Family Settles Lawsuit After Death During Cataract Surgery

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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• 9News
• Law & Crime
• IndyStar
• Wikipedia: Medical Negligence
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• Google Search: Medical Safety Protocols