May 2014
On Monday you extracted two of Ms. Miller’s impacted wisdom teeth. You sent her home after telling her to take an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for the pain. You also told her to expect a little oozing and to “call if you have any problems.” Ms. Miller didn’t have any NSAIDs at home, so she took aspirin instead. Late Tuesday, she notices what she later describes as “a lot of bleeding” from the extraction site. She can’t find your phone number, panics, and goes to the emergency department. Ultimately, Ms. Miller’s bleeding is controlled and she is told to stop taking aspirin. She remains upset and tells you she is considering filing a lawsuit. Because you failed to provide adequate information, Ms. Miller may have a case that holds up in court.
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