Legal Question in Medical Malpractice in California

HI, I went to a dentist in East Los Angeles, I was very scared of going to any dentists in west LA or Beverly hills as I am a student and on a budget. I got the referall from my dad who said he was relatively happy and more importantly that he was cheap and claims he went to USc dental school. As soon as I got Into the office I got a bad feeling about it the office was filthy, and the y were so pushy I have medical insurance and it had lapsed so I was just going to go back when I had reinstated it, they said oh dont worry well send the bill just pay us cash and was giving me high pressure sales which I felt it not appropriate in a medical setting and insisted that I paid cash. I hope they are not taking advantage of the poor (who are forced to go their in that area) and me young inexperienced students. To make a long story short I got a deep cleaning their who was performed by the dentist and the assistant, the assistant was holding my mouth open so wide that the corners of my mouth were torn, and my mouth was bleeding everywhere. The next day I felt a irratable tear on the corners of my mouth and the following day I got Herpes of the mouth. I went to a different doctor the same day the sore appeared and confirmed that it was in fact herpes, and it is indeed possible to get it that soon and if equipment was not sterilized. I called the dentist the same day so I have record of that. Honestly I think it is terrible it is an incurable disease that I will have to live with and treat for the rest of my life. teeth you can fix, this is unfixable and is affecting my looks and also my love life. I also feel very violated. Is their anything I can do, and do I have a case against him. His office is filthy and disgusting and I am sure he is violating health and sanitary codes just by looking at the place. Also I had a cold, in which he failed to ask and you are not supposed to work on patients that have that either. Should I talk to the dentist directly, do I have a case I do believe I should be reimbersed for what a paid and also for the pain and suffering and medical expenses. I feel like it could all add up in a lifetime to $5000 possibly even more. That doesnt even cover the trauma, emotional pain, physical pain and damage this is done to my relationship. Please help me Yvette


Asked on 1/23/10, 3:17 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
George Shers Law Offices of Georges H. Shers

You need to find an attorney in the same general area who handles dental malpractice cases. You case is worth much more than $5,000, but does the dentist have any assets, including insurance? You attorney will also advise you as to whether you should report him and to whom.

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Answered on 1/28/10, 3:31 pm


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