Medical Malpractice
Grinath v. Azar Eye Surgery Center
This Salisbury, Maryland malpractice lawsuit involves allegations that two doctors failed to measure properly the Plaintiff’s left eye before cataract surgery, leading to the implantation of the wrong power lens. This caused blurred vision and necessitated two additional surgeries.
This case was filed on February 3, 2016. It is the 51st medical malpractice lawsuit filed in Maryland in 2016.
Summary of Plaintiff’s Allegations
Plaintiff, an adult resident of Pittsville, Maryland, presents to Azar Surgery, an eye care center in Berlin, Maryland. Plaintiff is examined by an ophthalmologist for cataract issues.
The ophthalmologist takes measurements in anticipation of possible cataract surgery. He refers Plaintiff to the surgeon for consideration of cataract surgery, knowing that the surgeon will rely upon said measurements in performing surgery.
The two big measurements are the axial length of the eye and the corneal curvature. To get the correct intraocular lens, you have to indirectly measure the axial length of the eye with an ultrasound. You cannot take the eye out and measure it with a ruler. The issue in this case was not the axial length but with the corneal curvature.
About six weeks later, Plaintiff is examined by the Defendant doctor at Azar Surgery’s office in Salisbury, Maryland. The doctor takes (or does not take) his own measurements similar to those taken by the ophthalmologist.
It is alleged that these doctors failed to diligently analyze the measurements. As a result, the lens used in Plaintiff’s surgery was significantly underestimated. After the Defendant doctor performs cataract surgery on Plaintiff, she begins complaining of blurry vision and a glare. She notices a difference between the functioning of her two eyes.
Plaintiff returns to the Defendant doctor’s office. The Defendant doctor takes repeat measurements and explains that he can fix the problem with additional surgery. When the Defendant doctor operates for a second time, the surgery is complicated by a corneal endothelial loss. A third surgery is recommended to repair this condition.
Plaintiff’s condition continues to worsen. She complains of discomfort, cloudy vision, sharp pain on and off, and tearing and burning sensations. She is eventually referred to a doctor at Delaware Eye Clinics where she undergoes a corneal transplant.
Plaintiff files a medical negligence lawsuit in Worcester County, alleging that the Defendants violated the standard of care by failing to calculate properly the interocular lens power which caused an overestimation of the lens power used in the initial surgery. As a result, Plaintiff has suffered irreversible complications and damage to her left eye resulting in corneal damage, causing extensive surgery. Plaintiff has incurred significant medical expenses for her ongoing treatment and has suffered tremendous pain, suffering, and emotional stress.
Additional Comments
- This is a hard case to love for a plaintiffs’ lawyer on the face of it. It is in a tough jurisdiction (Worcester) and it appears the victim has had a full recovery, albeit after three procedures.
- The Complaint talks about a problem with a glare after the first procedure. Plaintiff may have a challenge linking that to a mistake in measuring corneal curvature.
Jurisdiction
- Worcester County
Defendants
Azar Eye Surgery Center, LLC- Two doctors at Azar, an M.D., and an O.D.
Negligence
- Failed to calculate properly the interocular lens power which caused an overestimation of the lens power used in the initial surgery
Specific Counts Pled
- Negligence
- Respondeat Superior – Azar Surgery
Plaintiff’s Experts and Areas of Specialty
- John L. Grady, M.D. – board certified by the American Academy of Ophthalmology; licensed to practice in South Carolina.
Getting a Lawyer for Your Case
If you have suffered an injury or lost a loved one as the result of a doctor or nurse’s mistake, you need an experienced Maryland medical malpractice lawyer on your side. Our law firm has a history of getting large verdicts and settlements in medical malpractice injury and wrongful death cases for our deserving clients. Call us today at 800-553-8082 or get a free online case review.
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