In a gripping legal battle unfolding in Pinellas County, Florida, a plaintiff is seeking justice after alleging negligence by a dental practice and its lead dentist. Jamie Marie Conrad filed a complaint on December 12, 2024, against Belleair Oral Surgery & Implants PLLC and Dr. Ralph M. Eichstaedt, D.D.S., accusing them of failing to meet the professional standard of care during her dental treatment.
The lawsuit stems from a series of events beginning on July 26, 2022, when Conrad underwent oral surgery for the extraction of two wisdom teeth under the care of Dr. Eichstaedt at Belleair Oral Surgery. Following the procedure, Conrad experienced significant post-operative complications including swelling and pain that persisted over several weeks. Despite multiple follow-up visits where she reported these issues, Dr. Eichstaedt allegedly failed to conduct necessary diagnostic radiographs or refer her to specialists promptly.
According to the complaint, it wasn't until September 22, 2022—nearly two months after the initial surgery—that a CT scan revealed a nondisplaced pathologic fracture in Conrad's jaw. This discovery necessitated corrective surgery involving an incision through her neck to stabilize her jaw with plates and screws. The plaintiff argues that this severe outcome could have been avoided had proper medical protocols been followed earlier.
Conrad's legal team contends that both Belleair Oral Surgery and Dr. Eichstaedt breached their duty of care by not only delaying essential diagnostic procedures but also by overprescribing medications like methylprednisolone and Augmentin without addressing the underlying issues. These actions allegedly masked symptoms rather than treating them effectively, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
The plaintiff is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 for various injuries sustained due to alleged negligence including bodily injury, disability, pain and suffering, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, diminished earning capacity, and medical expenses incurred while seeking recovery from these injuries.
Represented by Lorraine E. Robinson from Clearwater-based law firm USA Law Group PLLC., Jamie Marie Conrad has demanded a jury trial to resolve these claims against Belleair Oral Surgery & Implants PLLC and Dr. Ralph M. Eichstaedt.
This case is presided over by Judge Ken Burke in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County under Case Number: 24-005425-CI.