A prominent dental practice in Pennsylvania is embroiled in a legal battle over accusations of defamation and tortious interference. Somerset Dental Associates, P.C., and its owner, Dr. David A. Hajel, filed a complaint against Jonna Craig and Rinna Aguayo in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County on July 27, 2023.
The plaintiffs allege that Craig and Aguayo made defamatory statements on Facebook, accusing Somerset Dental Associates of recommending unnecessary dental procedures to patients solely for financial gain. According to the complaint, these statements have severely damaged the reputation of both the dental practice and Dr. Hajel, leading to a loss of patients and business opportunities.
Somerset Dental Associates claims that a Facebook post by a parent whose child was examined at their clinic sparked the controversy. The parent alleged that Somerset recommended extensive dental work under anesthesia for her child, which another dentist later deemed unnecessary. This post led to further comments from other citizens questioning Somerset's practices. Craig, identified as the regional manager of Elite Dental of Johnstown, allegedly encouraged these individuals to file complaints with their insurance companies and state board of dentistry. Aguayo, an employee at Elite Dental, also posted comments suggesting that Somerset was performing unnecessary procedures for profit.
The plaintiffs argue that these statements were false and made with malicious intent to harm their business. They claim that the defendants' actions have led many patients to seek services elsewhere, particularly at Elite Dental of Johnstown. Furthermore, they assert that these defamatory statements disrupted ongoing negotiations for the sale of Somerset Dental Associates.
Dr. Hajel states that before these events, both he and his practice enjoyed an excellent reputation within the community and among medical professionals. He contends that the defendants' actions have not only tarnished this reputation but also caused significant financial losses.
The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory and punitive damages exceeding $50,000 for each count of defamation and tortious interference with existing and prospective contractual relations. They demand a jury trial to resolve these issues.
Representing Somerset Dental Associates and Dr. Hajel are attorneys John A. Caputo and Elizabeth L. Jenkins from John A. Caputo & Associates in Pittsburgh.