Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Jacek DeHaan is the owner of Amerto, a Bay Dutch Warmblood competitive male horse. After Amerto developed facial swelling, veterinarian Robert Brusie diagnosed a tooth root abscess and recommended a tooth repulsion. The procedure was performed at the Palm Beach Equine Clinic.

Amerto’s condition worsened after the procedure. He was transferred to another facility, where he was diagnosed as having a fractured right mandible and a severe wound infection. As a result, the horse required treatment for approximately the next two months.

DeHaan sued Brusie and Palm Beach Equine Clinic, LLC, alleging veterinary negligence. The plaintiff asserted that the defendants had misdiagnosed a tooth root abscess and negligently fractured the horse’s mandible during the unnecessary procedure.

The jury awarded $290,000.

Citation: DeHaan v. Palm Beach Equine Clinic, LLC, No. 2020CA008139 (Fla. Cir. Ct. Palm Beach Cnty. Aug. 15, 2022).

Plaintiff counsel: John H. Reynolds and Nicholas Demes, both of West Palm Beach, Fla.

Plaintiff experts: Murray Brown, standard of care, Gainesville, Fla.; and Jason Arble, veterinary radiology, Morrison, Colo.