what kind lawyer should i get to defend my dental case

by Megane Macejkovic 10 min read

As previously mentioned, you should consult with a skilled and knowledgeable personal injury lawyer if you are considering suing your dentist. An experienced personal injury attorney will be knowledgeable about your state’s laws regarding the matter, and will assess your case to determine whether you have a claim.

If you feel you have a strong dental malpractice case, your first step should be to contact a law firm with an experienced malpractice lawyer. They should offer a free consultation and ask questions about the dental care you received.May 15, 2020

Full Answer

What defenses are used in a dental malpractice case?

Jul 30, 2020 · Here, he expands on what lawyers should look for when searching for a dental expert. A good expert witness combines training, skill and experience. Academic and clinical expertise in a specific field with critical appraisal and analytic skills are essential qualities when selecting the right expert. They should have effective communication skills including effective …

What can a dental attorney do for You?

Contact a Dental Malpractice Lawyer Suffering from dental malpractice can be devastating physically, emotionally, and financially. While the dental malpractice attorneys at Morgan & Morgan can’t help you heal any faster, we can help you recover compensation in a difficult time. For more than three decades, we’ve helped victims just like you.

Will I find myself in a lawsuit for dental advice?

Steps to File a Dental Malpractice Lawsuit. In some states, it may be necessary to obtain an affidavit from a health care practitioner saying that the lawsuit has merit before the lawsuit can be filed. It is also beneficial, in some states, to have a favorable ruling from the state board of dentistry before bringing a claim.

Do I have a case if my dentist fails to treat me?

Nov 07, 2014 · My suggestion is to speak to both a dental malpractice attorney and a consumer fraud attorney - best of luck getting this resolved. The above answer is for information only; and does NOT constitute legal advice.

What is an example of contributory negligence in the dental practice?

Dentist left the area for a weekend without making arrangements for another dentist to be available for emergencies or a contact number. Give an example of the principle of contributory negligence in a dental practice. Broken appointments or last minute cancellations.

Can you sue a dentist for Trismus?

Can You Sue a Dentist For Bad Dental Work? Yes, you may sue a dentist for bad dental work. This is referred to as dental malpractice and is related to medical malpractice.Oct 14, 2016

What is the best defense against a malpractice claim?

Three of the most common defense strategies in medical malpractice cases are:rejection of expert testimony.reduction or elimination of damages, and.absence of causation.

What is the statute of limitations for dental malpractice in California?

The statute of limitations for dental malpractice actions based on negligence is three years after the date of injury or one year after the plaintiff discovers the injury — whichever comes first. So, in most cases, you only have one year to file a lawsuit in a dental malpractice case.

How do you prove dental negligence?

You'll need to prove two things: 'Breach of duty' and 'Causation'. Breach of duty is when you show that the treatment you received fell below the reasonable standard of care you would have expected to receive from a reasonably competent dentist in their field.

What can you do if a dentist messed up?

If you feel you have a strong dental malpractice case, your first step should be to contact a law firm with an experienced malpractice lawyer. They should offer a free consultation and ask questions about the dental care you received.May 15, 2020

What is the most common malpractice claim?

What Are the Most Common Medical Malpractice Claims?Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis.Failure to treat.Prescription drug errors.Surgical or procedural errors.Childbirth injuries.

Which type of defense do you think is the most commonly used in medical malpractice cases?

Standard Negligence DefensesStandard Negligence Defenses While disproving an element of negligence is one of the most common defenses to medical malpractice, there are a number of other defenses that may apply as well.

What is an example of medical negligence?

Examples of Medical Malpractice Failure to diagnose. Surgical errors or unnecessary surgery. Prescribing the wrong medication. Disregarding or failing to consider appropriate patient history.

What is dental malpractice insurance?

Dental Malpractice Insurance is sometimes called Professional Liability Insurance and is designed to protect dental practices against liabilities if a patient files a lawsuit. More than 10,000 medical malpractice claims are received every year in the tone of $3.5 billion as recorded by NPDB.Jul 8, 2021

What is the best definition of malpractice?

Definition of malpractice 1 : a dereliction of professional duty or a failure to exercise an ordinary degree of professional skill or learning by one (such as a physician) rendering professional services which results in injury, loss, or damage. 2 : an injurious, negligent, or improper practice : malfeasance.

Elements of A Dental Malpractice Lawsuit

In order to make a successful case for dental malpractice, an injured patient (and his or her attorney) will typically need to establish the follow...

Steps to File A Dental Malpractice Lawsuit

In some states, it may be necessary to obtain an affidavit from a health care practitioner saying that the lawsuit has merit before the lawsuit can...

Examples of Dental Malpractice

Some of the more common scenarios of dental malpractice include: 1. improper extraction of teeth 2. failure to diagnose various conditions (e.g., T...

Defending Against A Dental Malpractice Lawsuit

One of the most important defenses in a dental malpractice case is proper documentation. The patient’s dental record must contain a clear chronolog...

What is dental malpractice?

