Georgia Lasik Eye Surgery Malpractice Lawyer
In recent years, millions of Americans have considered or have undergone a procedure called LASIK (Laser in Situ Keratomileusis) surgery for their eyesight. Lasik is a laser-assisted surgery that has become so common there are surgery centers in such places as shopping malls.
The purpose of Lasik surgery, and the reason it is so popular, is that when performed correctly the procedure can reshape the cornea to reduce or even eliminate the need for the patient to wear glasses or contact lenses. This means that it helps to reduce common vision problems such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), or astigmatism (imperfect eyeball curvature).
Lasik uses a special laser called an excimer laser. The procedure reshapes the cornea, which is the transparent covering in the front of the eye. During Lasik surgery, the physician lifts the cornea and reshapes the tissue below to either remove tissue or to change the shape and curvature of the cornea and, hopefully, to improve the patient’s vision.
Unfortunately, when something goes wrong in this surgery, the result can be serious injury to the patient. Charles Scholle and the Scholle Law team represents patients who have been injured due to Lasik eye surgery throughout Georgia.
Our team understands the complexities of Lasik malpractice cases, and we know how to get the compensation you deserve. Call us at (866) 592-1296 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
Lasik Surgery Injuries and Complications
Lasik is usually a safe procedure. It has been performed millions of times, usually with few or no serious issues. However, if there is a mistake or if an unqualified physician performs the procedure, injuries can arise.
Some examples of Lasik eye surgery injuries include:
- The corneal flap is damaged or does not become smooth after surgery
- A blade or suction device malfunctions
- The microkeratome (surgical blade) used during the procedure slips
- The suction ring used in the procedure is misaligned
- Debris during the procedure harms the eye
- Under- or over-correction of vision
- Permanent blindness
- Inability to perceive contrast or depth (diminished binocular vision)
In some cases, the procedure goes exactly as expected, but there is a problem during the healing process. This can result in pain, epithelial growth where the cornea was sliced, blurred vision, infections, or other problems. Even after Lasik surgery, patients can have blurry vision that does not resolve, night driving problems, hazy vision, and other related visual impairment symptoms.
Normal Complications After Lasik Eye Surgery
As with any procedure, there are several minor issues that can arise after eye surgery. Patients are typically warned about common side effects of Lasik, such as:
- Dry eyes
- Soreness, irritation, or scratchiness
- Eye tiredness
- Light sensitivity
- “Halos” around lights
- Diminishing results, especially as you age
These symptoms typically resolve on their own within a few days of surgery. Because these are known risks that may occur even if the surgery is performed perfectly, they are typically not grounds for an ophthalmological malpractice lawsuit.
Complications that can Constitute Lasik Malpractice in Georgia
As with all cases of medical malpractice, there are certain criteria that must be met before a lawsuit can successfully be filed.
The surgeon or ophthalmologist who performed the procedure owed you a duty of care to not cause harm. They must exercise reasonable care in performing this duty.
If this duty is breached, and as a result you are injured, you may be able to hold that medical professional liable for damages you suffered, such as medical bills, lost income, and more.
Ways in which the duty of care could be breached include:
- Not following the surgical plan
- Not being licensed or trained to perform Lasik
- Using defective equipment
- Failure to identify or account for pre-existing conditions
- Not obtaining informed consent from the patient before the procedure
- Not following up with the patient after the surgery
However, it must be proven that the doctor or surgeon should have reasonably foreseen that their actions would cause the injury. This often includes calling expert witnesses, such as other Lasik surgeons, to testify that they would not have taken the actions that caused the injury, were they the ones performing the procedure.
As we mentioned, there are typically minor side effects after Lasik surgery. However, if these issues persist after your procedure, or your injury is more severe and/or irreparable, a Georgia Lasik eye surgery malpractice attorney may be able to help you seek compensation.
Get the Help You Need from a Georgia Lasik Malpractice Lawyer Today
From left: Attorneys Annette Malena, Charles Scholle,
and Todd I. Shugart
Injuries resulting from Lasik surgery are not common, but when they do occur, the results can be devastating. You may be left partially or completely blind, you may suffer serious infections that can spread, or your eyeball could be scratched or otherwise damaged by equipment used in the procedure.
No matter the injury, if it is caused by the negligence or errant actions of the doctor or surgeon, you may be entitled to compensation. At Scholle Law, we understand the nuances of malpractice cases.
Surgeons and Lasik centers, plus their insurance providers, often have teams of lawyers to fight against any lawsuits that are brought against them. They may try to bully victims into taking a low settlement – or they may simply say that no compensation is owed.
Our team of experienced attorneys know all the tricks and strategies insurance companies use to avoid paying compensation, and we know how to get the compensation you deserve.
Call us at (866) 592-1296 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Georgia Lasik eye surgery malpractice lawyer today.