News Summary
A family has reached a settlement after the tragic death of Bart Writer during a routine cataract surgery in Lone Tree, Colorado. During the procedure, doctors were allegedly engaged in a game of bingo, resulting in critical oversight of the patient’s deteriorating condition. This has raised significant concerns regarding patient safety and medical professionalism in outpatient surgical settings. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and brought attention to the responsibilities of medical professionals during procedures.
Lone Tree, Colorado – Family Settles Lawsuit After Cataract Surgery Death Linked to Doctors Playing Bingo During Procedure
A family has settled a lawsuit following the death of Bart Writer, a 56-year-old man, during a routine cataract surgery on February 3, 2023, at the InSight Surgery Center in Lone Tree, a suburb of Denver, Colorado. The procedure, which was expected to last around 10 minutes, abruptly turned tragic when Mr. Writer’s vital signs deteriorated, leading to cardiac arrest.
During the surgery, head surgeon Dr. C. Starck Johnson and anesthesiologist Dr. Michael Urban were reportedly engaged in a game of “music bingo,” a diversion involving identifying songs from the 1970s and 1980s while keeping track of the letters used to spell “BINGO.” This activity raised serious concerns when it became apparent that the doctors were not fully attending to Mr. Writer’s evolving medical condition.
According to the lawsuit, several monitors were connected to Bart Writer to monitor his vital signs, but it was alleged that these alarms were either muted or not operational prior to the surgery, a critical oversight. Just eleven minutes into the procedure, Mr. Writer’s vital signs became abnormal, and he began experiencing respiratory distress, subsequently turning blue due to a lack of oxygen.
Bart Writer was swiftly transferred to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. cardiac arrest was identified as the cause of death. The lawsuit highlights concerns over the lack of attention from the attending medical staff during a routine procedure, sparking outrage and frustration from his wife, Chris Writer, who expressed deep anger over the incident.
Mrs. Writer was advised by medical personnel that she could leave the facility during the surgery, and while she was nearby, she received an unexpected call from Dr. Johnson, who queried her belief in God. Following her husband’s death, she learned from another unnamed doctor about the doctors’ alleged bingo game that had taken place during the procedure.
In response to the allegations, Dr. Johnson’s attorney noted that he relied on Dr. Urban for anesthesia and monitoring the patient’s condition. Meanwhile, Dr. Johnson himself contended that Dr. Urban had breached proper protocol during the surgery. Dr. Urban’s attorney defended his client’s care of Mr. Writer, stating that he disagrees with Dr. Johnson’s representations of the events that unfolded during the procedure.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the circumstances surrounding the death, raising questions about the protocols and attention to patient care in outpatient surgical centers. Following the settlement of the lawsuit, the exact amount remains undisclosed.
It is worth noting that Dr. Urban’s medical license has expired in Colorado; however, he currently holds a valid license to practice medicine in Oregon. Bart Writer’s family faced the tragic loss in the lead-up to what would have been a celebration of his 25th wedding anniversary with Chris on July 15, 2023.
The outcome of this case has ignited a conversation regarding patient safety and the responsibilities of medical professionals during procedures, particularly in outpatient settings where patient monitoring is crucial. Families seeking similar procedures may approach these discussions with heightened awareness and caution as a result of this incident.
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Additional Resources
- 9News
- Law & Crime
- IndyStar
- Wikipedia: Medical Negligence
- Telegram
- Google Search: Medical Safety Protocols
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee 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 Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
