Friday, Aug. 21, 2009

Woman awarded $2M after dentist pulls 16 teeth

 The State

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- A South Carolina woman has won a $2 million jury verdict against a dental clinic that mistakenly pulled 13 teeth. The State reported that 28-year-old Elizabeth Smith wanted three teeth pulled when she went to the Sexton Dental Clinic in Florence in 2006. Her lawsuit said a dentist at the clinic pulled all 16 of her upper teeth.

State court records in Florence indicate the jury returned the award late last week.

One of Smith's lawyers, Robert Ransom, said the woman plans to have restorative surgery as soon as possible. That's estimated to cost about $80,000.

• Link: http://www.thestate.com

Clinic attorney Saunders Bridges said he is considering an appeal.