Nesreen F. Masso v. Christiana Care Health Services, Inc.

Case Background

On June 18, 2020, Nesreen F. Masso and her husband, Saleem Masso filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against her neurosurgeon Dr. Michael Gary Sugarman, and Christiana Care Health Services, Inc. They alleged negligence and breach of standard of care in Mrs. Masso's diagnosis which led to a delay in surgical intervention and ultimately, caused blindness in one eye. The case was filed in the Delaware Superior Court, New Castle. Judge Sheldon Rennie presided over this case. [Case number: N20C-06-192]

Cause

Plaintiffs Nesreen F. Masso (hereinafter "Plaintiff Masso") and her husband, Saleem Masso, were residents of Newark, Delaware. Defendant, Dr. Michael Gary Sugarman, M.D., F.A.C.S., was a neurosurgeon practicing through his group, Defendant Delaware Neurosurgical Group, P.A. The hospital involved was Defendant Christiana Care Health Services, Inc. (CCHS), which employed various medical professionals who treated Plaintiff Masso. ("Defendants") On January 8, 2019, Plaintiff Masso visited the CCHS Emergency Department, complaining of a left-sided headache, eye pressure, and dizziness. Tests revealed hyponatremia and hypokalemia, but a CT scan was normal. The next day, her symptoms persisted, and by January 10, she experienced severe headaches and dizziness, especially when moving her left eye. Neurology was consulted, but cranial nerve tests showed only minor issues. On January 11, Plaintiff Masso reported new visual disturbances, including triple vision, which worsened her nausea. An MRI, MRV, and MRA showed no significant issues. On January 12, an ophthalmology consult confirmed eye misalignment, recommending further evaluation at an outside clinic. Further tests, including MRIs and a temporal artery biopsy, failed to identify a clear cause. By