There are many incidents of dental malpractice. According to a recent article, a lack of protocol to ensure sterilization has lead to numerous cases of bacterial heart infections and one death. The dental board investigated three initial reports of bacterial endocarditis, a type of heart infection, after a physician at the local Medical Center noticed that two patients had contracted the unusual disease and had one thing in common — both had been treated by the same dentist. The dental board did not suspend the dentist, but rather it ordered him to improve his infection prevention protocols. Apparently, the dental board is continuing its investigation of the matter and further action could be taken against the negligent dentist. This is highly likely considering there are a total of 15 people who have suffered greatly due to the lack of proper standards and protocols at this dental practice.
According to the article, an inspection of the dentist’s office revealed clear violations of the dental standard of case such as the use of a single use vial of Propofol for more than one use; pre-filled syringes of medication; expired vials and multi-dose vials of medication; non-sterile preparation of instruments and poor documentation of medication units. These types of infractions are apparent from the records kept by the practice and were probably uncovered after a thorough investigation and multiple interviews with the dentist and his staff.
Bacterial endocarditis is extremely rare and can be fatal. Often, the victim must undergo heart surgery and/or lengthy medication protocol to recover from the condition. In this particular case, the dentist who committed the malpractice would be liable to all of the patients who sustained injuries and damages. In order to recover for dental malpractice in Georgia, the Plaintiff must show that the dentist committed malpractice; that the malpractice caused the plaintiff’s injuries and the amount of damages, which usually consists of past and future medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. In order to file dental malpractice lawsuit, the plaintiff’s attorney must attach an affidavit from a dental expert who regularly practices in the filed of dentistry in questions and which lists at least one act of dental malpractice which caused or substantially contributed to the injuries that the plaintiff is complaining of in the lawsuit.
Robert J. Fleming has been handling wrongful death cases, dental malpractice, bus accidents, car accident cases and premises injury cases for individuals and families who have been harmed, injured or died as a result of the carelessness or negligence of another for more than 20 years. He practices in and around the Atlanta, Georgia area including handling lawsuits in Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton, Gwinnett, Cobb and other counties and nearby cities including Alpharetta, Austell, Avondale Estates, Chamblee, College Park, Conyers, Duluth, Decatur, Doraville, Hapeville, Johns Creek, Jonesboro, Lawrenceville, Norcross, Peachtree City, Riverdale, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Stone Mountain, and Smyrna. If you have been seriously injured and would like discuss your case in complete confidence, contact Robert J. Fleming directly on (404) 525-5150 or contact us online.