Lawsuit says ex-Shamokin dentist's unsanitary conditions caused infectious disease - News

SUNBURY - A malpractice lawsuit alleges a former Shamokin dentist whose practice was shuttered because of alleged unsanitary conditions caused a patient to contract an infectious disease.



Dr. Vincent J. Paczkoskie, of Snydertown, is accused of negligence and assault and battery in a lawsuit filed June 24 in Northumberland County Court on behalf of Matthew A. Weikel, of Coal Township. Weikel seeks a monetary award through compulsory arbitration. Donald J. Feinberg of The Feinberg Firm, Philadelphia, is Weikel's attorney.



The lawsuit alleges Weikel was diagnosed with an infectious disease following routine blood work in July 2013. The disease was undisclosed in the lawsuit. Paczkoskie performed dental work on Weikel beginning in 2009 or 2010, according to the lawsuit. It does not state when his last visit was or what work may have been performed.



Weikel suffers "physical painand mental anguish," perhaps permanently, according to the lawsuit. It's alleged thatHe also spent unspecified sums of money on medical attention and will do so in the future.



"Weikel has suffered embarrassment, humiliation, shame and disfigurement and he will continue to suffer same in the future to his detriment and loss," the lawsuit states.



Weikel could not be reached for comment through his attorney. A Department of Health spokesman declined to say ifthe department was tracking potential reports of infections related to a state investigation into Paczkoskie's former practice.



Paczkoskie, who practiced at 315 N. Shamokin St., surrendered his dentistry license in September in wake of a Department of Health investigation that accused the then 74-year-old of failing to maintain common health standards.



He had no records to prove equipment was being sterilized since at least June 2013, failed to disinfect instruments before reuse, and had no contract for medical waste disposal, investigators said. A single dental handpiece, or drill, was found among the tools when they inspected the office.



After the investigation's results were announced, the state urged all current or former patients be tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. An agreement with the state says he can never practice dentistryagain in Pennsylvania.





The lawsuit cites a number of findings from the Department of Health investigation without specifically citing the investigatory report. Spelling of Paczkoskie's name in the lawsuit differs from his dental license. At one point, another man's name is inserted where Weikel's would be with no further reference.



Attempts to reach Weikel through his attorney were unsuccessful.



Paczkoskie was first licensed in June 1965. His last renewal was April 2013. He was a longtime dental examiner for the Shamokin Area School District.