$15 million dollar oral surgery malpractice verdict in favor of dental patient

August 27, 2008

A Spokane jury ruled Tuesday that a local dentist was negligent in performing a series of aggressive jaw surgeries in 2000 and 2001 - awarding Kimberly Kallestad a total $14,888,525 million in economic and non-economic damages.

A gasp went through the courtroom of Superior Court Judge Michael P. Price as he read the jury's figure - $10 million - for non-economic damages, including pain, suffering, disfigurement and "past and future loss of enjoyment of life."

Kallestad, 29, whose jaw is fused shut, is permanently disabled and in chronic pain. The former WSU student and Lewis and Clark High School cheerleader and varsity tennis player who dreamed of becoming a lawyer cannot work and is being cared for by her parents.

Spokane oral surgeon Dr. Patrick Collins, citing his work schedule, didn't show up for the jury verdict despite sitting through the six-week trial. His lawyer, John Versnel III, stood as the verdict was read.

Document: Jurors' verdict form (PDF)
http://www.spokesmanreview.com/breaking/story.asp?ID=16316

$15 million dollar oral surgery malpractice verdict in favor of dental patient

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