Bengaluru Man Wins US$130,440 Settlement in Dental Damage Lawsuit

INDIA: A 43-year-old resident of HMT Layout in Mathikere, Bengaluru, has emerged victorious in a legal battle against a dental clinic and its dentists after a dental procedure allegedly left him with damage to 10 teeth. 

The city’s consumer court, basing its decision on the Karnataka State Dental Council’s findings, has ordered the dentists to pay Rs 2 lakh as compensation for the damage caused, and the clinic to refund Rs 50,000 in fees.

“The court’s decision reflects the seriousness of the dental damage suffered by the patient during the procedure,” notes the report.

Patient Awarded £11,500 in Settlement After Dental Nightmare

Lengthy Orthodontic Treatment and Alleged Negligence

The patient initially approached Sabka Dentist clinic, operated by Total Dental Care Pvt Ltd on Sampige Road in Malleswaram, in 2016. The dentists recommended a year-long orthodontic treatment with ceramic braces to correct his front teeth, for which he paid Rs 34,000. However, the patient claimed that the procedure extended for over two years, with additional charges amounting to Rs 50,000.

“The prolonged treatment duration and additional charges raised concerns about the clinic’s service,” states the report.

The patient realized the extent of the damage during the removal of braces on March 23, 2019. Shockingly, eight of his teeth and the enamel of another two were damaged. Experiencing severe pain while chewing and swelling of gums, he reported the issues to the clinic. A new set of dentists was assigned, but according to the patient, they cemented a few teeth, causing further damage and pain.

“The patient’s distressing experience highlights the importance of diligence and precision in dental procedures,” the report emphasizes.

Woman Awarded £9,000 in Dental Error Settlement

Seeking Medical Assistance and Legal Recourse

The man sought medical assistance at the dental section of St John’s Medical College Hospital, where doctors identified multiple ceramic aberrations on his teeth, requiring several costly procedures. 

Dissatisfied with the police response at Malleswaram police station, he sent a legal notice to the clinic and its main dentists before approaching the Bangalore 1st Additional District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Shantinagar.

“The legal recourse taken by the patient underscores the need for accountability in healthcare services,” the report concludes.