Expertise and guidance when making a dental negligence claim against the dentist.
Experiencing injury, pain, or lasting damage because of poor dental treatment can be very upsetting and physically draining.
You may have suffered from a botched procedure, misdiagnosis leading to extra pain and worsening conditions, or an unnecessary removal of your tooth.
Whatever dental pain you have suffered, you may be able to make a claim for compensation.
At David W Harris, our specialist medical negligence solicitors provide expert support to individuals who have received substandard care from their dentist or dental provider.
We can explain your rights to you and investigate what went wrong, acting at your discretion. Our expertise includes:
- Dental misdiagnosis
- Damages caused during treatment
- Cosmetic or orthodontic injuries
- Periodontal disease claims
We have dental negligence experts in Pontypridd, Swansea or Talbot Green and can arrange a meeting at your convenience.
Initiating a dental negligence claim can be intimidating, particularly if you are still suffering from your experience.
If you or someone you know has received negligent dental treatment, contact our friendly team today, and we will help you.
Our experience with dental negligence
Dental misdiagnosis
Dental misdiagnosis can lead to serious problems, from a delay in the treatment that you ought to have received to the development of infections and unnecessary procedures.
Long-term effects of dental misdiagnosis could include the substantial worsening of your condition, potentially leading to further problems, lasting pain, and irreversible changes to your teeth and gums due to improper treatment or undiagnosed conditions.
Our dental negligence solicitors understand precisely how to help you with a dental misdiagnosis claim in the pursuit of compensation to help you pay for any further treatment you need and accommodate your pain and suffering
Damages caused during treatment
When receiving dental treatment from a professional, we trust them to act in your best interests and perform skilfully.
Mistakes or negligence during treatment can create significant problems, such as jaw fractures, nerve injuries, infections or damage to healthy teeth.
If dental treatment has caused you otherwise avoidable harm, you may be able to get compensation with the help of our legal experts, holding the practitioner responsible and securing you resources to support your recovery.
Cosmetic injuries
Cosmetic dentistry can unlock confidence and resolve insecurities with your smile. However, when things go wrong with a cosmetic procedure, the opposite can happen.
This could include damage to healthy teeth, gum injuries, improperly fitted crowns or veneers, disfigurement, or lasting pain.
We can help you to pursue a claim for compensation to address the costs of corrective treatment and assist you in your pain and distress.
Periodontal disease claims
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, can lead to tooth loss, bone damage, and other serious oral health problems if improperly diagnosed or mistreated.
If your dentist has failed to identify the signs of periodontal disease or provided substandard treatment, then you may have an opportunity to claim compensation.
Our specialist solicitors will work with you to gather evidence and put together a robust claim for damages, addressing any unnecessary pain, tooth loss, or the restorative procedures you may have endured.
Common questions about dental negligence claims
What is dental negligence?
Dental negligence occurs when a dental professional, either in private practice or the NHS, provides care that is substandard and leads to pain, injury, or the need for further treatment that would have otherwise been avoidable.
There are many experiences that could be considered dental negligence, such as a misdiagnosis, nerve damage, the unnecessary removal of teeth, poor fillings, or badly executed crowns.
In order to succeed with a dental negligence claim, you must be able to prove that the care you received fell below the standard professional expectation, directly causing you harm.
Who is responsible for dental negligence?
The responsibility for dental negligence will usually rest with the dentist or dental team who oversaw your treatment or procedure.
If you received treatment under the NHS, then it is likely that the responsible NHS trust will be liable. If the treatment was provided, then it will be the clinic or individual that can be held accountable.
Our dental lawyers will accurately identify who is legally responsible and communicate with them on your behalf.
What is the time limit to make a dental negligence claim?
In most cases, you have three years from the date that the negligent treatment was given, or the date that you became aware of it, in order to start a claim for dental negligence.
Certain exceptions may apply, including where the victim of dental negligence is a child or does not have the capacity to make a claim themselves. If you are unsure of whether or not you are able to make a claim, speak to our dental solicitors as soon as possible.
How long does a dental negligence claim take?
Typically, the duration of dental claims comes down to the complexities of the case, whether or not the court is involved, and the availability of evidence.
With a straightforward case we can usually resolve matters within a year, whilst more complicated matters can take longer. We will take the time to gather expert opinions and full evidence, but always progress efficiently wherever possible.
How do you prove dental negligence?
In order to prove dental malpractice, we will help you to establish that:
- The dental professional owed you a standard duty of care
- That standard duty was breached by substandard treatment
- The breach directly led to your suffering
Our team will use expert records, imaging results, dental records and witness evidence in order to demonstrate these elements.
How much compensation could you receive for dental negligence?
The amount of compensation for dental negligence that you can pursue will depend on the severity of the substandard treatment and the extent of the impact on you and your standard of living.
We will consider the physical pain you experience, psychological distress, financial losses from further dental treatments, and cosmetic or aesthetic consequences.
Once we understand the exact details and full ramifications of your case, we can estimate what your dental negligence compensation may be worth. Wherever possible, we will pursue the fullest amount.
Consult our dental negligence solicitors in Swansea, Pontypridd or Talbot Green
You can contact your local David W Harris office in Pontypridd, Swansea or Talbot Green.
Alternatively, please use our simple online enquiry form to book a free initial chat with one of our dental negligence solicitors in South Wales. We respond promptly to all enquiries.