Lisa Asselmeier
A medical malpractice trial pitting a former Record employee against a Swansea dentist has begun in Madison County.
Lisa Asselmeier, who was an office manager for the Record, filed suit against Raymond Criscio, D.M.D. in November 2003, alleging the dentist left a piece of stainless steel dental equipment in her tooth after a root canal in the winter of 2001.
Asselmeier claims she sought subsequent care from another dentist who indicated that a resulting infection would necessitate the tooth's removal.
The case was originally assigned to the now-retired Circuit Judge Phil Kardis, but was re-assigned to presiding Associate Judge Ralph Mendelsohn.
During opening statements, Asselmeier’s attorney, Thomas Falb, told the jury of 10 men and two women that his client is seeking damages in excess of $75,000 for pain and suffering.
The first witness Falb called was Criscio.
He testified that he first met Asselmeier while she was coloring his hair at a local hair salon where she worked. Asselmeier began telling him some problems with her tooth, Criscio testified.
According to his testimony, he gave her three prescriptions that day and told her to call his office for an appointment.
When she came in he determined that she needed a root canal.
He also claims he told her about the problem and that she needed to make a follow-up appointment to finish the work.
Criscio testified that he did not deviate from standards of care.
A medical expert witness on behalf of Asselmeier testified that Criscio should have sent Asselmeier to a specialist the day she was seen instead of delaying treatment.
Falb plans to call Asselmeier to the stand on Friday.
03 L 1663