While cataract surgery is a relatively common surgery, it — like any other medical procedure — can pose certain risks. During any surgery, there can be complications that any doctor may struggle with, whether it be in Ohio or anywhere around the world. However, the risk of being injected with the wrong drug is not as commonplace and, for one victim, became the center of a medical malpractice suit.
In 2008, the man went to an ophthalmologist to remove a cataract in his left eye. A common procedure during cataract surgery is for the doctor to administer what is known as VisionBlue. This chemical is a dye that makes identifying the cataract easier. However, the nurse allegedly brought methalyne blue — a toxic chemical — instead.
The nurse testified in court that she announced the name of the drug to the surgical technician who then announced it again to the doctor before handing him the shot. The doctor proceeded to administer the shot regardless, claiming that he did not hear the two announce what it was. The drug immensely damaged the victim’s eye. The hospital attempted another procedure, even including a corneal transplant, to try to fix the eye — both procedures failed. Now, the man is completely blind in that eye, and he has glaucoma.
The victim filed a medical malpractice suit naming the doctor as well as the hospital as defendants. The suit was successful, and he was awarded $1.5 million in damages. If an individual has suffered from medical malpractice in Ohio, that person also has the right to file a lawsuit seeking financial relief. If successful, it could monetarily reimburse the victim for medical bills as well as pain and suffering related to the injuries suffered.
Source: The Herald-Sun, “Jury awards cataract patient $1.5M in malpractice suit“, Keith Upchurch, Aug. 20, 2014