Dealing with Cataract Surgery Medical Malpractice

Cataract surgery is generally performed when the patient suffers reduction in sight due to covering of the lens with a cloudy formation. After the surgery, the patient is expected to recover fast and enjoy normal vision.

Unfortunately, failure in cataract surgery or when the doctor mistakenly judges the patient as a right candidate for cataract surgery then the patient may have to suffer serious consequences. There are several risks associated with failure in cataract surgery and guidance in filing a medical malpractice lawsuit.

What is a cataract?

A cataract is a medical condition that causes the patient to lose vision gradually because of the thickening of the lens due to addition of new cortical layers with aging. However, the patient can regain sight with early diagnosis, appropriate care and by undergoing the surgery at right time. The three different types of cataract are - nuclear cataract, posterior subcapsular cataract, and cortical cataract. The degree of loss of sight depends on the type of cataract the patient develops. For example, victims of posterior subcapsular cataract suffer loss in near sight than distance vision.

What is cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery refers to the removal of thickened lens and its replacement with an artificial lens referred to as intra-ocular lens. Before performing the surgery, ophthalmologist has to evaluate the condition of the patient, screen for presence of other diseases such as cardiac diseases, diabetes, and hypertension.

Generally, two different types of lens surgery - intracapsular cataract extraction and extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) extracapsular cataract extraction are performed depending on the condition of the posterior lens capsule, availability of sophisticated equipment, efficiency of surgeon and the type of cataract.

Risks associated with failure in cataract surgery

Failure in cataract surgery results in complications that may even cause the victim to lose the eye sight. Some of the common risks that develop due to failure in cataract surgery include

· Infectious endophthalmitis

· Noninfectious endophthalmitis

· Dropping of nucleus

· Swelling of lens

· Secondary glaucoma

· Posterior capsule tear

· Swelling of cornea due to infections

Reasons for failure in cataract surgery

· Inappropriate placement of lens strength.

· Not giving sufficient amount of anesthetic drug.

· Wrong application of anesthesia causing globe perforation.

Filing a lawsuit for failure in cataract surgery due to medical negligence

If you or your family member is a victim of failed cataract surgery then you can file a personal injury lawsuit. Seek the help of a medical malpractice attorney, prove medical negligence and make a claim. It is important to show that the ophthalmologist failed to perform the procedure as per the medical standards or the needed post-operative care was not taken.

For this a medical expert who is well aware of cataract surgeries should investigate and testify in the case and prove medical negligence on part of the ophthalmologist, nurse, or other medical personnel responsible for providing post-operative care.

Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff from RMFW Law are highly experienced in handling medical malpractice lawsuit. Call for a free consultation at 212-344-1000. We do not charge our clients unless the malpractice lawsuit is ruled in their favor. Feel free to get in touch with us now at any of our offices in at Astoria, Queens, New York City or Brooklyn.

We charge you nothing up front; we are not paid until your case is won or settled.