Hyderabad: In a significant ruling, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Karimnagar has directed a private dental clinic in Hyderabad to pay a compensation of Rs 8 lakh to a patient for providing deficient services and exhibiting negligence in treatment. This verdict addresses the complaint lodged by Vodnala Venu, a government employee, who suffered due to improper dental procedures carried out by Partha Dental Skin and Hair Clinic.
Venu had originally visited the clinic in October 2020, seeking treatment for his loose front teeth and bleeding gums. After an initial assessment, the clinic diagnosed that the enamel on Venu’s teeth was severely damaged and that the gums had loosened. They recommended a full-mouth implant and hybrid denture, which led Venu to pay an advance of Rs 50,000 against the total treatment cost of Rs 3 lakh.
However, complications arose shortly after the implants were installed in January 2021. Despite maintaining rigorous dental hygiene, Venu experienced swelling and pain, prompting further visits to the clinic the following month. Upon examination, it was discovered that several implants in the lower jaw had loosened. The clinic reassured him of a fix within a week, but the corrective procedure was delayed to 15 days.
The situation deteriorated as the reinsertion of three implants led to more swelling, and eventually, only two implants were successfully stabilized in the lower jaw. This left Venu reliant on temporary dentures, which resulted in irreversible damage to both jaws and a muscle.
The clinic defended its position by claiming that Venu neglected the advised monthly check-ups and failed to maintain proper dental hygiene. They argued that Venu only returned to the clinic when he was in pain and had concealed his lack of maintenance, which contributed to the complications. Nonetheless, the clinic could not provide sufficient evidence to substantiate their claims.
The Consumer Commission found the clinic’s response and actions lacking, especially as they had initially advised a hybrid denture but ended up placing temporary ones without proper follow-up. This mismanagement and delay in treatment were deemed as negligence and deficiency in service, leading to the substantial compensation awarded to Venu for the hardships and permanent damage suffered due to the clinic’s failures.
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