A payment of $750 has ended a lawsuit filed in 4th District Court five years ago by a Utah County woman against a Spanish Fork dentist.
Angela Vuksinick Haskell filed suit in 1991 against Brent D. Hansen, claiming dental work done by Hansen caused her pain and discomfort. She also alleged Hansen made improper sexual advances toward her.Judge Anthony W. Schofield dismissed the suit Feb. 23 after Haskell failed to respond to a motion filed by Hansen's attorney. Hansen said the suit was settled when he went to Haskell's Orem home on June 26 and paid her $750.
According to court documents, Has-kell called Hansen on June 24, a Saturday, and told him she needed $750 so she could move into a new apartment. Hansen waited until June 26 when he obtained the cash and then drove to Haskell's home. He paid her the money in exchange for a letter stating she wanted to drop the lawsuit.
In a court deposition, Haskell said she was intoxicated when Hansen came to her home. She also said Hansen brought her a bottle of wine. Hansen denied giving Haskell a bottle of wine.
However, Haskell told court officials that she wants the case over. Also, her attorney failed to oppose the settlement through a properly filed motion. Schofield ruled the payment and letter from Haskell constitute a settlement.
In 1989, the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing accused Hansen, and his twin brother Kent, of misconduct, substandard dental treatment, overprescribing medication and altering patient records.
Following a lengthy hearing, the state Dentists and Dental Hygiene Board ruled in 1992 that the Hansens' prescription practices and dental treatment endangered certain patients and contributed to a Nephi woman's drug addiction. The board suspended Kent Hansen's license for 120 days and Brent Hansen's license for 30 days. Both dentists were placed on probation for five years.
A lawsuit filed against the Hansens by the Nephi woman was settled out of court.