Dentistry

Professional Negligence Law Reporter

You must be a Professional Negligence Law Reporter subscriber to access this content.

If you are a member of AAJ's Professional Negligence Section or a subscriber, log in below. Not yet a Section member? Join today!

Join the Professional Negligence Section

Negligent Laceration of Patient's Tongue

September/October 2019

Bojorquez v. Thomas E. O’Keefe, D.D.S., No. 16SLCC01088 (Mo. Cir. Ct. St. Louis Cnty. Feb. 25, 2019).

Christina Bojorquez underwent placement of a crown by dentist Thomas O’Keefe. During the procedure, O’Keefe lacerated Bojorquez tongue with a dental instrument, injuring her 12th cranial nerve. Bojorquez noticed the injury when she returned to her vehicle after the procedure and returned to O’Keefe’s examining room. The dentist referred her to an oral surgeon, who placed five stitches in her tongue. As a result of her injuries, Bojorquez now has a severe speech impediment. Bojorquez filed suit against O’Keefe and his professional association, alleging dental malpractice. The plaintiff claimed that the dentist negligently lacerated her tongue during the procedure, failed to recognize this, and failed to timely inform her of the injury.

The jury awarded $2.5 million in noneconomic damages.

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Jamie L. Boock, St. Louis.