Sunglasses Would Have Prevented Moms Death Son Says
A Kansas optometrist's failure to provide an elderly patient with sunglasses after an eye exam in which her pupils were dilated led to her death five months later, her son charges in a wrongful-death lawsuit.
The effects of dilation, which allows optometrists to view the inner parts of a patient's eye, can last up to six hours. The eyes remain sensitive to sunlight during that time.
According to the complaint, Mildred Klaassen, 87, fell Feb. 19, 2007, and broke her ankle outside Dr. Robert C. Nelson's office. The bright sunlight blinded her unprotected pupils, preventing her from seeing a curb, the complaint says.
Klaassen's fractured ankle caused "severe and permanent injuries" that "contributed to" her death July 20, 2007, the suit says.
The complaint does not specify how the injury allegedly contributed to her death.
Klaassen's son Calvin sued Nelson and his practice, Wichita Family Vision Clinic, in the Sedgwick County Circuit Court, alleging they were negligent and deviated from the standard of care by failing to give Klaassen protective sunglasses after the dilation procedure and by failing to assist her safely out of the office.
The suit says Nelson should have foreseen that Klaassen's vision would be markedly impaired without protective sunglasses and that her risk of falling would be greater.
The suit is seeking damages for Klaassen's pain and suffering and to cover her medical and funeral expenses.
Calvin Klaassen and his three siblings are seeking damages for the loss of their mother's society and companionship and the mental anguish they experienced because of her death.
Sunglasses Would Have Prevented Moms Death Son Says
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