Enlarge image
Photo: Arne Dedert / dpa
The proceedings against a fine have been dropped against an anesthetist who allegedly caused irreparable brain damage in a little girl through an alleged malpractice.
The 44-year-old doctor from Bielefeld accepted a fine of 15,000 euros at the Detmold regional court on Tuesday.
The criminal chamber then closed the proceedings (Ref .: 21 KLs 8/20).
If the proceedings for negligent bodily harm are discontinued, the anesthetist is deemed to have no previous conviction.
However, a civil suit awaits him from the girl's family, who want to claim at least 500,000 euros in compensation for pain and suffering.
Ventilation through the esophagus instead of the trachea
The then seven-year-old child was due to have milk teeth treatment under general anesthesia in a dental practice in Detmold in September 2017.
Several teeth should be filled or pulled.
The prosecution accused the doctor of inadvertently placing the ventilation tube in the esophagus instead of the trachea.
The doctor is said to have not noticed signs of the error in time.
The girl has been in a vegetative state since the incident due to the lack of oxygen and is a case of extreme care.
ala / dpa