Hi, I had 2 extractions done in Jan. due to an infection.
At 1-wk. follow-up appt, I explained the deep pain I was having. OS said that healing was ok; I had a blocked salivary gland; to suck on sour candy, massage the gland.
Soon after, I saw OS #2--no blocked gland; I explained the increasingly bad pain. She sent me for a CT scan; it showed deep infection & inflammation galore.
I had to have a 2nd surgery to remove unhealthy granulated tissue, debride area & get a biopsy. Biopsy: infected tissue & 7 bone pieces.
The OS did not debride area well enough during the 1st surgery, which caused infection to go deeper (osteomyelitis) and was the reason for so much pain & discomfort.
2nd surgery pd. for by 1st OS. I took extra pain meds, antibiotics, was in deep, horrible pain for 2-3 weeks.
Following the 2nd surgery, OS #2 advised me that the original OS hadn't completed the required debridement after the extractions; if he had done so, the second surgery, the advancement of the infection into the jawbone and other complications would have been prevented.
Thank you. I appreciate your professional feedback.
I'm very sorry about your situation but I do not see a viable claim here as the cost of hiring experts to review all of your records and come to court to testify about the standard of care, causation and negligence would likely cost FAR more money that a jury would likely give you for a month's misery. You could file a complaint against the first OS w/the State Board that oversees his/her license. Sorry
L. Maxwell TaylorLitigation LawyerMiddlebury, VT ·
I agree with my colleague Mr. Friedman's assessment. I would further add that people often have a conception of the standard of care which is unrealistic. Medical professionals make judgment calls in many cases which prove in hindsight to be wrong: which screw to use, how much tissue to remove, etc. A medical judgment, such a diagnosis, may prove in the end to have been wrong, but may still be within the standard of care applicable to the average professional practicing in that field. There is plenty of room for error in judgment, and for poor results, without the professional's being liable for malpractice. If medical professionals were held to a standard of perfection, no one would perform medical procedures.
That having been said, I wish you a good result and no further complications arising from this incident.
Not legal advice, just my two cents. I don't practice law in Michigan or hold Michigan licensure. Consult Michigan counsel to obtain legal advice. I practice in Vermont ONLY.
Christian K. Lassen IIPersonal Injury LawyerPhiladelphia, PA ·
Typically, infections are known risks incident to dental procedures, but if you sustained permanent injuries, a local dental malpractice lawyer can certainly review your records to investigate.
