Common Types of Dental Malpractice Claims

Dental malpractice is when a dental professional makes a mistake that harms the patient. Many dental patients don’t know whether their dental injury was caused by negligence or it was just a risk of dental care. If the dentist was responsible for your injuries, you can file a dental malpractice lawsuit. This can help you get compensation for your injuries.

This article explains common types of dental malpractice claims. For more information about your case, talk to a local dental malpractice lawyer.

What Are the Most Common Types of Dental Malpractice Claims?

Dental care involves many different types of treatments, procedures, and exams. Dental professionals can make a mistake at any point in your oral healthcare. Dental injuries can result from the dentist deviating from professional dental standards of care. The types of dental care malpractice claims include:

• Negligent tooth extraction
• Dental implant errors
• Cosmetic dentistry errors
• Anesthesia complications
• Nerve damage
• Failure to diagnose oral cancer
• Root canal errors
• Periodontal disease misdiagnosis
• Sinus perforation
• Unnecessary endodontic procedures

What Are Common Misdiagnosis Mistakes in Dental Practices?

Diagnostic errors are some of the most common severe examples of dental malpractice. Dentists can miss common dental concerns if they see too many patients with limited time. Some dentists may also allow dental hygienists to perform procedures only a trained dentist should perform.

Diagnostic errors and delayed diagnosis can cause serious harm to your dental health. Some types of dental infections and oral cancer can be fatal. A dentist or orthodontist failing to recognize dangerous dental conditions can lead to severe and permanent injury. For example, a delayed cancer diagnosis can allow cancer to spread and metastasize. When another healthcare professional finally diagnoses the cancer, it may be too late for treatment.

How Do I Know If I Have a Dental Malpractice Case?

Talking to a lawyer is the best way to know if you have a dental malpractice claim. A dental malpractice attorney can review your case and help identify dental negligence. They can have another dental professional look at your case to determine if you have a dental malpractice case.

All medical procedures carry some level of risk. Without a lawyer, it’s hard for most patients to know whether they’re victims of dental malpractice or if it was just a risk of the dental treatment.

What Types of Damages Can I Recover in a Dental Malpractice Lawsuit?

In a civil lawsuit, the injury victim seeks to recover compensatory damages. Compensatory damages try to put you in the position you would have been in but for the dental negligence.

Your damages depend on the extent of your injuries. The types of damages in a dental malpractice lawsuit include:

• Dental and medical bills
• Future dental work
• Lost wages
• Disability or disfigurement
• Pain and suffering
• Mental distress

Can You Sue a Dentist for a Fatal Dental Procedure?

Most people don’t think of dental procedures as serious medical procedures. However, oral surgery can have fatal complications. For example, for someone going under anesthesia for jawbone surgery, anesthesia errors can be deadly. They’re also no longer alive to file a lawsuit against the negligent dentist. Family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the dentist responsible.

How Can a Dental Malpractice Attorney Help?

A dental malpractice lawyer is familiar with common medical mistakes and how dentists cover up their errors. A lawyer can review your medical and dental records to help discover possible negligence. They may refer your case to a dental expert witness for a professional review.

To win your dental malpractice claim, your lawyer must show that the dentist deviated from the dental standard of care that caused your injuries. They can also negotiate with the insurance company for a settlement so you can avoid a long trial. Many people think they can’t afford a personal injury or dental malpractice lawyer. But you can get a free case evaluation without paying anything upfront—most dental malpractice attorneys work on a contingent fee agreement. To find out if you have a dental malpractice claim, contact an experienced dental malpractice lawyer.