Legal Question in Medical Malpractice in Georgia

I need some legal advice on a medical situation I have become involved in. A few days ago I went to the ER with abdominal pain. In the ER they diagnosed me with acute appendisitis and administered pain medication while preparing to admit me to the hospital. Once I was admitted, I was prepped for surgery and within hours my appendix had been successfully removed, and I was in recovery. But there is another part to the story. I had a Maryland Bridge in the front of my mouth that was made up of a false tooth, a real tooth that was dead, and a metal bridge that secured it all in place in my mouth. I had the bridge done 25 years ago and it was still in place and I had no problems out of it. I went into the surgery with it fully intact, but came out of the surgery with it in a cup. The anesthesiologist told me that he wasn't sure what happened but that it was unfortunate and that the bridge could have fallen out the following week. I talked with the hospital and they told me that they wouldn't pay to have my teeth fixed. Now I have two front teeth missing as a result of the appendectomy. I signed papers before going under but I was medicated and have no idea what I was signing. I don't want to try and get rich from this but I think they should at least replace what their surgery took away. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I live in NE Georgia.


Asked on 12/20/10, 10:06 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Scott Riddle Law Office of Scott B. Riddle, LLC

Obviously, no one here knows why it was removed so you won't get a firm response as to whether they should pay. However, in my non-expert medical opinion, I can tell you that if someone is under general anesthesia, they are generally asked whether there is dental work, contact lenses, etc., and those things are all generally removed prior to surgery. Did you ask the nurses, or doctor, or anyone else?

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Answered on 12/26/10, 3:37 am
Glen Ashman Ashman Law Office also dba Glen Ashman Attorney

Even if this was malpractice, the cost of a suit would likely be more than the dental work. And it probably isn't malpractice (if it is the damages would be the cost of dental work). You should see a lawyer to be sure, but I suspect this is more likely a dental matter than a legal one.

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Answered on 12/26/10, 6:00 am


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