Karol Lubben, as Legal Guardian to Gabriel Ray Lubben v. Berto Lopez, M.D.

Case Background

On January 31, 2022, Plaintiff Karol Lubben and Michael Lubben as Legal Guardian To Gabriel Ray Lubben filed a Medical Malpractice lawsuit in the Florida State Circuit Court of Palm Beach County (Case number: 50-2022-CA-000905-XXXX-MB). Judge Maxine Cheesman presided over the case.

Cause

In early February 2021, Karol and Michael Lubben sought to have their newborn son, Gabriel Ray Lubben, circumcised. Their midwife, Mandy Rojas, recommended Dr. Berto Lopez in West Palm Beach. Dr. Lopez's medical license had been revoked by the Florida Board of Medicine on February 5, 2021, which the Lubbens did not know. On February 15, 2021, when Gabriel was just 10 days old, the Lubbens took him to Dr. Lopez's office for the circumcision. They paid $250 in cash, as requested by Dr. Lopez's office, to avoid extra fees for a one-time visit. Dr. Lopez performed the circumcision using topical anesthesia (4% lidocaine) and a Morgan Clamp. During the procedure, Dr. Lopez cut an artery, causing significant bleeding that required sutures. Following the circumcision, Gabriel experienced prolonged crying, continued bleeding, and noticeable swelling. Concerned about these complications, the Lubbens sought medical care, visiting their pediatrician, Dr. Lowy, the emergency room at Palms West Hospital, and ultimately, pediatric urologist Dr. Jeffrey Donohue.

Injuries

The circumcisi