News Summary
A family from Lone Tree, Colorado, has settled a wrongful death lawsuit following the death of Bart Writer during a routine cataract surgery. The case highlights serious concerns about patient safety and the professional conduct of medical staff at InSight Surgery Center, particularly regarding distractions during the procedure. As medical monitors allegedly failed to function correctly, vital signs were ignored, leading to a tragic outcome just before the couple’s 25th wedding anniversary.
Family Settles Lawsuit Following Cataract Surgery Death Involving Distracted Medical Staff
Lone Tree, Colorado — A family has settled a wrongful death lawsuit following the death of Bart Writer, a 56-year-old man who tragically died during a routine cataract surgery in early 2023. The incident has raised concerns about patient safety and professional conduct during medical procedures at the InSight Surgery Center.
Details of the Incident
The surgery was scheduled for February 3, 2023, at the outpatient facility located in the Denver suburb. The procedure, intended to last approximately 10 minutes, was described as a common and straightforward cataract removal. Dr. C. Starck Johnson, the head surgeon, was overseeing the operation. Known to the family for several years, Dr. Johnson was involved in the surgery’s planning and execution.
During the procedure, Bart Writer’s wife, Chris Writer, was informed that she could leave the surgical suite during the operation. While waiting nearby, she received a call from Dr. Johnson, who asked her to meet him in the parking lot. During their brief meeting, the doctor inquired about her personal beliefs, specifically questioning her faith, an unusual interaction during her husband’s medical procedure.
Initially Unnoticed Medical Emergency
Approximately eleven minutes into the surgery, Bart Writer’s vital signs started to deteriorate. Despite the serious change in his condition, monitors that would have provided early warning were reportedly not active or audible before the surgery. The lawsuit states that alarms on the monitoring equipment were either turned off or not functioning at the critical moment.
While Mr. Writer was experiencing respiratory distress and turning blue due to oxygen deprivation, two medical professionals involved in his care, Drs. Johnson and Dr. Michael Urban, were engaged in a game of “music bingo.” This activity involved identifying songs from the 1970s and 1980s and was related to the letters that spell “BINGO.”
Dr. Urban, the anesthesiologist during the procedure, was monitoring Mr. Writer’s vital signs but was reportedly the only individual able to see the data, as other alarms were not activated. As a result, the clinical signs of distress went unnoticed for a crucial period.
Tragic Outcome and Family Response
As oxygen deprivation persisted, Mr. Writer’s condition worsened, and he was transferred to a nearby hospital. Despite medical efforts, he was pronounced dead due to cardiac arrest. His death shocked the family, especially given the routine nature of the surgery and the apparent distraction during the procedure.
Ms. Writer expressed her frustration and anger, emphasizing that the medical team did not focus on her husband’s critical condition. She attributed his death to a lack of attention and professional negligence, revealing that she learned about the bingo game from another unnamed doctor following her husband’s passing.
Legal Actions and Settlement
The family filed a lawsuit against the medical professionals involved, alleging negligence and misconduct. The suit claimed that Dr. Johnson relied on Dr. Urban for anesthesia management, but the anesthesiologist was distracted by the game, failing to monitor Bart Writer’s vital signs properly.
Dr. Johnson’s legal representative stated he depended on Dr. Urban for patient monitoring and anesthesia care. Conversely, Dr. Urban’s attorney disavowed any wrongdoing, asserting that Dr. Urban adhered to proper practice and disagreed with allegations of protocol violations.
Following legal proceedings, the family and defendants reached a settlement. The terms of the settlement remain undisclosed.
Licensing and Professional Backgrounds
Post-incident, Dr. Urban’s medical license in Colorado expired, but he currently holds licensure to practice medicine in Oregon. There is no indication that Dr. Johnson’s medical license has been revoked or suspended in connection with this case.
Personal Impact and Notable Dates
This tragedy occurred just before the couple’s planned 25th wedding anniversary, scheduled for July 15, 2023. The family described the incident as a devastating event that has profoundly affected their lives and underscored the importance of attentive patient care during medical procedures.
The case highlights issues of medical professionalism, monitoring standards, and the potential consequences of distraction during surgical interventions. It also brings into focus the critical importance of proper alarm systems and vigilance in outpatient surgical settings to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- 9News
- Law & Crime
- IndyStar
- Wikipedia: Medical Negligence
- Telegram
- Google Search: Medical Safety Protocols
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, 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 regional 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 National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
