Top Smithfield, VA Dental Malpractice Lawyers Near You

How Do You Report Dental Malpractice?

One way to report dental malpractice is by filing a complaint with the dental board or association in your home state. State boards conduct investigations into malpractice allegations and may sanction dentists. For instances involving criminal offenses, you may wish to contact your local law enforcement to file a police report. From there, the police department conducts an investigation and may file formal charges against the dentist.

Are There Any Dental Malpractice Lawyers Near Me In Smithfield, VA?

Dental malpractice can leave you in a difficult spot. Hiring the right attorney can make all the difference in whether your outcome is a positive one or not. Litigating a malpractice case is no easy task and experienced counsel can help you navigate this challenging situation. The LawInfo directory can help you find a verified dental malpractice lawyer near Smithfield to get the counsel you deserve.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Dental Malpractice Claims?

Each state provides its own statute of limitations for filing a civil lawsuit. Typically, the time period you have to bring your dental malpractice claim is dictated by the statute of limitation for medical malpractice. An experienced malpractice attorney in your state can help you establish the controlling laws in your state and assist you with filing your claim in a timely manner.

What Are Common Reasons for Filing Dental Malpractice Claims?

Dental malpractice claims can stem from a number of different reasons such as injuries or infections from procedures or surgeries, performing the incorrect procedure, tooth extraction, root canal injuries, failure to diagnose or delay of diagnosis, faulty bridges, crowns, or fillings, improperly administration of anesthesia or other sedatives.

The injuries from dental malpractice can be painful and sometimes cause irreversible damage. Common injuries include nerve damage, loss of jaw function, Temporomandibular Joint disorder (TMJ), loss of taste, numbness, or infection. Some patients who have suffered dental malpractice have issues eating or speaking as a result of their injuries. In very serious cases with severe injuries or gross negligence, dental malpractice may even cause a patient to die.

How Do You Prove Dental Malpractice?

Typically, dental malpractice claims require proving negligence on behalf of your dental provider. In order for you to prove your case, you must show that your dentist owed you a duty of reasonable care, the duty was breached, the breach caused your injuries and you incurred damages from the injuries. Dentists are held to a higher standard of care than the average person. Since dentists have a specialized knowledge as medical providers, the law compares the dentist’s conduct to what a reasonable dental provider would have done if they were in this situation.

What Is Dental Malpractice?

Dental malpractice is a form of medical malpractice. These civil lawsuits provide the opportunity for those who have suffered injuries caused by negligent dental work to receive compensation for their damages. Injuries in a dental malpractice suit may be from the negligent or intentional harm caused by a dentist, oral surgeon, orthodontist, or other oral healthcare professional. In some cases, a dentist may have performed a procedure without your informed consent that led you to suffer as a result. Injuries from dental malpractice can be extremely painful and often lead to permanent damage, making it even more important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to get started on your claim.