Professional Negligence Law Reporter
Verdicts & Settlements: Dentistry
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Negligent wisdom tooth extraction
September 24, 2024Maria De La Lama underwent a wisdom tooth extraction performed by dentist Michael Dounel at New Smile Dental. She allegedly was injured during the procedure.
She sued Dounel and New Smile Dental, alleging professional negligence and breach of fiduciary duty. The plaintiff claimed that the defendants failed to hire competent dental assistants who were capable of taking a proper X-ray that showed the entire tooth to be extracted, including the roots. Additionally, the plaintiff asserted that she should have been referred to an oral surgeon.
The jury awarded $725,000 in noneconomic damages.
Citation: De La Lama v. Dounel, No. 21STCV06218 (Cal. Super. Ct. Los Angeles Cnty. May 24, 2024).
Plaintiff counsel: Todd Bloomfield, Encino, Calif.; and Steven Goldberg, Woodland Hills, Calif.
