Dentist to compensate a woman for painful root canal

BANGALORE: Root canal treatment is considered to be one of the most painful dental treatment, but a city based woman had to bear with her painful tooth for months together due to 'inefficient service' by her dentist. The woman has now received compensation of Rs. 14,500 from a consumer court.
Ashwini M, a resident of Kengeri moved the 3 ^rdAdditional District Consumer Forum in June this year against Dr C Gowri Shankar, a dentist from the same area.In her complaint she stated that she was undergoing a root canal treatment at Dr Shankar's clinic. A visiting doctor in the clinic gave the one sitting treatment.
After the treatment the pain actually increased and she once again approached Dr Gowri Shankar. This time she was referred to another visiting doctor, who again treated the painful tooth. Ashwini was charged Rs. 6,000 for the treatment. "Even after the said root canal treatment and permanent filling, I continued to suffer acute and unbearable pain in teeth. When I approached the doctor once again he showed his inability to treat me," Ashwini told the court.
She then approached Dr Manjunath Prasad, who took x-ray of her teeth and informed her that the piece of instrument that was used for root canal was broken and stuck in the middle of her teeth, which was causing severe pain. She was left with no other option but to remove the painful tooth.
Ashwini then sought refund of the fees from Dr Gowri Shankar, who agreed to refund 50% of the amount. He issued a cheque of Rs. 3,000, which was dishonoured by the bank. She then moved the Consumer Court seeking compensation from Dr Gowri Shankar.
President T Rajashekharaiah and Member H M Shivalingappa on August 30 ruled that
'there was deficiency in service by the doctor' and directed him to pay Rs 11,500 to Ashwini as compensation and Rs. 3,000 as cost of litigation. "The opposite party (Dr Gowri Shankar) is granted 30 days to pay the amount. In case of default he shall be liable to pay interest on compensation at 12% p.a." observed the court.