Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Leslie Gottfred, who was in her mid-40s, underwent seven full-mouth restorations, including replacement of crowns, performed by dentist Gregory Boyajian over the course of four years. Gottfred experienced continuous problems from the dental work and later consulted another dentist, who reworked her crowns. Gottfred, who developed jaw pain and facial atrophy after the dental work was completed, incurred expenses totaling $57,000.

She filed suit against Boyajian, alleging that he failed to diagnose malocclusion, or misalignment, and treat the problem before performing the prolonged dental work. The plaintiff also alleged that the work was negligently performed and that the defendant had overprepared her natural tooth structures, among other things.

The jury awarded $200,000. Posttrial motions are pending.

Citation: Gottfred v. Boyajian, No. 50-2015-CA-012852 (Fla. Cir. Ct. Palm Beach Cnty. June 8, 2018).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Max R. Price, Miami.

Plaintiff expert: Robert Fish, dentistry, Tamarac, Fla.