New Jersey Jury Awards $11 Million in Dental Malpractice Case

A jury in central New Jersey has awarded more than $11 million to the family of a man who died after having his wisdom teeth removed.

Francis Keller of Woodbridge had a genetic condition that caused swelling as a reaction to trauma. The 21-year-old suffocated in August 2005 after the surgery performed by Perth Amboy oral surgeon George Flugrad.

During the trial in New Brunswick, attorneys for Flugrad and dentist John Madaris blamed each other’s client for the mistake.

Madaris was cleared of negligence.

David Mazie, an attorney representing Keller’s family, said the award is believed to be the largest in New Jersey history for dental malpractice.

Flugrad’s attorney, Joseph Cooney, did not return an after-hours message.