Dentist Ordered to Pay Compensation After Patient’s Paralysis

INDIA: In a recent ruling, the Chamarajanagar Consumer Court has ordered a local dentist to compensate a patient with Rs 9,24,605 after the patient suffered paralysis allegedly due to the administration of a high dose of anaesthetic during a dental procedure.

The patient, Sukanya, a senior citizen, visited Girija Dental Care in Chamarajanagar on February 3, 2021, seeking root canal treatment. During the treatment, she reportedly collapsed after being injected with what was claimed to be an excessive dose of anaesthetic.

Following the incident, Sukanya was immediately rushed to a local hospital for treatment and later transferred to another hospital in Mysuru. She remained in a coma for 20 days before eventually recovering. However, even after treatment, the left side of her body remained paralysed.

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Pursuit of Compensation

Sukanya’s son, Ravi Kumar, sought reimbursement for the medical expenses incurred during his mother’s treatment. However, the dentist, identified as Manjunath, allegedly declined to compensate Ravi Kumar. Despite approaching District Health officials and the police, Ravi Kumar faced obstacles in seeking resolution.

Taking matters into his own hands, Ravi Kumar approached the Chamarajanagar Consumer Court on March 29, 2022, seeking justice for his mother’s ordeal. The court’s ruling came in favor of Sukanya, with the dentist being ordered to pay compensation. The court directed Manjunath to pay Rs 6.14 lakh to cover the cost of treatment, Rs 3 lakh as compensation, and an additional Rs 10,000 as a fine, resulting in a total sum of Rs 9.24 lakh.

Pending Payment

Despite the court’s verdict issued on August 29, 2023, ordering the dentist to pay the compensation within 30 days, Sukanya’s family claims that they have not received the funds as of the time of this report.

This case underscores the importance of proper medical care and the accountability of healthcare providers in ensuring patient safety during dental procedures.