Lasik eye surgery allows people with vision problems to see properly without glasses or contacts. While Lasik surgery has improved many peoples' lives, when it is not performed properly, it can cause chronic discomfort and, in some cases, may significantly impair a person's vision and ability to complete daily tasks. If you suffered from laser surgery malpractice, it is advisable to speak to a lawyer to discuss whether you may be able to recover damages for your doctor's negligence. The Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys of Arfaa Law Group regularly help people harmed by the incompetence of healthcare providers seek redress for their injuries.
Issues Caused by Lasik Surgery MalpracticeLasik surgery is eye surgery that aims to treat astigmatism, myopia, and hyperopia. During the surgery, a doctor uses a laser to cut and reshape the cornea. Lasik surgery requires precise measurements and movements in which seemingly minor deviations can cause significant issues. For example, a patient may be under or over treated, which will require the patient to need glasses or contacts despite the surgery. Patients may also suffer new vision impairments, such as the loss of lines of vision, double vision, glare, and halo effects. Additionally, patients may suffer adverse effects such as dry eye syndrome, which can cause discomfort and reduced vision clarity. In some instances, a doctor will commit laser surgery malpractice by failing to conduct a thorough examination prior to performing the surgery, and will not identify issues that make the patient an inappropriate candidate, such as chronically dry eyes, thin corneas, and large pupils, which often results in permanent damage to the cornea that could easily have been prevented.
Holding a Doctor Accountable for Lasik Surgery MalpracticeA patient that is harmed by improperly performed Lasik surgery may be able to recover damages in a medical malpractice lawsuit. Generally, medical malpractice lawsuits allege that the plaintiff suffered harm due to negligence. In Maryland, to prove negligence, a plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant had a duty to abide by the applicable standard of care, but that the defendant breached the duty, causing the plaintiff to suffer harm.
The standard of care that applies in a medical malpractice case is the care that a competent health care provider with the same training and skills, practicing in the same specialty, would provide in a similar situation. For example, if a competent ophthalmologist questions a plaintiff regarding any history of eye dryness prior to performing Lasik surgery and the defendant failed to do so, it may be considered a departure from the standard of care. In the majority of cases, the plaintiff will need an expert to testify regarding the standard of care and to explain how the defendant's actions or omissions constitute a failure to comply with the standard. Typically, an expert must have practiced in the same specialty as the defendant, but in some instances, other health care practitioners with knowledge of the relevant standard may be qualified to offer expert testimony.
A plaintiff that demonstrates that a defendant negligently caused the plaintiff harm during Lasik surgery may be awarded both economic and non-economic damages. Specifically, the plaintiff may recover the cost of any medical treatment he or she needed, as well as the cost of treatment he or she may need in the future, and damages for lost wages. In instances in which the plaintiff suffered permanent harm, a significant portion of the damages awarded may consist of compensation for the pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life caused by the harm.
Discuss Your Case with a Baltimore AttorneyWhen Lasik surgery is improperly performed, it can cause significant pain and medical expenses. If your doctor recklessly caused you harm during Lasik surgery, you should consult an attorney regarding your rights. At Arfaa Law Group, we are dedicated to assisting people harmed by negligently performed medical treatments, and we will work tirelessly to help you seek a just result. Our office is in Baltimore, where we frequently assist people in medical malpractice lawsuits. You can reach us through our form online or by contacting us at 410-889-1850 to schedule a consultation.