West Palm Beach, FL — A former OB-GYN in Palm Beach County, Dr. Berto Lopez, has been ordered to pay $100 million in damages for medical malpractice following a series of grave medical errors, including a harrowing incident where an infant’s penis was severely injured during a circumcision.
Lopez, a physician with over three decades of experience in obstetrics and gynecology, faced harsh scrutiny last week when a civil court linked him to multiple cases of misconduct involving his patients. His medical license had been revoked in 2021 by the Florida Board of Medicine, mere days before the circumcision procedure that led to devastating consequences for the infant involved.
During the trial, the courtroom was shown distressing images detailing the extent of damage inflicted on the young patient. Graphic descriptions from expert witnesses and attorneys underscored the severity of the botched procedure. The child’s parents testified that the aftermath left their son in a state of prolonged suffering and potential lifelong trauma.
Legal scrutiny of Lopez intensified after it was revealed that he was associated with at least six patient deaths and numerous other severe injuries under his care. Historical data highlighted by court records indicates that Lopez has been named in at least four disciplinary cases and nine malpractice suits over his career.
One particularly tragic case involved Onystei Castillo-Lopez, a 40-year-old woman who died from complications during childbirth while under Lopez’s care. Reports indicated that she suffered from tears in her cervix, which Lopez attempted to treat in a hospital suite rather than in an operating room equipped for such emergencies. An administrative complaint noted that the improper procedure led to her untimely death.
Investigations revealed that Lopez had failed to inform Castillo-Lopez and her family of the restrictions previously placed on his license following several other mishandled cases. The same lack of transparency was noted in the infant’s circumcision case; the family was not made aware of his revoked license until after the procedure.
The award of $100 million is one of the largest in the history of medical malpractice suits in Palm Beach County. Gary Cohen, the attorney for the affected family, emphasized that Lopez’s actions and the subsequent trial have cast a somber light on the need for stringent oversight and transparency in the medical field.
Affected families are seeking justice and accountability, not just through compensation but also by advocating for systemic changes in how medical professionals are monitored and disciplined. The community has echoed these calls, aiming to prevent such negligence in the future.
Meanwhile, the children involved, now several years older, continue to deal with the physical and psychological impacts of their experiences. Parents express their ongoing concern for their children’s well-being and the long-term effects of the ordeals they endured.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of maintaining ethical standards and regulatory oversight in the healthcare industry to safeguard patient safety and welfare.