An Ocala couple has filed a premises liability lawsuit against their dental provider after a routine appointment allegedly ended in a violent fall that required a hip replacement.
Merrill Otis Nelson Jr. and his wife, Patricia Ann Nelson, filed the complaint in the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court of Marion County on March 31, naming Comfortable Care Dental Health Professionals (d/b/a Oakridge Dental Care & Design) and Heartland Dental as defendants.
The alleged incident occurred on April 1, 2025, at the Oakridge Dental Care office located at 9590 SW State Road 200 in Ocala.
According to the complaint, Nelson visited the dental office for the insertion of a crown. After the procedure, he was directed to rise from the dental chair and exit the room.
Upon taking a few steps, Nelson’s foot allegedly became entangled in loose plastic tubing and cords that were cluttering the path.
As Nelson tried to regain his balance, his foot reportedly became further entangled, causing him to violently fall to the floor and scrape his arm against the wall.
After the fall, office staff reportedly rushed to assist Nelson, making comments regarding the loose tubing that caused the accident.
The lawsuit alleges that the cords were part of the permanent dental equipment under the exclusive control of the defendants.
Nelson argues that the hazard was not open and obvious, as the color of the tubing blended into the pattern of the flooring.
As a direct result of the fall, Nelson claims a significant hip injury requiring surgical intervention and a planned total hip replacement. The Nelsons are seeking damages in excess of $50,000.