AboutEdward A. Smith Expertise California Personal Injury lawyer with 18 years of experience handling automobile accidents, dogbites, slip and fall cases as well as medical malpractice cases will answer your questions regarding these areas. Valuestar Certified. Author of "Top 20 PI sites on the Internet" for Law Office Computing Magazine
Question My twin sister, Marlene, saw a dentist as a new patient 11/19/08 because of left molar pain and pressure; full dental X-rays was done and allegedly told no evidence of dental decay and advised to return for deep cleaning which was performed on 11/26/08. She returned on 12/24/08 complaining of left molar pain and left facial swelling. She was disappointed that the dentist did not do an oral exam- that Xray was normal and pain was a result of teeth clenching. The dental progress notes support her statement. The following day she went to the Emergency Room because of worsening symptoms; was treated with IV antibiotics, discharged with oral antibiotics for dental infection and facial cellulitis. She was admitted the following day from ensuing swelling of face,eyes, throat,and ear on left side and inability to swallow or open mouth. Following an Oral Surgeon consultation for treatment of dental abscess and defuse facial cellulitis, the DDS decided to extract two of the teeth he said were necrotic. There were allegations suggesting conflicting opinions from M.D. not in favor of procedure, however, it was done.Records indicate after initial incision was done there was copious amounts of pus suctioned etc...while in post-op recovery, the complications that ensued( and those during her three week hospitalization )include airway failure,hypopharynx edema requiring reintubation," Which proved to be traumatic and difficult." (noted in Anesthesiologist record ),ventilation, and tracheostomy, bilateral lung atelectasis,diffuse sepsis, diabetes,and liver function abnormalities induced by steroidal meds. These are a few from the long list of complications that occurred requiring high risk procedures to sustain life. Fortunately, my sister survived. Does it appear based on the information which I obtained from her records that she should consider attorney consultation? I'm a R.N. and recognized errors that may or may not be significant. I'm writing you on behalf of my sister as she does not have a computer. I thank you in advance for your time and any advisement to convey to Marlene.
Respectfully Yours,
Darlene
Answer Darlene, a very experienced attorney should review all records in this case. What city and state do you live in?
If you send me a note at ed@autoaccident.com, I'd be glad to refer you to someone good as I know the best people throughout the US.
Ed Smith
Law Offices of Edward A. Smith
Sacramento, CA
800-404-5400
www.autoaccident.com
