One of the Largest Lasik Malpractice Trial Awards $2.1 Million
One of the largest malpractice settlements has been awarded for the negligent Lasik surgery of a New Jersey man. James Dell’Ermo underwent Lasik surgery which rendered him legally blind (vision worse than 20/400 without corrective lenses). The $2.1 million settlement reached is part of a group of 16 malpractice lawsuits filed against the Lasik surgeon. The claims against the surgeon relates to his failure to recognize that Mr. Dell’Ermo was not a candidate for Lasik and that he had steep corneas. By performing Lasik the surgeon caused a condition known as ectasia which is a progressive condition which will ultimately require Dell’Ermo to undergo corneal transplants in both eyes. Dell’Ermo’s case and its companion lawsuits are evidence of the questionable safety of Lasik procedures. In fact, in April 2008, the FDA conducted hearings and questioned the safety and effectiveness of the surgery.
