As you know, going to a dentist has its share of worries. For instance, you will be worrying about the pain involved in dental procedures and issues with your teeth. It is unfortunate that a lot of people do not consider the outcome if something goes wrong and causes a lot of pain. Maybe you are in that particular situation at now. You may be aware of medical malpractice. Unfortunately, the same does happen in the dental world. It is necessary to know basics of dental malpractice. This can help you get the compensation which you deserve.
Dental malpractice results when something your professional dentist does or does not do results in a serious injury. It is possible you are a victim of this type of malpractice. The following are some of the examples:
- Incorrect or delayed diagnosis
- Unnecessary treatments
- No diagnosis
- Treating the wrong teeth
- Severe injury as a result of treatment
- Improper use of anesthesia
Filing a suit
If you have been subjected to dental malpractice, you may be thinking whether you have grounds to file a suit against a dentist. In most instances, you should ensure you have a case of dental malpractice. Before filing a suit against your dentist, you should carry out the following things:
Accepted standard of care
It is necessary to establish a standard for the level of care which you can expect to get from a professional dentist for your condition. In this case, you need an expert dentist to verify this step.
Dentist-patient relationship
This is an easy step, and in most instances, it is not disputed. You should prove that a relationship existed between you and the dentist.
After establishing the standard of care, you should prove that the dentist breached it. This may be a difficult part as you must prove without a doubt that the dentist did cause harm to you.
How serious
You must establish how serious the injury was. For instance, if it is minor, you may not need to pursue it.
If you carry out the above steps, you are bound to be an ideal candidate for a dental malpractice lawsuit. You should remember that each situation is different. Therefore, it is necessary to take your time and consult with a lawyer who specializes in this area. Take adequate time to prepare for the lawsuit. This will make your process quick.