Dentists are entrusted with the responsibility of providing a high standard of professional care to their patients. When a dentist fails to meet the expectations of a reasonably competent professional, and the patient sustains injuries or harm due to the dentist’s negligence or intentional wrongdoing, the patient has the option to pursue a dental malpractice claim.
Dental malpractice can arise from various circumstances including but not limited to:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
- Surgical errors
- Improper anesthesia administration
- Inadequate treatment planning resulting in complications or treatment failures
- Negligence-induced complications
- Failure to obtain informed consent
To successfully pursue a dental malpractice claim, the injured party (plaintiff) must establish several key elements including duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages. In these types of claims, expert testimony may be required to successfully demonstrate the standard of care breached and demonstrate how the dentist’s actions caused the injury.
It’s important to note that dental malpractice claims are subject to the statute of limitations under the Limitations Act 2002 so it’s important to seek the counsel of experienced lawyers with specialized knowledge. Our team can guide you through the legal process and help you determine the best course of action for your claim.