Dental Malpractice occurs when a dentist or other dentist office staff member performs a negligent or reckless act that results in an injury to the patient. If during the course of a dental exam, procedure, or surgery you experienced a significant injury that would not have otherwise resulted if the examiner or dentist had done his ...

What happens if a dentist fails to diagnose a medical issue?

Additionally, if a dentist or dental examiner failed to diagnose or treat a medical issue that would have been found or treated by a dentist or examiner exercising a high level of medical proficiency, and you suffered an injury as a result of this failure, you may also have a case.

What are some examples of dental malpractice?

Some of the most common examples of dental malpractice include: Failure to diagnose conditions such as gum disease, oral cancer, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Improper extractions, which may lead to TMJ disorders, severed nerves, or fractures of the jaw.

What is breach of care?

Breach of Care: You must prove that your dentist caused your injury or made an existing condition worse through their actions or inactions. An expert medical witness can likewise help in establishing specifically how care was breached, such as by outlining which steps should have been taken to prevent the injury.

What is the medical standard of care?

Medical Standard of Care: The medical standard of care refers to the level of care a similarly skilled dentist would have provided given identical circumstances. This is typically established by an expert medical witness who has experience with the procedure in question.

Is dental malpractice a chore?

Dental Malpractice. For many people, no matter their age, going to the dentist is a chore. But as much as you might dread going to the dentist, chances are, you take some comfort in the thought that you’ll receive quality care during your visit. Unfortunately, that’s not always how it goes. While the definition of dental malpractice varies ...

What is the most important defense in a dental malpractice case?

One of the most important defenses in a dental malpractice case is proper documentation. The patient's dental record must contain a clear chronology of events, future treatment plans, and all important communication between the dentist and patient. Comprehensive documentation also includes:

What is needed to make a successful case for dental malpractice?

In order to make a successful case for dental malpractice, an injured patient (and his or her attorney) will typically need to establish the following: the existence of a dentist-patient relationship. the appropriate medical standard of care under the circumstances.

What are the most common dental malpractice cases?

Some of the more common scenarios of dental malpractice include: 1 improper extraction of teeth 2 failure to diagnose various conditions (e.g., TMJ, oral cancer) 3 failure to properly treat complications of care (e.g., infection) 4 failure to properly supervise or oversee actions of employees (e.g., hygienists) 5 wrongfully administered anesthesia 6 failure to refer to a specialist, and 7 lack of informed consent.

What is the medical standard of care?

The second element, the " medical standard of care ," means the level and kind of care that a similarly-skilled dentist in the community would have provided under the same treatment circumstances.

What is a clear dental record?

a clear record of the patient's history. a clear treatment plan (including documentation explaining the reason for any treatment for which the patient has been billed), and. notes written at or near the time of the patient's treatment. Keep in mind that many people will examine the dental record if there is a lawsuit.

What is breach and causation?

The "breach" and "causation" elements are critical. A plaintiff must prove that the health care provider caused the injury or made an existing condition worse by his or her action (or inaction). Again, testimony from a qualified expert medical witness is critical to establishing causation.

How long does it take to file a lawsuit against a dentist?

The defendant dentist then has a certain amount of time to respond to the complaint (typically 20 to 30 days).

John David Kelner

Only a tiny handful of lawyers handle dental cases, so easiest to Google dental malpractice lawyer.

Christian K. Lassen II

Since you will have to comply with the malpractice pre-sceening requirements be sure you find someone familiar with them. But, your damages are probably not large enough to support a lawsuit.

Clifford M. Miller

My suggestion is to speak to both a dental malpractice attorney and a consumer fraud attorney - best of luck getting this resolved.

Theodor Kaplun

You need to find a lawyer who handles medical negligence cases that is interested in investigating the claim. From what you present I doubt you will find any interest. These cases are very expensive and very risky to pursue. In addition your state has been under control of the Republican party and even worse more recently T-people.

Philip Anthony Fabiano

It shouldn't take one year and 40 visits to do one implant. Something is not right. Ask for a refund and/or file a complaint with the state dental association. She should probably seek follow up care elsewhere.

Andrew Y. Kim

I think it's time to find a good orthodontist, get a second opinion, then ask #1 for a return of your money. Otherwise she is having someone operate on her who isn't happy with her--not good.

What happens if a dentist fails to follow the accepted standard of care?

When a dentist is determined to have failed to follow the generally accepted standard of care when treating a patient, they can face a dental malpractice lawsuit. Nerve injuries, failure to diagnose oral cancer or periodontal disease and unnecessary or wrongful tooth extraction are common triggers of dental malpractice suits. Clinical negligence lawsuits can be costly and complicated cases to resolve, even though payouts should ultimately be covered by malpractice insurance. If you may be facing a dental malpractice suit, it may be prudent to consult a malpractice lawyer immediately.

What are dentist patient rights?

Dental Patient Rights. If you are a member of an association or state licensing board with a set patient rights statement, like most dentists, you are held to its tenets as a matter of consumer law. Any violations leave you open to sanctions and lawsuits.

