Dental Anesthetic Death: Family Sues Clinic

A lawsuit has been initiated against a dentist and dental corporations following the death of a young woman after receiving local anesthetic in Morden, Manitoba. Virginia Mae Blatz died on November 27, 2024, after a wisdom tooth extraction. The statement of claim alleges that the dentist, Ronald David Janz, administered articaine and other sedatives. It states Blatz experienced seizures and stopped breathing shortly after the anesthetic injection, later being pronounced dead. The cause of death was identified as local anesthetic systemic toxicity. The lawsuit details alleged failures, including improper needle injection, lack of aspiration checks, excessive dosage, and delayed lipid emulsion therapy. The dental clinic is also accused of inadequate staff education, lacking essential antidotes, and failing to have emergency protocols or oxygen readily available. The family is seeking $130,000 under Manitoba's Fatal Accidents Act, plus funeral and legal costs. Ronald David Janz has held a dental license since 2015, with current restrictions on administering local anesthetic and sedation services.