$7.25 million verdict for lost “banking” career

A jury awarded Mark Schiffer $7.25 million on his claim that LASIK surgery in 2000 by Dr. Mark Speaker had ruined his eyesight, though apparently not so badly, since he was able to drive to court for the trial. Schiffer’s attorney, Todd Krouner, had asked for $35 million, complaining that Schiffer had been “embarking on […]

A jury awarded Mark Schiffer $7.25 million on his claim that LASIK surgery in 2000 by Dr. Mark Speaker had ruined his eyesight, though apparently not so badly, since he was able to drive to court for the trial. Schiffer’s attorney, Todd Krouner, had asked for $35 million, complaining that Schiffer had been “embarking on the beginnings of an extraordinary career in investment banking” that had been ruined by the surgery. The banking career was so extraordinary that he had previously quit a job with Goldman Sachs to write and direct a movie with Selma Blair (photo). Press coverage notes that Schiffer was “forced” to “take a job with his dad’s security firm,” which makes it sound like he’s carrying a nightstick rather than a CFO for a software company. Wharton must be proud of the entrepreneurial spirit shown by Schiffer to find new revenue sources. (Anthony Lin, “Former Banker Awarded $7M in Damages From LASIK Eye Surgery”, New York Law Journal, Aug. 1; Maggie Haberman, “He wins $7.25M in botched eye surgery suit”, New York Daily News, Jul. 31).

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