Although dental malpractice is not publicized as widely as other types of malpractice, dental care that falls below the acceptable industry standard of care must be taken seriously. Negligent dental care can leave you in serious pain and can be expensive to repair.
Dental malpractice cases can be complicated and require an in-depth knowledge of the medical aspects of dentistry, the acceptable standard of care that dentists are held to, and the legal aspects of a personal injury case. If you believe you have received negligent dental care, contact a steadfast St. Petersburg dental malpractice lawyer to discuss how to proceed with your case. A proactive attorney can help come up with a plan to give you the greatest chance of success.
Nuances in Dental Malpractice
There is a standard of care dentists must meet when treating patients. Failing to meet this standard could lead to compensation in a dental malpractice case. Although dental malpractice could occur in any dental procedure, malpractice commonly occurs during:
- Dental Extractions
- Dental implants
- Root canals and other endodontic procedures
- Failure to diagnose a gum disease or oral cancer
- Procedures requiring anesthesia
Patients may be unaware of the exact cause of their injuries after dental work. They may simply know that they are experiencing more pain or additional symptoms than before the procedure. Those who suspect dental malpractice may wish to seek additional dental care and consult an experienced St. Petersburg dental malpractice lawyer. By determining the cause of the pain, an attorney could work to establish the dentist’s negligent care as the cause of the injury.
Establishing Liability of St. Petersburg Dentists
Liability for dental malpractice is typically based on a negligence theory, meaning that the injured party, or plaintiff in a legal claim, must prove the dentist or dental professional owed a duty of care and breached that duty. An accomplished dental malpractice lawyer in St. Petersburg could establish the duty of care by showing evidence that the dentist treated the harmed individual as a patient. Then, to demonstrate a compensable breach of the duty, the plaintiff and their attorney must:
- Prove that the dentist violated the applicable standard of care
- Show that the dentist injured the patient
- Establish a connection between the violation of the dentist’s duty of care and the injury
- Present evidence that the patient sustained damages based on the injury
After dental misconduct, malpractice attorneys could collect valuable evidence for a legal claim. They may obtain a dentist professional’s records and work to evaluate potential malpractice. An accomplished legal representative may also use expert testimony to establish the acceptable standard of care and to demonstrate the connection between the breach of care and the patient’s injury to the court.
Speak with a St. Petersburg Dental Malpractice Attorney
Dental malpractice cases can be complicated and difficult to prove. But if you were injured during a dental procedure, you have the right to seek justice. You can seek compensation for your injuries, the pain and suffering that a botched dental procedure can cause, and a dental care provider’s negligence.
A reputable St. Petersburg dental malpractice lawyer could evaluate your injuries and determine the level of potential compensation. If you are suffering pain as a result of a dental procedure, seek the services of an experienced dental malpractice attorney today. Reach out to schedule a free consultation and receive the help you need for your injuries.
