Injection for toothache leaves Turkish man unable to walk

A furniture maker in Izmir, Turkey, is seeking justice after a routine injection for a toothache allegedly led to severe, long-term damage to his leg. Serif Osman, 29, visited a hospital's emergency service last October complaining of intense tooth pain.

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My life has been ruined for one injection.

According to Osman, he was administered an injection in his hip. Shortly after, he experienced severe pain, loss of function, and a progressive shortening of his left leg. The pain and swelling were so intense that he was bedridden for months and unable to work. "My life has been ruined for one injection," Osman stated, adding that his three children are now suffering due to his inability to earn a living.

Seeking further medical evaluation, Osman visited another hospital where doctors reportedly told him the damage was a result of an incorrect injection. They suggested that while the condition might improve over time, it could take two to three years. Osman recounted returning to the original hospital and informing the doctor about the adverse reaction, but claims the doctor asked if he had fallen.

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I cannot work right now, I am ruined. I have three babies. What will be the future of these babies, their lives? I have filed a lawsuit against the hospital and made a complaint. I hope they will get me my rights. They ended my life and my children's lives for one injection.

Osman has since filed a criminal complaint against the hospital and the physician responsible. His lawyer, Ebru Bilgen, confirmed that they are pursuing the case, highlighting the significant physical and financial hardship Osman has endured since the incident.

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Our client told us that when he first came to our office, he went to a hospital in Gaziemir with a toothache complaint, and after the injection procedure performed there, his leg became shortened and he lost his former health. Mr. Şerif filed a criminal complaint with the Public Prosecutor's Office at the time of the incident. We are following that process.