What are the consumer laws for dentists?

Like any customer-facing business, dentists must comply with all FTC requirements for advertising, product quality and other consumer issues. There are, however, other issues in consumer law that apply specifically to medical professionals, including dentists.

What is HIPAA for dentists?

HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, sets the standard for protecting sensitive patient data. As a dentist, your patient records are subject to HIPAA, which means that any physical and digital records must be protected with proper safeguards. In general, records of and information regarding patient diagnosis and treatment must be kept strictly confidential except when given written permission to disclose it to others, such as insurance providers.

Why is Priori important?

A Priori lawyer can help you structure your practice to avoid problems and assist you if issues do arise.

What does a partnership agreement dictate?

Partnership agreements will dictate your tax burden, legal liability, management responsibilities and many other factors of your business.

What is the nature of a proposed treatment?

The nature of the proposed treatment, including necessity, probable prognosis, procedure length, recovery time, and cost; Any commonly accepted viable alternatives, including specialist treatments and the likely consequences from choosing no treatment; and. Disclosure of any foreseeable risks of the proposed procedure.

Jonathan W. Birdt

I defend dental malpractice cases. The type of case you describe is very hard to get an experienced personal injury/malpractice attorney interested in. You have low special damages (medical bills, out of pocket expenses, lost wages, etc.) but what you perceive as a lot of non-economic damages (pain, suffering, inconvenience).

John J. Tiemessen

Professional negligence cases involving physicians and dentists are extremely expensive to litigate, there are strict timelines to bring a lawsuit for malpractice, and statutory limits that can reduce the amount of damages a jury can award.

Patricia Kramer

Malpractice cases are difficult, and experts cost a lot of money. If you don't have big damages, it is hard to pursue from an economic point of view on contingency. Also, thank the ins cos and medical assns.

Robert Bruce Kopelson

Dental malpractice cases have statistically low probabilities of success and tend to be expensive to litigate. These characteristics makes it difficult to find contingency fee representation. All you can do is keep calling different law offices and develop and concise factual summary for why the dentist you want to sue was negligent. Good luck.

Patrick John Phillips

The only way to find an attorney is to just keep looking. Many malpractice attorneys, shy away from dental malpractice cases unless the potential recovery is very high. However, if you find one that has done a lot of dental cases, they are more likely to take the case on despite what seems on its face to be one of lesser value.

David Ian Schoen

Many more facts are necessary. You are in the right place. So... use Avvo Find a Lawyer tool to hire a top rated (10) attorney to give Legal Advice.

Alan James Brinkmeier

It can be tough to get someone to front all the costs of litigation. I don't know how many you have called but if its a good case i would think you can find someone. It may be that you don't have the case they would take between the costs and the facts. Unrealistic expectations and fronting costs are 2 reasons not to take a case.

What is the most important defense in a dental malpractice case?

What To Know About Dental Negligence Lawsuits. One of the most important defenses in a dental malpractice case is proper documentation. The patient’s dental record must contain a clear chronology of events, future treatment plans, and all the important communication between the dentist and patient.

How to sue a dentist for medical malpractice?

To sue a dentist for medical malpractice, you must be able to prove that you suffered an injury as a result of a dentist’s provision of sub-standard care. To establish proof when suing a dentist, you will need to prove these four principles: Duty, Breach of Duty, Causation, and Damages.

What is the second most common alleged negligence?

The second most common alleged negligence was due to endodontic procedures. Of the above negligence claims due to endodontic procedures, all of the defendants were general dentists. The complications included instruments left in canals, nerve and sinus perforations, air embolisms, and life-threatening infections, including four fatalities. Of the life-threatening infections, seven were due to brain abscesses, and one due to osteomyelitis. Of these eight infections, four were fatalities and four resulted in irreversible brain damage.

How many implants were lost in the negligence lawsuit?

In the implant loss subset, two to 10 implants were lost, and treatment planning was alleged to be deficient to non-existent. The patient with the post-operative infection succumbed to the infection. In 24 of the negligence claims involving dental implant surgery, the defendants were general dentists, and one was a periodontist.

How many cases of failure to diagnose periodontal disease in a timely fashion?

There were 19 cases of failure to diagnose or treat periodontal disease in a timely fashion. All defendants were general dentists. In the majority of these cases, X-rays were not taken routinely, and periodontal probings were rarely or never recorded.

What is a dental note?

A clear treatment plan (including documentation explaining the reason for any treatment for which the patient has been billed), and. Notes were written at or near the time of the patient’s treatment. Keep in mind that many people will examine the dental record if there is a lawsuit.

Why do dentists sue?

Reasons to Sue a Dentist: 1 Anesthesia Complications 2 Failure to Diagnose Oral Diseases or Cancers 3 Injuries to Oral Nerves 4 Complications with Bridges and Crowns 5 Tooth Extraction Problems 6 Root Canal Injuries 7 Complications from Novocain 8 Infections 9 Wrongful Death