Dentist Accused of Overdosing Miami Woman with Fentanyl During Unnecessary Surgery

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• Maria Lugo Querales, a Miami woman, suffered severe brain damage following a root canal surgery in Texas.
• The dentist, Dr. Jerry Teague, is accused of overdosing her on fentanyl, leading to her condition.
• Lugo's husband is suing for negligence, claiming the surgery was unnecessary.

A distressing incident occurred in Marble Falls, Texas, involving 53-year-old Miami resident Maria Lugo Querales, who suffered severe brain damage after being administered an excessive dose of fentanyl by dentist Dr. Jerry Teague during a root canal surgery.

The surgery, which took place on May 10, 2022, has been labeled as unnecessary by Lugo's husband, Luis Espana, who is now suing for negligence.

The lawsuit reveals that Teague, who had a history of medical suspensions and legal issues, including a positive drug test for fentanyl and midazolam in 2016, failed to intubate Lugo properly before the overdose. This led to a cessation of her breathing and a cardiac arrest, causing permanent brain damage. Lugo has been in a specialized clinic since the incident.

Complicating the case is the fact that Teague passed away from pancreatic cancer just two weeks after the police investigation into the incident began. He had been reportedly suffering from cognitive issues related to his cancer diagnosis.

Espana's lawsuit against the dental clinic, Nunnally, Freeman, and Owens, and other dentists involved, challenges the necessity of the surgery. He argues that there was no scientific evidence supporting the need for the procedure. The clinic and other dentists deny the allegations, attributing Lugo's injuries to failed anesthesia and pre-existing conditions.

The case has raised questions about Teague's mental fitness at the time of the surgery, especially considering the events leading up to it, including him being reported missing and his apparent cognitive struggles.

Lugo, now residing in a neurological rehabilitation facility in Florida, requires continuous care, including artificial feeding and mechanical ventilation. The legal proceedings continue as her husband seeks damages for the extensive medical expenses incurred, while Teague's estate has reportedly reached a settlement subject to court approval.

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