How To Choose the Right Attorney for Your Dental Malpractice Case

A dentist who breaches dental standards of care and causes harm to the patient is liable for damages. If you’re an injury victim, a dental malpractice lawyer can help you get compensation. However, finding the right lawyer for your dental malpractice case is essential.

We’ll give you an idea of what to ask when looking for a lawyer. Dental malpractice laws can depend on where you live. For legal advice after suffering a dental procedure injury, contact a dental malpractice lawyer near you.

What Should I Look for in a Dental Malpractice Lawyer?

To find the right attorney for your dental malpractice case, you should do some research. Ask around and get referrals for trusted lawyers with good legal reputations. Book a free consultation with them and ask questions about their experience. You don’t have to hire the first lawyer you talk to. Interview a few attorneys to ensure you find one with whom you feel comfortable handling your case.

Consider these questions when looking for the right attorney with dental care malpractice experience:

• Have you handled a case like mine before?
• How many years of experience do you have in malpractice and personal injury law?
• What is your medical malpractice track record?
• What is your law firm’s legal reputation with similar cases?
• Who will be handling my case?
• How will you communicate with me and provide updates?
• Will you be available to answer my questions when I call?

How Much Dental Malpractice Experience Does a Lawyer Have?

Dental malpractice cases differ from other types of personal injury cases. They generally require different pleading standards and the use of expert witnesses. Many medical malpractice attorneys focus on this specialized area of law.

It would be best to ask the attorney about their experience handling claims like yours. This includes cases against similar types of dental professionals and healthcare providers. Experienced dental malpractice lawyers can find dentistry experts to provide expert testimony supporting your case.

Will I Get Clear Communication About My Case?

Clear communication is important. You want to stay up-to-date on your case’s developments. Make sure you know how the attorney will communicate with you and how to ask for updates. If the lawyer and their support staff don’t communicate well, you may want to find a different one.

How Long Will My Dental Malpractice Case Take?

Dental malpractice cases can take a long time. Some malpractice lawsuits can go on for years. The statute of limitations can give you a year or more to start the process. Understanding what the case will entail can help prepare you for the legal process.

A lawsuit starts with pleadings. It begins with a complaint filed in court outlining the legal claim. The defendants, including your dentist and other medical professionals, then respond.

Discovery is the process of exchanging information. This can take months or longer. It involves depositions, sharing medical records, and exams from medical experts. After discovery, your lawyer can file motions with the court to narrow the legal issues. This can involve multiple motions throughout the process. Only then can the case proceed to trial.

At every step, your lawyer will negotiate with the defendant’s insurance company to try to settle the case. The closer the case gets to trial, the more likely the case will settle. Most dental malpractice lawsuits settle before they ever go to a jury. If you have questions about what to expect with your dental malpractice case, ask your lawyer.

How Much Will a Dental Malpractice Lawyer Cost?

Many victims of dental malpractice avoid talking to a lawyer because they think it will cost too much. Generally, there are no upfront costs to hire a dental malpractice lawyer. Most medical malpractice lawyers use a contingency fee basis. This means they’ll only get paid after they recover compensation for you.

A contingency fee generally works as a percentage of your award. For example, say you hire a dental malpractice attorney with a 30% contingency fee. You don’t have to pay anything when they take your case. After one year of legal proceedings, your lawyer recovers a settlement of $1 million. They would take 30% of the award, and you would get $700,000.

Talk to the lawyer before signing a representation agreement. Make sure you understand all the costs and fees associated with their services. The right lawyer will be clear about their fees.

Can I Talk to Multiple Dental Malpractice Lawyers?

Be wary of going with the first lawyer you call. You should feel comfortable with your lawyer—a dental malpractice case can take years. Get a case evaluation with a few attorneys to ensure you hire the right one for your case. Most dental malpractice lawyers will offer a free initial consultation. So, you don’t have anything to lose by talking to a few different lawyers.

How Can I Find a Dental Malpractice Attorney?

Finding the right lawyer for your dental malpractice case can be tricky. You can use online ads, billboards, and recommendations from family members. Do some research to find the right lawyer to represent you and defend your legal rights. Some options to find a dental malpractice lawyer include:

• Contacting your state bar association for a dental malpractice referral
• Asking family and friends for recommendations in a personal injury or medical malpractice case
• Use third-party attorney directory websites like LawInfo to search by practice area

When Should I Contact a Dental Malpractice Lawyer?

You have a limited time to file a legal claim for negligent dental work. If you wait too long to file a lawsuit, the court can dismiss your case. As soon as you’re aware of a possible dental error injury, contact a dental malpractice attorney.

Your attorney can review your claim and explain your legal options. They can refer your medical records to a dental expert witness supporting your claim. They can help you file a dental malpractice lawsuit and negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement.Contact an experienced dental malpractice lawyer to find the right person for your malpractice claim.