representation
We understand that pursuing legal action cannot undo what happened to your loved one. Our goal is to provide accountability, seek justice, and ensure that reforms prevent similar situations from affecting other families.
Thorough Investigation
We work with medical experts, investigators, and other professionals to build strong cases. We know how to obtain medical records, depose witnesses, and uncover evidence of negligence or wrongdoing.
No Fees Unless We Win
We handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for your family.
What Compensation May Be Available?
Depending on the circumstances of your case, potential compensation may include:
- Pain and suffering experienced by your loved one
- Emotional distress to family members
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of companionship
- Punitive damages (if egregious conduct is proven)
- Medical expenses
Each case is unique, and the compensation available depends on the specific facts and applicable law.
Take the First Step: Free Case Review
If you believe your family may have been affected by negligent practices at NJ Sharing Network, contact Traction Law Group for a free, confidential case review.
During your consultation, we will:
- Listen to your concerns and what happened
- Review any documentation you have
- Explain your legal rights and options
- Answer your questions
- Advise you on the best path forward
Contact Us Today
The families who have come forward as whistleblowers have shown tremendous courage in exposing these alleged practices. If you have information or concerns about your own loved one’s case, you are not alone.
Let Traction Law Group and our co-counsel investigate your claim and fight for the accountability your family deserves.
Traction Law Group and our co-counsel represent families in cases involving funeral home negligence, nursing home abuse, and medical malpractice throughout the United States. We are committed to holding institutions accountable when they fail to provide the dignified, ethical care that every person deserves.
How do I know if NJ Sharing Network was involved in my loved one’s case?
If your loved one died in a New Jersey hospital and organ donation was discussed or pursued, NJ Sharing Network was almost certainly involved as they are the federally designated organ procurement organization for the state.
What if I consented to the organ donation?
Giving consent does not prevent you from pursuing a claim if proper protocols were not followed, if you were misled, or if negligence occurred during the procurement process.
Will pursuing a lawsuit hurt the organ donation system?
Holding organizations accountable for negligence and unethical practices actually strengthens the organ donation system by ensuring that proper standards are maintained and families can trust the process.
How long does an investigation take?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case and the cooperation of the involved parties. We work as efficiently as possible while ensuring thoroughness.
What documents do I need?
Any medical records, death certificates, organ donation consent forms, correspondence with NJ Sharing Network, or other documentation you have would be helpful, but we can also work to obtain records on your behalf.
Is there a cost to have my case reviewed?
No. Case reviews are always free and confidential. There is no obligation, and we only charge attorney fees if we recover compensation for you.
