Woman files med-mal suit after eye surgery

Two years ago, Vera Dugger went in for cataract surgery. A week after the operation, she went blind in one eye.

Now Dugger is suing the surgeon who performed the operation, Dr. Mae Wesson. Her suit was filed Sept. 10 in Jefferson County District Court.

Court papers show that on Sept. 14, 2006, Dugger underwent cataract removal surgery for her left eye. Wesson performed the surgery.

"Approximately one week following the surgical procedure, Dugger suffered retinal detachment in her left eye," the suit says.

"Unfortunately, the retinal detachment � was unable to be surgically repaired, and she now suffers vision loss in her left eye."

In her suit, Dugger claims Wesson negligently failed to monitor her after the surgery.

She is suing for past and future mental anguish, impairment, disfigurement, lost wages and medical expenses.

Dugger's suit also claims Texas' medical malpractice damages caps are unconstitutional.

She demanding a trial by jury and is represented by attorney Tommy Hastings of the Hastings Law Firm.

The case has been assigned to Judge Donald Floyd of the 172nd District Court.

Case No. E182-400