Civil suit seeks justice for injured toddler
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Nevaeh Hall
The parents of 4-year old Nevaeh Hall are hoping a civil lawsuit will bring some justice for their daughter who suffered severe brain damage after a routine trip to the dentist.
Courissa Clark and Derrick Hall have filed a civil lawsuit against Dr. Bethaniel Jefferson. The suit alleges Nevaeh was strapped into a physical restraint device called a “papoose board” and given large doses of anesthetic and sedatives. Nevaeh then began to seize, scream and shake violently. The suit goes on to accuse Dr. Bethaniel Jefferson of ignoring warning and visual indications that Nevaeh’s brain was suffering from severe lack of oxygen.
“In essence what happened is this child was chemically and physically suffocated,” said Jim Moriarty, the attorney for the family of 4-year-old Nevaeh Hall. “This child suffered massive brain damage during that time period and that didn’t have to happen.”
State records show at least 85 Texans have died as a result of dental anesthesia disasters since 2010, and countless more have been left damaged for life.
Dr. Jefferson has a history of disciplinary action filed against her stretching back to 2005. In 2012 the Texas Board of Dental Examiners reprimanded her for failing to meet the minimum standard of care in the sedation of another juvenile patient. Dr. Jefferson was ordered to pay a fine, and complete 24 additional hours of Continuing Education. She is currently on Enforced Suspension pending the outcome of a hearing at the State Office of Administrative Hearings.
DOCUMENTS
– Bethaniel Jefferson Disciplinary Action
– Hall Original Petition
