Family Settles Lawsuit After Cataract Surgery Complication

Categories: Doctor in the NewsNews

The importance of patient monitoring during surgery cannot be overstated, highlighting the need for strict adherence to safety protocols.

News Summary

In Lone Tree, Colorado, a family has settled a lawsuit related to the death of Bart Writer during a cataract surgery. The surgery, performed under the care of Dr. C. Starck Johnson and anesthesiologist Dr. Michael Urban, took a tragic turn when the medical staff were reportedly distracted during the procedure. Bart’s rapid health decline went unnoticed until it was too late, leading to his death from cardiac arrest. The case has raised serious concerns about medical negligence and the standards of patient care in surgical environments.

Lone Tree, Colorado – Family Settles Lawsuit Following Cataract Surgery Death Linked to Inattentive Doctors

In a tragic case emerging from Lone Tree, Colorado, family members of Bart Writer, a 56-year-old man who died during a routine cataract surgery, have reached a settlement following a lawsuit against the medical professionals involved. The surgery, which was scheduled on February 3, 2023, at the InSight Surgery Center, took a dire turn as reports surfaced that doctors were distracted by an unrelated game while the procedure was underway.

The primary surgeon, Dr. C. Starck Johnson, had a longstanding relationship with Bart Writer, who was supposed to be undergoing a common procedure lasting approximately 10 minutes. After being advised by the medical staff that she could leave the facility during the surgery, Bart’s wife, Chris Writer, was alerted by Dr. Johnson to meet him in the parking lot. There, he posed questions regarding her belief in God, which added to the unusual circumstances surrounding that day.

During the procedure, which began with Bart’s vital signs appearing stable, alarming changes occurred just eleven minutes in. Bart Writer’s health declined rapidly as he experienced severe respiratory distress. Despite having multiple monitors connected to him, the lawsuit states that alarm systems were not audible or turned on prior to the surgery. It was during this critical time that Drs. Johnson and Urban were reportedly distracted, engaging in a game of “music bingo,” which required them to identify songs from the 1970s and 1980s.

Failure to Monitor Vital Signs

Dr. Michael Urban, the anesthesiologist overseeing the operation, was the sole medical professional with access to Bart’s vital signs. As the situation worsened, Bart turned blue due to a lack of oxygen, indicating critical distress. Following this, he was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Cardiac arrest was cited as the official cause of death.

Chris Writer later expressed her anger and frustration toward the medical team, emphasizing the perceived negligence that led to her husband’s death. She learned of the doctors’ distraction during a conversation with another anonymous medical professional after the incident. The family subsequently initiated a lawsuit against both Dr. Johnson and Dr. Urban, seeking accountability for their roles in the tragic event.

Responses from Medical Teams

In the legal proceedings, Dr. Johnson claimed reliance on Dr. Urban for both the anesthesia and patient monitoring throughout the surgery, suggesting that Urban violated established protocols. However, Dr. Urban’s counsel contested this assertion, maintaining that he stands by his treatment and care of Bart Writer. The specifics of the eventual settlement remain undisclosed.

Current Status of Medical Licenses

At present, Dr. Urban’s medical license in Colorado has expired. However, he is still licensed to practice medicine in Oregon. Meanwhile, Chris Writer was preparing to celebrate her 25th wedding anniversary with Bart on July 15, 2023, a poignant reminder of the couple’s shared life now marred by tragedy.

This case has drawn attention to potential issues of negligence in medical environments, emphasizing the importance of constant vigilance during surgical procedures. The circumstances surrounding Bart Writer’s death will undoubtedly resonate with advocates for patient safety and medical accountability as they pursue reforms within the healthcare system.