When we visit a dentist, we expect to receive the best possible care. And while that usually happens, it is unfortunately not always the case.
What is Dental Negligence?
Dental negligence involves an existing dental condition being worsened by a dental professional performing treatment on you. Dental conditions can be life changing or even life endangering if incorrectly treated.
If you have been injured after seeing a dentist, you may be eligible for a medical negligence claim.
Dentists have a duty of care
Dentists are expected to provide their patients with a standard of treatment that would be expected of any other reasonable dentist in the same situation. This duty of care is similar to what is expected of medical doctors.
If a dentist is found to have breached their duty of care, an injured patient may be able to sue the dentist for medical negligence.
Types of dental malpractice cases
Examples of dental malpractice that may be able to claim for include
- Surgical errors
- Damage caused to existing healthy teeth
- Loss or ruin of implants or crowns
- Incorrect tooth removal
- Failure to investigate symptoms
- Illnesses and infections caused by incompetence
- Failure to adequately diagnose and treat
- Failure to sufficiently check and monitor condition (often leading to problems like pressure sores, malnutrition or dehydration)
- Incorrect treatment or medication being prescribed
- Incorrect reading of x-rays
We are the original No Win, No Fee* Medical negligence lawyers
This means that if you don’t win, you don’t pay the fees for the work we do on your case.
Frequently asked questions
For dental negligence cases, compensation is judged on how much of a negative impact the dental malpractice has had on your life. The amount of compensation you receive could cover:
- Your past and future loss of income
- The pain and suffering caused to you
- Your medical expenses and travel expenses to hospital
- Care costs incurred (for example an at-home nurse)
Just like other personal injury claims, there is a time limit that applies to making a dental malpractice claim. Generally, claims for medical negligence are restricted to three years from the time that the injury occurred. In some cases, this time limit may be extended.
To have a successful dental negligence claim, it’s important to speak to a lawyer, as we’ll be able to help you understand your rights and obligations during the process.
- That there’s been a breach of duty through negligent behaviour
- That the breach of duty has caused loss, injury or damage to you
Your medical practitioner (your dentist) may be liable for the pain and suffering caused to you if they didn’t do their job in a competent or responsible manner in line with their required level of skill. Depending on the circumstances of your claim, you may be able to claim compensation against the dentist or practice that caused your dental issues.
What’s the process?
Learn about what to expect during a medical negligence claim.