Man who awoke during cataract surgery sues over loss of vision and alleged 'torture'

GRETNA – A Mississippi man is suing a local hospital and its doctors for medical malpractice after he allegedly awoke during a cataract surgery that resulted in the complete loss of vision in one of his eyes.

Hector L. Alonso, husband of Maria D. Alonso, filed suit against Tulane University Medical Center, Columbia HCA of New Orleans Inc., Franklin Rawlings M.D. and Shehab A. Ebrhim M.D. in the 24th Judicial District Court on Jan. 7.

Alonso claims he was admitted to Tulane University Medical Center for a cataract surgery in his right eye. The plaintiff alleges that he awoke during the surgery and could see Ebrahim operating on his eye and he asked them to stop the surgery. Alonso claims the medical personnel put a piece of tap over his mouth and continued the surgery, which was ultimately unsuccessful and ended up with the complete loss of vision in his right eye. In addition, the plaintiff alleges he swallowed one of his teeth during the surgery as a result of being held down and “tortured.”

The defendant is accused of failing to take into account the safety of others, failing to properly treat the plaintiff, failing to use proper procedures, failing to properly sedate and monitor the plaintiff, failing to properly supervise employees, failing to properly secure breathing apparatus on the plaintiff, failing to stop the procedure once plaintiff was awakened, failing to take adequate measures to ensure safety of the patient, restraining plaintiff and placing tape over his mouth, knocking plaintiff’s tooth out, blinding the plaintiff in his right eye and assault and battery.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, suffering, annoyance, disability, physical pain and suffering, discomfort, medical expenses, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of use and or function parts of her body, bodily disability, impairment of psychological functioning, disability from engaging in recreation and destruction of earning capacity.

Alonso is represented by Robert B. Evans of New Orleans-based Burgos & Evans LLC.

The case has been assigned to Division E Judge John J. Molaison Jr.

Case no. 722-645.