By and large, the vast majority of people will admit that they never really enjoyed a visit to their dentist. The problem, however, is that while most dental work won’t result in complications, there are situations where the standard of care dentists owe to their patients is not observed. This often results in a great deal of pain and anxiety on the part of patients, and may be the result of negligence on the part of your dental practitioner. If you believe that you have been the victim of dental negligence, the team at HDP Solicitors may be able to help you claim compensation.
Dentist Negligence - When is a mistake by a dental practitioner negligent?
It is important to understand that, in law, negligence has a particular meaning. Dentists, like their medical professionals, owe their patients a duty of care. It is not unexpected that some dental treatment may leave you in some pain – this is not indicative of dental negligence and the law will not allow a claim of dental negligence to succeed on such a superficial argument. Dentist negligence is where a dentist fails to discharge the duty of care that they owe to you as their patient, and that this caused or directly contributed to your being injured.
Where there is sufficient evidence to support it, a claim of dental negligence can be based on a variety of situations:
- Misdiagnosis: your dentist will be concerned with your overall health, and will inspect it from time to time as and when you visit for a check up. If they fail to spot troublesome or worrisome signs which later develop into significant health problems, then there may be grounds for a claim of negligence
- Inadequate dental treatment: dentists are highly trained medical professionals who use instruments and techniques in order to look after your oral health. However, if a dentist fails to use techniques with are pertinent to you, and this causes you to be injured or suffer problems in the longer term, you could be entitled to make a claim
- Careless practices: dentists need to be precise in determining how to care for you when you visit them for a dental check up. However, if they cut corners, e.g. cut your gum while attempting to remove a tooth, they may be liable to compensate you.
How much compensation for a dental negligence claim?
You should understand that claiming compensation for dental negligence is a complex process, requiring a careful analysis of your situation, the established law and accepted dental practice. If your situation is such that there is a convincing argument and supporting evidence to demonstrate that your dentist was negligent, then you will be entitled to compensation. However, how much compensation you will be entitled to is specific to your situation, which will be determined according to the severity of your injuries, the impact they have had on you, your scope for recovery and any steps you have had to take in order to address your injuries.
Contact our Expert Dental Negligence Solicitors
HDP Solicitors are experts in advising on all aspects of personal injury law, and have developed a strong practice of advising on highly technical dental negligence cases. Our team, which boasts over two decades of experience advising on personal injury claims, will conduct an exacting review of your case and be able to provide you with an honest and objective view on the scope of a successful compensation claim. Contact us today on 0800 0357 770 to find out more. You can also fill out our dental negligence claims form online.