A tragic incident in Vista, California, has left a family mourning the loss of Silvanna Moreno, 9-years-old, who passed away just hours after undergoing dental surgery that involved general anesthesia. The procedure took place on March 18 at Dreamtime Dentistry, located on Vista Village Drive.
After the dental procedure, the 9-year-old Moreno was moved to a recovery room before being discharged. According to reports, she fell asleep on the car ride home and remained asleep. When her family went to check on her later, she was unresponsive. Emergency responders took her to Rady Children’s Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
The San Diego Police Department has launched an investigation into her death, and the Medical Examiner’s Office has yet to determine the official cause. It remains unclear whether the dental procedure or the administration of anesthesia played a role in the tragic outcome.
The Dangers of Anesthesia Errors and Medical Malpractice
The use of general anesthesia in dental procedures, particularly for children, carries inherent risks that require strict protocols and expert monitoring. If an anesthesiologist or medical professional fails to adhere to protocol, the consequences can be devastating. In cases where anesthesia is improperly administered, it may be considered medical malpractice.
Several potential errors in anesthesia administration could lead to serious harm or death:
- Dosage Miscalculations – administering too much anesthesia can suppress breathing and heart function, while too little may cause a patient to regain consciousness during the procedure.
- Failure to Monitor Vital Signs – continuous monitoring of a patient’s oxygen levels, heart rate, and respiratory function is crucial to detect distress early.
- Delayed Response to Complications – if an adverse reaction occurs, immediate intervention is necessary to prevent fatal consequences.
- Improper Discharge Procedures – patients must be carefully assessed before being sent home to ensure they are stable and recovering safely.
Other forms of medical negligence could also have contributed to this young girl’s passing, including failure to review her medical history for potential anesthesia risks or inadequate post-procedure instructions to her guardians.
“Losing a child under these circumstances is a devastating tragedy that no family should have to endure,” says Gerald Singleton, managing partner of Singleton Schreiber. “While anesthesia is a common medical tool, it requires the highest level of care and precision because any misstep can have catastrophic consequences. As a personal injury attorney, I’ve seen first-hand the heartbreak, confusion, and frustration families suffer after such a devastating loss. An experienced personal injury attorney can conduct a thorough investigation to determine who is accountable and fight for justice for the family.”
Legal Recourse for the Families Affected by Medical Malpractice
When a patient dies due to potential medical negligence, the family may have legal options to seek justice through a wrongful death lawsuit. In cases of medical malpractice, a wrongful death claim can hold negligent parties accountable and provide compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical costs incurred before the patient’s passing
- Loss of companionship and emotional suffering
- Potential future financial losses related to the child’s untimely death
If you have lost a loved one to medical malpractice, contact Singleton Schreiber to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your options. Call us at (619) 771-3473 or email info@singletonschreiber.com today.
