What should have been a routine wisdom tooth removal tragically ended in the death of 17-year-old male. The oral surgeon, allegedly failed to recognize and properly respond to a common anesthesia-related complication, leading to the teens death in June of 2024 .
On December 9th 2024, the parents of the deceased teen filed a lawsuit against the oral surgeon in Washington state, alleging medical malpractice and negligence.
“Double Duty” Surgery Raises Concerns:
The lawsuit claims that the oral surgeon acted as both the surgeon and the anesthesiologist during the procedure, a practice that increases the risk of complications.
“With almost all surgeries, it is standard practice for anesthesia to be administered by someone devoting their full attention to the patient,” stated one of the lawyers, representing the family. “When a surgeon splits their jobs to double their profits, it opens the door to unnecessary risks that lead to tragic losses….”
Delayed Response to Airway Obstruction:
According to court documents, the teens airway became obstructed after the administration of anesthesia, a known potential side effect. Anesthesiologists are typically responsible for closely monitoring the patient’s vitals and immediately addressing any airway issues. However, the lawsuit alleges that the oral surgeon, while performing both roles, failed to recognize the airway obstruction in a timely manner. Furthermore, it claims that the clinic staff was not adequately prepared to handle the emergency and that lifesaving measures were not administered appropriately.
Lack of Transparency and Informed Consent:
The lawsuit also alleges that the oral surgeon did not inform the parents that the oral surgeon would be performing both the surgical and anesthesiologic roles during the procedure. The complaint contends that this lack of transparency regarding the increased risks associated with “double duty” surgeries constitutes a breach of informed consent.
Parents Seek Justice and Raise Awareness:
“As a parent, you trust that a medical professional can safely perform a routine procedure like wisdom tooth removal,” said one of the parents . “To find out that [the surgeon] was instead multi-tasking for profit just adds to our heartbreak. Our son lost his life in a completely preventable tragedy, and our family will never be the same. But we’re committed to speaking up and raising these safety issues so that other families can make informed decisions. Parents need to be aware that this could happen to their child. More people talking about this and spreading awareness will be the catalyst for change.”
In Memory:
Since the teen’s passing, the family has channeled their grief into positive action. In honor of their son, they have been actively involved in building freshwater wells through Living Water International.
Source:
- Business Wire Press Release, “Family of Teen Who Died During Routine Wisdom Teeth Removal Files Lawsuit Against Oral Surgeon and Clinic, According to Luvera Law Firm”, Dec. 9, 2024, https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241209829033/en/Family-of-Teen-Who-Died-During-Routine-Wisdom-Teeth-Removal-Files-Lawsuit-Against-Oral-Surgeon-and-Clinic-According-to-Luvera-Law-Firm