News Summary
A family has settled a lawsuit following the death of Bart Writer during a routine cataract surgery. Concerns about medical negligence were raised when doctors allegedly ignored vital signs as they played games during the procedure. The implications for patient safety in surgical environments are significant, highlighting the need for vigilance in medical care. Chris Writer expressed deep frustration regarding the events that led to her husband’s death, which occurred shortly before their planned anniversary celebration.
Lone Tree, Colorado – A family has reached a settlement following a lawsuit related to the death of Bart Writer, a 56-year-old man who died during a routine cataract surgery on February 3, 2023. The lawsuit, which was settled for an undisclosed amount, raises serious concerns about negligence during the procedure at the InSight Surgery Center, located in a suburb of Denver, Colorado.
Bart Writer’s death occurred shortly into what was expected to be a ten-minute surgery performed by Dr. C. Starck Johnson, who was the head surgeon and had known the patient for several years. Writer’s wife, Chris, was informed that she could leave the facility while the operation took place. However, while she was nearby, she received an unexpected call from Dr. Johnson requesting a meeting in the parking lot, where he questioned her faith in God.
Tragically, eleven minutes into the surgery, Bart Writer’s vital signs became abnormal. Despite several monitors being attached to him, alarms were reportedly either not audible or turned off prior to the procedure, as detailed in the lawsuit. During this critical time, both Dr. Johnson and anesthesiologist Dr. Michael Urban were reportedly engaged in a game of “music bingo,” identifying songs from the 1970s and 1980s, with Urban keeping score and having sole access to Writer’s vital signs.
As Bart Writer experienced respiratory distress and turned blue due to a lack of oxygen, the doctors continued their game. He was eventually transferred to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead, with cardiac arrest cited as the official cause.
Chris Writer expressed deep frustration and anger over the events leading to her husband’s death, stating that the medical team appeared to disregard their duties. She became aware of the doctors’ bingo game from another unnamed physician after her husband had passed away.
The legal dispute involved both Dr. Johnson and Dr. Urban, with Johnson claiming that he relied on Urban to monitor Writer’s condition, while Urban’s legal counsel stated he stands by his treatment of Writer and disagrees with Johnson’s characterizations of the events.
In a related note, Dr. Urban’s medical license has expired in Colorado, though he currently holds a license to practice in Oregon. The unsettling circumstances surrounding this case have raised questions about procedural protocols and patient safety during medical procedures.
Bart Writer was set to celebrate his 25th wedding anniversary with Chris on July 15, 2023. The impact of his unexpected death resonates deeply within the community and serves as a reminder of the critical importance of vigilance and care in medical environments.
The legal settlement marks a significant conclusion to the family’s pursuit of justice, bringing to light the serious implications of inattentiveness in medical practice. Though the outcome offers some closure, the tragedy of Bart Writer’s death highlights ongoing concerns regarding patient treatment and monitoring during surgical procedures.
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Additional Resources
- 9News
- Law & Crime
- IndyStar
- Wikipedia: Medical Negligence
- Telegram
- Google Search: Medical Safety Protocols
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
