What are the fraud and malpractice allegations against Children’s Dental Group in Anaheim?
A recently filed lawsuit accuses California Children’s Dental Group clinic in Anaheim, California of fraud and medical malpractice. This lawsuit comes less than 2 months after 57 children were treated for serious infections and abscesses in their mouths and necks after having dental procedures at the same clinic. The majority of the procedures were “baby root canals.” Parents and the community were outraged as the list of possible victims expanded into hundreds of children.
Such cases are, unfortunately, are not as rare as you might expect. Though the specifics circumstances may differ, dental negligence and malpractice occur all too frequently throughout the country. If you or your child has been a victim of such abuse, it is essential that you promptly contact a personal injury attorney who specializes in dental malpractice so that you can receive the compensation you deserve.
Particulars of the California Cases
When the first infections were publicized this past September, the clinic’s water was evaluated by the Orange County Health Care Agency and tested positive for mycobacteria. Health officials immediately ordered the clinic to stop using the water in dental procedures. In October, The Orange County Board of Supervisors agreed to send $150,000 to Children’s Hospital of Orange County earmarked to treat patients with infections believed to be linked to the pediatric dental clinic. In addition, a lawsuit has now been filed accusing the same dental clinic of fraud and medical malpractice.
The most recent lawsuit, a civil suit filed Nov. 4, has been brought by the family of a child with autism. The plaintiffs allege that Children’s Dental Group pressured them into having their child undergo unnecessary dental work. According to their attorney, Catherine Lombardo, “This is a high-volume, high-profit clinic that cares about one thing — money.”
Lombardo accuses the clinic operators of routinely giving young patients multiple and unnecessary root canals and crowns and of performing invasive procedures without parental knowledge or consent.
In this particular case, the clinic is accused of administering two baby root canals without the use of any local anesthesia to a 6-year-old boy with autism. In lieu of anesthesia, the suit alleges, the boy was strapped into a “straightjacket-like” device while undergoing the procedure.
Considering the egregious behavior alleged, the response of the dental clinic was rather bland: “We provide this service and do this work because we care for children, and we deeply regret that any patient had complications following treatment here. We have not been served with any complaint.”
As if the allegations already presented against this clinic were not enough, attorneys are on the verge of filing another suit on behalf of a 4-year-old girl who needed surgery. After having teeth pulled and undergoing a baby root canal at the clinic, she is still taking a strong regimen of IV medications to heal the infection that resulted from the seemingly simple dental procedure.
No one should have to suffer as the result of unnecessary dental work, lack of needed anesthesia, or infection caused by unsanitary conditions at a clinic offering dental healthcare. If you suspect that you or a loved one is being mistreated by a dentist, don’t hesitate to contact a knowledgeable and experienced dental malpractice attorney who will vigorously defend your rights.