Wrongful Death as a Result of Dental Malpractice

By Paul da Costa on March 11, 2015

Many people have a fear of the dentist. Dental visits can be not only uncomfortable, but also painful. A recent case involving a Connecticut dentist, Dr. Rashmi Patel, would be the worst nightmare of those that dread dental visits.

The Associated Press recently published an article discussing Dr. Patel who was charged with criminally negligent homicide and tampering with evidence in connection with the death of his patient. The patient was having 20 teeth pulled and receiving dental implants when she became unresponsive. During the procedure, the patient was “consciously sedated,” but her oxygen levels dropped to dangerously low levels.

While Dr. Patel disputes the charges, there are allegations that Dr. Patel failed to respond to the patient’s physical distress and “warnings from his dental assistants that [the patient] was in danger.” Dr. Patel may also have neglected to follow the medical standard of care in performing extensive procedures on the patient, who had suffered a heart attack six months prior and had two strokes in the past two years.

While most people consider medical malpractice to be negligent acts by doctors in the treatment of patients, this cause of action also extends to dentists. If you or a loved one has been injured when being treated by a dentist, you may have a dental malpractice claim. Call Paul M. da Costa, Esq. at Snyder & Sarno, LLC at (973) 274-5200 to gain just compensation for your loss.