Patient Left With Facial Paralysis Loses Bid to Revive Lawsuit

A woman whose daughter’s surgery to correct facial spasms led to facial paralysis and balance problems isn’t entitled to revive her lawsuit against the doctor because she lacked expert testimony on the standard of care, the First Circuit said.

Puerto Rico law generally holds that medical malpractice cases go to a jury, but expert testimony is necessary to prove a health-care provider deviated from the standard of care, the U.S. Court of Appeals for First Circuit said.

The court affirmed summary judgment for physician Maria M. Toledo González.

Eulalia López-Ramírez’s daughter allegedly suffered from facial spams for about 18 years. ...