Woman blinded during cataract surgery – $600,000 Settlement

The plaintiff was a 64-year-old retired IT professional who was blinded in one eye during the administration of anesthetic for elective cataract extraction involving her right eye. The defendant anesthesiologist attempted a peribulbar block, in which local anesthetic should be injected into the muscle surrounding the eye, but not within the globe of the eye itself. When the surgeon began operating, he found the eye to be mushy and soft with visible bleeding. He also saw multiple puncture wounds in the globe of the eye and detachment of the retina. He emergently sought the assistance of a retinal specialist who confirmed these findings and also found a large rupture of the sclera, which is the white outer layer of the eyeball. This occurred as a result of the injection of anesthetic within the globe of the eye, which increased the volume pressure and caused the sclera to rupture at its thinnest point. Attempts were made to salvage the eye, but the patient eventually experienced recurrent retinal detachments and developed significant scar tissue that decreased the likelihood of success. She is permanently blind in that eye, with only some ability to see light. The plaintiff alleged that penetrating the globe of the eye during peribulbar block is a breach in the standard of care on the part of the anesthesiologist, as is the failure to recognize the complication and to inject anesthetic into the globe of the eye.

The case settled at mediation after suit was filed, but before it was served.

Type of action: Medical Malpractice

Injuries alleged: Blindness in one eye

Name of case: Confidential

Court: Confidential

Case no.: Confidential

Tried before: Mediation

Name of mediator: Hon. Robert S. Brewbaker Jr. (Ret.)

Date resolved: June 19, 2018

Special damages: None

Verdict or settlement: Settlement

Amount: $600,000.00

Attorneys for plaintiff: Jonathan M. Petty, Richmond

Attorneys for defendant: Confidential