As many New Jersey residents are aware, a dentist’s behavior in the United States recently has allegedly caused substantial harm to a number of his patients. Specifically, over 1,000 of this dentist’s 7,000 patients in Tulsa, Oklahoma have tested positive for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV. On top of potential criminal charges, the man could also be facing a number of civil suits alleging medical malpractice.
A criminal complaint filed against the dentist recently alleges that officials found rusty tools, drug vials with possible contamination, and an improperly used tool-sterilization machine. The dentist and his staff are facing two possible felony charges: practicing dentistry without a license and aiding and abetting another person in improperly practicing medicine. The dentist had been in practice for 36 years before he voluntarily surrendered his license, and his certification may be revoked at a hearing. He had previously been sued for medical malpractice in 1994 and for negligence in 1997, but both cases were settled out of court.
On top of criminal charges for such alleged behavior, any injuries sustained as a result of professional negligence can result in a civil suit of medical malpractice. Whether it occurs in Oklahoma or New Jersey, medical malpractice is a serious problem. The failure of physicians to follow routine safety procedures is a common form of medical negligence that can make existing injuries worse, introduce bacteria or viruses into a patient’s body, or cause an injury or illness to be treated incorrectly. Medical malpractice is a harmful and potentially deadly form of negligence.
Anyone affected by medical malpractice is entitled to an adequate compensation. The victim and/or his or her family may seek damages in a personal injury suit from the defendant, and they may be compensated for medical bills and/or lost wages. Anyone injured due to medical malpractice is entitled to seek justice.
Source: New Jersey Herald, “Okla. Board pushes for charges against dentist,” Justin Juozapavicius, April 1, 2013.