A recent court filing has shed light on a harrowing medical ordeal involving alleged negligence by multiple healthcare providers. The complaint, filed by Patrice Karst in the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura, on August 9, 2024, targets Michael T. Ragen, M.D., David T. Stark, M.D., Ventura Eye Institute, Inc., and Solar Surgical Center, LLC.
Patrice Karst's journey began in March 2023 when she sought ophthalmology consultation and treatment from the defendants. On August 15, 2023, Karst underwent cataract surgery performed by Dr. David T. Stark at Solar Surgical Center. During the procedure, Dr. Stark caused a capsular tear in her right eye but failed to remove cortical remnants or repair the tear. Upon waking up post-surgery, Karst was informed by Dr. Stark that he had "made a hole" in her eye and that debris remained inside it.
Following this unsettling revelation, a nurse suggested Karst contact Dr. Michael T. Ragen at Ventura Eye Institute for further examination. Ragen examined her and recommended immediate surgery to address the debris without referring her to a retina specialist. That same day, Ragen performed an anterior vitrectomy at Solar Surgical Center but did not consult with a specialist beforehand.
The following day brought more complications as Karst was back under Dr. Stark's care after Ragen left town without informing her. Despite her worsening symptoms and lack of vision improvement, Stark insisted that everything was normal post-surgery and dissuaded her from seeing a retina specialist.
Karst sought a second opinion from Dr. Khanna on August 22, 2023, who immediately recommended she see a retina specialist for an emergency vitrectomy due to the debris in her eye not being absorbable by her body as previously claimed by Stark. On August 25, 2023, she underwent an emergency posterior vitrectomy performed by Dr. Pieramici.
Karst alleges that due to the negligent acts and omissions of the defendants—including failure to properly perform surgeries and delaying appropriate medical care—she sustained severe injuries such as distorted vision and light sensitivity requiring ongoing treatment.
In her lawsuit against Michael T. Ragen, M.D., David T. Stark, M.D., Ventura Eye Institute Inc., Solar Surgical Center LLC., and Does 1-100 inclusive for medical negligence, Karst seeks compensatory damages for pain and suffering; special damages including past and future medical expenses; economic damages; costs of suit; pre-judgment interest; and any other relief deemed just by the court.
Representing Patrice Karst are attorneys Joshua Bordin-Wosk and Shannon Guevara from B|B Law Group LLP while Judge Brenda L McCormick oversees Case No.: 2024CUMM028427.