Did this doctor act inappropriately in delaying surgery?

by Brenda
(Alvin, Texas, USA)

My son was involved in an ATV accident in which he broke his nose, jaw, collar bone and a rib. He was in the hospital Saturday through the end of Sunday night. The oral surgeon did not come to see my son over the weekend. He wanted us to call Monday morning to schedule an appointment, which I did first thing Monday morning. He was scheduled for surgery Tuesday.

There have been several people I talked to that said the doctor should have performed the surgery in the hospital to make sure my son didn't get an infection. I do know that he wanted money up front before he did the surgery. Was any of the doctor's behavior inappropriate or constitute malpractice (e.g. waiting the whole weekend to perform surgery on my son's jaw and not performing the surgery in the hospital)? Thanks.

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ANSWER for "Did this doctor act inappropriately in delaying surgery?":

Brenda (Alvin, Texas, USA):

No. Physicians' and dentists' manner of charging patients varies widely. If a prospective patient doesn't have dental insurance it is altogether appropriate for the dentist to want confirmation the patient will pay his bill. Other than proof of insurance there are very few ways of doing so, especially when the patient requires treatment ahead of a scheduled time.

Although you may not be pleased with the manner in which the dentist responded, you still took your son to see him on Monday. When he told you he wanted the money "up front," before any surgery and also required you take your son in on Monday, those were decisions he had every right to make.

When he told you to take your son in to see him on Monday you could have said no and sought out another dentist. Instead you decided to stay with the same dentist.

Finally, and most importantly is the lack of proof of injuries or exacerbation of injuries resulting from the dentist's delayed treatment. Without proof of injuries or exacerbation of those injuries your claim will fail.

Since laws change frequently and across jurisdictions you should get a personalized case evaluation from an attorney licensed in your state (if you haven't already). Find an experienced local attorney to give you a FREE personalized case review here.


Best of luck,

Law Guy