Lorraine Tipton v. Brian N. Hollander D.D.S., Indian Valley Medical Center Inc.
Published: Nov. 17, 2012 | Result Date: Jun. 4, 2012 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: CV074709 Verdict – Defense
Court
Marin Superior
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Mark Ewell Ellis
(Ellis Law Group LLP)
Ronald R. Poirier
(Law Office of Christian B. Greene)
Defendant
Peter F. Finn
(Bradley, Curley, Barrabee & Kowalski)
Arthur W. Curley
(Bradley Curley Asiano Barrabee Abel & Kowalski)
Experts
Plaintiff
Donald Missirlian
(medical)
Craig Senders
(medical)
Defendant
David Hatcher
(medical)
James Klein
(medical)
Gordon L. Douglass
(medical)
Facts
Lorraine Tipton was a longtime patient of dentist, Brian Hollander. She lost two teeth due to periodontal disease, a disease of the gums. Hollander recommended dental implants, and Tipton agreed. However, because she did not have enough natural bone to support the implants, Hollander performed sinus augmentation procedures at the site of the two teeth. Tipton later developed a bloody nose, but examinations were within normal limits. She was subsequently diagnosed with chronic sinusitis. She saw a Kaiser otolaryngologist, Dr. Guerry, who found that her right anterior sinuses were opacified and that one of the implants were extending into the bone of her her maxillary sinus. The otolaryngologist prescribed antibiotics, but conservative treatment did not clear her right sinus. An endoscopic sinus surgery was subsequently performed at Kaiser by Dr. Dimeling, but her condition was not resolved. She later complained of the loss of her sense of smell and sense of taste. She then sued Hollander for medical malpractice.
Damages
Tipton sought between $200,000 to $300,000 in general damages as well as $25,000 in special damages.
Injuries
Tipton suffered a sinus infection following a dental implant procedure performed by her long-time dentist. She was ultimately diagnosed with chronic sinusitis and lost her sense of smell and taste.
Result
The jury rendered a defense verdict.
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