W. Scott Harrington, DMD, the Tulsa, OK, oral surgeon who may have exposed approximately 7,000 patients to HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C has been hit with the first lawsuit related to the case, according to an article in Tulsa World.
Christina Quin had four third molars extracted by Dr. Harrington in 2009 and was illegally given IV sedation by a dental assistant during the procedure. She was subsequently diagnosed with an infection and liver problems after developing a rash and a high fever after the extractions.
The suit states that Dr. Harrington permitted an unlicensed member of his staff to perform dentistry on Quin and was negligent in his sterilization and infection-control practices, the article explained. It also seeks punitive damages and damages for past and future mental pain and suffering, past physical pain and suffering, physical injury, and reasonable expenses for previous and future medical care, treatment, and services.
Quinn, represented by Patrick Carr of Carr & Carr Attorneys, has not listed a dollar amount in the lawsuit. Carr anticipates that others will file similar lawsuits.