Gorsalitz v. Harris

On Motion for Rehearing

In their amended motion for rehearing appellants have called our attention to certain fact issues which we failed to consider in the foregoing opinion. There is ample evidence raising a fact issue as to whether the leaving of the root tip in Mrs. Gors-alitz’s gum or sinus constituted negligence on the part of appellee. We adhere to our original opinion that there is no medical testimony that any such negligence probably caused the conditions necessitating the closure of the sinus cavity and the damages Resulting therefrom. On reviewing the record we have concluded, however, that there is testimony which would warrant findings that such negligence, if any, necessitated the operation to remove the root tip and was a proximate cause of damages resulting therefrom.

There is evidence that in removing the root tip, appellee made an incision in Mrs. Gorsalitz’s gum and then sewed it up, and that she was in appellee’s office some 45 minutes to an hour and had to return three times before the stitches were removed. After the stitches were removed she was advised to see an oral surgeon to effect a closure of the sinus cavity. It is a matter of common knowledge that the operation for extraction of the root tip necessarily caused some pain or suffering, both physically and mentally. Houston Clinic v. Busch, Tex.Civ.App., 64 S.W.2d 1103, writ dism.

Since the case will have to be retried, we think it will serve no useful purpose to discuss the evidence further. The motion for rehearing is granted and the cause is reversed and remanded for new trial.