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Every year, US eye doctors undertake a staggering three million cataract surgeries, yet sadly, not all of them are successful. Medical errors can lead to partial or complete blindness for patients, which has prompted thousands of malpractice claims against ophthalmologists in the past few years alone.
Those with valid medical malpractice claims relating to cataract surgery may be able to recover their damages. Compensation includes both economic and non-economic damages.
At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, our experienced medical malpractice lawyers represent individuals who have suffered health issues after a medical error, and we want to help you.
Table Of Contents
Quick Summary
- The majority of cataracts occurs when the tissue that makes up the eye’s lens changes due to aging.
- Medical errors during cataract surgery or poor guidance post-operation can cause partial vision loss or permanent blindness.
- If you suffer because of negligent treatment, you may be entitled to file a medical malpractice claim.
What Are the Causes of Cataracts?
The causes of cataracts are aging, malnutrition, severe hydrating diseases in children, and excessive exposure to ultraviolet [1].
The symptoms of a cataract are blurry vision, double vision (diplopia or polyopia), halos around lights, glare sensitivity, and disturbance in color vision [2].
As you grow in age, so do the chances of developing a cataract. The proteins in your eye’s lens naturally break down and start to form a cloudy area, something that typically starts around 40 years of age and can become increasingly severe over time [3].
A cataract is a cloudy area that forms in the lens of your eye. Cataracts can develop when proteins break down and clump together in your eye’s lens. Cataracts can eventually cause blurred vision and make it harder to see properly.
– Vicente Diaz, Ophthalmologist and Editor at Healthline.com
Now, let’s get familiar with one of the most notorious cataract surgery lawsuits available to the public.
Grinath v. Azar Eye Surgery Center
In the Salisbury area, two doctors were accused of negligence when they failed to properly measure the victim’s left eye before cataract surgery on February 3, 2016.
The surgeons implanted the wrong power lens, leaving the patient with blurred vision and two additional surgeries.
Summary of Plaintiff’s Allegations
The case was brought by a woman who visited Azar Eye Surgery Center in Maryland to have her cataract issues examined by ophthalmologists.
Following the assessment, it was decided that she should be referred to a surgeon at the same center for consideration of a surgical procedure with the patient’s informed consent.
That would require relying on the detailed axial length of the eye and the corneal curvature measurements taken with an ultrasound during the examination process.
After a discrepancy in corneal curvature measurements was taken by two separate doctors, Plaintiff’s issues began.
Following the defendant’s doctor performing cataract surgery on her, she experienced significant discomfort and changing vision from blurry to cloudy, causing sharp pain off-and-on as well as burning and tearing sensations that permeated throughout her postoperative experience.
So, she decided to take legal action against the doctors for their medical negligence and violation of standard care.
How an Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorney Can Help You
According to data from the Ophthalmic Mutual Insurance Company (OMIC), 578 malpractice cases involving cataract surgery have been brought in the last decade [4].
If you have experienced a severe injury as the result of a doctor’s error, an experienced medical malpractice attorney can help you support your claim and prove you were harmed because of a negligent medical expert.
Additionally, law firms can help gather evidence of how the cataract surgery complications resulted in emotional and physical damages, such as medical bills and emotional distress.
Related Article: Eye Surgery Malpractice Suit
Cataract Malpractice Settlements
Cataract surgery settlements range from $3.000 to $1 million.
However, it is worth noting that compensation in medical malpractice lawsuits will vary depending on the individual case but can include compensation for.
- Medical expenses,
- Pain and suffering,
- Emotional discomfort.
In a renowned case, the jury awarded $500.000 to a woman because the cataract surgery was performed under the standard of care by not recognizing endophthalmitis (a severe inflammatory disorder caused by the vitreous cavity infection) in a timely manner.
In another case, the jury awarded $13.653.245 in damages to a man after finding that he lost vision in his right eye after cataract surgery. This happened because the ophthalmologist injected Gentamicin instead of applying it to the patient’s eye surface.
Related Articles:
- Retinal Detachment Accident Attorneys
- ENT Malpractice Lawsuits
- Vision Loss Malpractice Lawsuits
- Postoperative Vision Loss Lawsuits
FAQs
What Is the Value of My Cataract Surgery Lawsuit?
The value of a cataract surgery lawsuit can vary depending on the severity of the injury, how it was caused, and the amount of medical care and treatment required. But the average settlement value range from $3,000 to $1 million.
What Are the Most Serious Cataract Surgery Complications?
The most serious cataract surgery complications are endophthalmitis, Suprachoroidal Hemorrhage, retinal detachment, Posterior Capsule Rupture, chronic corneal edema, swelling in the cornea, and bleeding [5].
What compensation can I seek in a cataract surgery lawsuit?
Compensation can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other damages related to the injury or complication.
Do I need a lawyer for a cataract surgery lawsuit?
Yes, consulting with an experienced medical malpractice attorney is crucial to navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and advocate for fair compensation.
Get the Compensation You Deserve With One of Our Lawyers
Medical negligence during or post cataract surgery accounted for thousands of lawsuits due to causing serious health disabilities like blindness and permanently blurred vision.
If you or someone you love have been a victim of medical malpractice, you should contact an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Schmidt & Clark, LLP has dedicated years to representing those who’ve suffered from negligent treatment. We can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation if you have any medical malpractice settlement questions.
References:
- https://misuse.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/error/abuse.shtml
- https://misuse.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/error/abuse.shtml
- https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts
- https://misuse.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/error/abuse.shtml
- https://www.reviewofophthalmology.com/article/are-you-lawsuitproof