A 27-year-old female suffered visual impairment while in the care of the male defendant ophthalmologist where she presented for Lasik eye surgery. The plaintiff contended that the defendant failed to obtain informed consent for the surgery and that she was never informed of the risks involved in the surgery. The plaintiff further contended that because of her large pupils, she was at increased risk for night glare and that the defendant failed to provide the proper standard of care. The defendant denied liability and contended that the plaintiff's large pupils did not place her at increased risk for night glare and that his care was within the acceptable medical standards at all times.
Graysmith v. Kawesch, M.D. (Superior SC 075443)
State/County: CA/Los Angeles.
Plaintiff Attorney: Marcus A. Petoyan, Sherman, Salkow, Petoyan & Weber, Los Angeles, CA.
Defense Attorney: Gregory D. Werre,
Bonne, Bridges, Mueller, O'Keefe & Nichols, Los Angeles, CA.
Medical Witness for the
Plaintiff-Opthalmologist: James J. Salz, M.D., Los Angeles, CA.
Medical Witness for the
Defense- Ophthalmology: Steven Schallhorn, M.D., San Diego, CA.
Total Award: 0.
Incident Date: February 2002.
Filing Date: January 2003.
Trial Date: April 2004. JV Number:
419566.