No punitive damages in tooth suit

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — An orthodontist lacked “evil motive or reckless indifference” to his patient’s rights, ruled a federal court in Missouri, so she may not pursue punitive damages in her malpractice case against him. She sued over the treatment she got after losing a tooth in a softball accident, leaving her a “dental cripple,” but she neither demonstrated such severe motive on his part nor sought punitive damages in her complaint.