A cataract is the clouding of a normally clear eye lens. They are a common eye disease and a very common reason for eye surgery, especially among older adults. As with any surgery there is always a chance of a surgical error or anesthesia malpractice. If you, or a loved one, has been the victim of cataract surgery malpractice you may be entitled to benefits and financial compensation. Please contact our eye surgery negligence attorneys for a free case review. They charge no fees if they are unable to recover compensation for you.
Cataract Surgery Malpractice Statistics
Cataract surgery injury occurs in approximately 12% of cases. Many are related to retained lens fragments with 108 unique cataract surgeries, 97% against cataract surgeon and 3% against retinal surgeon. Twelve (11%) of 108 claims were resolved by a trial, 30 (28%) were settled, and 66 (61%) were dismissed. The defendant prevailed in 83% of trials. Indemnity payments totaling more than $3,586,000 were made in 32 (30%) of the claims (median payment, $90,000). The difference between the preoperative visual acuity and the final visual acuity was predictive of an indemnity payment and going to a trial. Development of corneal edema was associated with an indemnity payment. Timing of referral and elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) were statistically significant in univariate analyses but not in multivariate analyses for a trial.
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3671368/