Dentist Negligence Lawsuit: The Tragic Case of Finley Boyle
Background of the Incident
A dentist negligence lawsuit has been filed by Evan and Ashley Boyle, the parents of 3-year-old Finley Boyle, who tragically died in early January after going into cardiac arrest during a dental procedure. The parents allege that excessive medication and improper medical procedures caused oxygen deprivation, brain damage, and ultimately, their daughter’s death. A wrongful death lawsuit is expected to follow.
Routine Dental Procedure and Allegations
In November 2013, Mrs. Boyle brought Finley to Dr. Lilly Geyer at Island Dentistry for Children in Kailua, Hawaii. During the initial visit, Dr. Geyer identified ten cavities, four of which she claimed required root canals. Dentists generally recommend treating baby teeth to support chewing, speech development, and proper spacing for adult teeth, according to Colgate.com.
Finley returned to Island Dentistry on December 3 for the procedure. Court documents indicate she was administered a potent mixture of sedatives, including Demerol. During the procedure, Finley went into cardiac arrest. Notably, her vital signs were recorded only three times, despite guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommending monitoring every five minutes. Staff reportedly ran to a pediatrician’s office for assistance.
Pediatrician Statement
Dr. Brit Reis, the attending pediatrician, found Finley sitting upright in the dental chair, unresponsive, with no detectable heartbeat. Reports indicate that the dental staff did not attempt resuscitation or administer medication to counteract the sedatives. During a 26-minute gap in monitoring, Finley’s oxygen saturation fell below 65%. She had received the maximum dose of Demerol and Hydroxyzine, and 40% more than the maximum dose of chloral hydrate. Finley passed away at a hospice facility on January 3, 2014.
Dentist Under Investigation
Island Dentistry has permanently closed, and Dr. Geyer is under investigation by the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Another dentist, reviewing Finley’s teeth while she was in a coma, found that only two teeth required treatment, not ten. The x-rays used during Dr. Geyer’s procedures were deemed “non-diagnostic.”
Understanding Dentist Negligence Lawsuits
A lawsuit is appropriate when a dental professional’s actions or inactions lead to injury or death. These cases often involve proving mismanagement of medications, failure to follow medical protocols, or improper monitoring during procedures.
Legal Support and Next Steps
Families affected by incidents like Finley’s may pursue compensation for pain, suffering, and wrongful death. Contact Dallas-Fort Worth lawyers at Frenkel & Frenkel to schedule a free initial consultation regarding cases where injuries or death may have resulted from someone else’s negligence.