In a gripping case of alleged medical negligence, a Florida couple has taken legal action against a cosmetic surgeon and his practice. Diane Ackerson and her husband, Jubal Ackerson, have filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, on February 17, 2025. The lawsuit targets Dr. Lawrence G. Kass and the Tampa Bay Cosmetic Surgery Center, LLC, operating as Kass Center for Cosmetic Surgery.
The plaintiffs allege that Dr. Kass performed a bilateral transconjunctival lower lid blepharoplasty on Diane Ackerson on March 20, 2024. According to the complaint, Ms. Ackerson began experiencing severe eye pain and swelling the day after the procedure. Despite contacting Dr. Kass with photographs of her worsening condition, she was advised to continue icing her eyes and using antibiotic drops. By March 26, 2024, Ms. Ackerson's symptoms had escalated significantly, leading to a diagnosis of infected blepharitis with facial cellulitis and orbital proptosis at Manatee Memorial Hospital. Tragically, she ultimately lost vision in her left eye.
The lawsuit claims that Dr. Kass failed to appreciate the emergent nature of Ms. Ackerson’s developing infection and did not initiate timely treatment. As a result of this alleged negligence, Ms. Ackerson suffered bodily injury and other significant damages including pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of capacity for enjoyment of life, medical expenses, loss of earnings, and diminished earning capacity.
The complaint further accuses the Kass Center of vicarious liability for Dr. Kass's actions since he was acting within the scope of his employment during his care for Ms. Ackerson. Additionally, Jubal Ackerson is seeking damages for loss of consortium due to the impact on their marital relationship following his wife's injuries.
The plaintiffs are seeking damages exceeding $50,000 from both defendants along with costs incurred and attorney’s fees if applicable. They also demand a jury trial on all issues so triable.
Representing the plaintiffs are attorneys Joseph K. Lopez Jr., Martin W. Palmer, and Cole C. Masterson from Palmer Lopez P.A., based in Lutz, Florida.
Case Number: 25-000724-CI
Judge: Not specified