A shocking lawsuit has been filed against a local dental practice, alleging severe negligence and malpractice that resulted in significant injuries to a patient. On August 6, 2024, Mindy Peroff filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida, against Larysa K. Smith, DDS, and her practice, Larysa K. Smith Enterprises, Inc., doing business as Palmetto Dentist.
According to the court documents, Peroff was under the care of Dr. Smith and Palmetto Dentist from December 20, 2021, through July 14, 2023. During this period, Peroff alleges that Dr. Smith failed to provide competent dental care in accordance with professional standards. The complaint outlines several instances of alleged negligence including improper use of local anesthetics that increased the risk of nerve damage, failure to treat diagnosed pathology timely leading to emergency surgery with complications, and failure to refer Peroff to a specialist when necessary.
Peroff's legal team claims that these actions resulted in significant and permanent injuries. The complaint states: "As a direct and proximate result of one or more negligent acts or omissions by the Defendant...the Plaintiff suffered pain therefrom, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish," among other damages. Furthermore, it is alleged that Dr. Smith's practice engaged in unethical billing practices such as "unbundling" and "upcoding" dental procedures.
The plaintiff is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 for medical expenses incurred due to these injuries and anticipates future losses due to ongoing impairments. The lawsuit accuses both Dr. Smith individually and her corporation collectively for failing to uphold their duty of care towards Peroff.
In addition to monetary compensation for damages suffered, Peroff is demanding a jury trial for all matters triable by jury as a matter of right.
The case has been filed under Case Number: 502024CA007447XXXAMB Div: AN with attorneys Lisa S. Levine and Sydney A. Levine representing the plaintiff.