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Parents Of Toddler Who Died After Dentist Visit File Lawsuit

By Anne Collins | Update Date: Mar 03, 2017 08:50 AM EST

Daisy Lynn Torres is a 14-month-old girl who died during a dental procedure in Austin, Texas. Her parents have filed a wrongful death lawsuit, alleging that the little girl's death was part of a Medicaid scheme.

In March 2016, Daisy Lynn died while under anesthesia for multiple baby root canals and crowns on four of her teeth at the North Austin Medical Center. In July 2016, the Travis County Medical Examiner determined that the administered anesthesia used for the treatment of tooth decay was the cause of her death.

Parents Elizandro Torres and Betty Squier have sued the dentist, the anesthesiologist and the company, Texas Anesthesiology Association for $1 million in damages. The lawsuit stated that Dr. David Williams, the mobile anesthesiologist, did not describe or explain the procedure prior to the operation. It also claims that there was no sign of the disease in dental radiographs taken on the day Daisy Lynn died according to KHOU.

Michael Melanson, the dentist, allegedly told the family the procedure was normal and necessary. During the procedure, Daisy's heart and breathing stopped. The parents believe their daughter's death was part of a corporate scheme to bill Medicaid for unnecessary procedures.

Squier said about 10 or 15 minutes into her daughter's procedure, the dentist came told her that he was going to do six cavities. He was originally only supposed to be going for two cavities. Then Daisy Lynn had gone into cardiac arrest.

Austin Children Dentistry's attorney said they are aware of the lawsuit, but will not comment on pending litigation.

Sean Breen, the family's lawyer said "A big component of people that use Medicaid happens to be people who are low income and sometimes not as formally educated as others, and they make for very good targets because they are trusting."

Breen said that other families have come forward as well saying their children also had unnecessary dental work at Austin Children's Dentistry.

According to CBS 46, the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners is still investigating the case. Neither the dentist nor the anesthesiologist that were involved has been disciplined by the state medical or dental boards.

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