News Summary
In a tragic incident, a routine cataract surgery at InSight Surgery Center resulted in the death of a 56-year-old man after complications arose during the procedure. Witnesses reported that medical staff were distracted during critical moments, raising concerns about patient safety protocols. The case concluded with a settlement agreement between the deceased’s family and the involved medical providers, emphasizing the importance of adherence to monitoring protocols in healthcare settings.
Late February Cataract Surgery in Lone Tree Ends in Fatality and Lawsuit Settlement
Lone Tree, Colorado — In a tragic incident during a routine cataract surgery, a 56-year-old man, Bart Writer, died after experiencing complications at the InSight Surgery Center on February 3, 2023. The case has since resulted in a settlement agreement between the deceased’s family and the involved medical providers.
Details of the Incident
The procedure, conducted by Dr. C. Starck Johnson, was expected to last roughly ten minutes. It was described as a common, straightforward operation. During the surgery, Bart Writer’s vital signs unexpectedly deteriorated eleven minutes in, prompting concern among medical staff. Despite the presence of monitors, the lawsuit states that the alarms were neither audible nor activated prior to or during the critical moments.
At the time of the medical emergency, witnesses indicate that two doctors, Dr. Johnson and Dr. Michael Urban, the anesthesiologist, were engaged in a game of “music bingo,” a pastime involving identifying songs from the 1970s and 1980s linked to the letters B-I-N-G-O. Dr. Urban, who was responsible for monitoring Mr. Writer’s vital signs, was the only one able to see the monitors during the procedure.
While Mr. Writer experienced respiratory distress and turned visibly blue from oxygen deprivation, the medical team reportedly failed to respond effectively. The lawsuit claims that this neglect was compounded by the distractions created by the bingo game, which reportedly continued until emergency intervention was required.
Despite attempts to stabilize him, Mr. Writer was transferred to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead from cardiac arrest. The incident resulted in noticeable emotional distress for his wife, Chris Writer, who was advised she could leave the surgical center during the procedure. She recounted receiving a call from Dr. Johnson, where he questioned her personal beliefs and asked her to meet him in the parking lot.
Family’s Response and Settlement
Following his death, Chris Writer voiced her dissatisfaction with the medical response and expressed anger over the inadequate supervision during the procedure. It was later revealed that she learned about the bingo game and the distractive behavior from another unnamed medical professional after her husband’s passing.
The lawsuit, citing negligence and failure to monitor the patient appropriately, was settled out of court for an undisclosed sum. The agreement effectively ends the legal dispute but leaves ongoing questions about the conduct of the involved healthcare providers.
Legal and Medical Background
Dr. Johnson’s attorney stated that Dr. Johnson relied heavily on Dr. Urban for anesthesia and adequate patient monitoring during the operation. Conversely, Dr. Johnson asserts that Dr. Urban violated established protocols, contributing to the oversight that led to Mr. Writer’s death.
Dr. Urban, whose medical license in Colorado has lapsed, currently practices medicine in Oregon. His attorney maintains confidence in his care and treatment, disputing claims of negligence or misconduct in this incident.
Additional Context
The incident has raised concerns regarding patient safety, monitoring procedures, and staff distractions during medical procedures. It highlights the importance of strict adherence to medical protocols and the potential dangers of distractions in operating rooms. The hospital and surgical center involved have not issued formal comments but are reportedly reviewing their policies in response to the incident and lawsuit settlement.
Chris Writer was preparing to celebrate her 25th wedding anniversary with Bart later in July 2023, adding a personal dimension to the tragic loss. The case underscores the critical importance of diligent patient monitoring and professional conduct during all medical procedures, regardless of their routine nature.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- 9News
- Law & Crime
- IndyStar
- Wikipedia: Medical Negligence
- Telegram
- Google Search: Medical Safety Protocols
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake 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 North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
