5 Reasons to Hire a Dental Malpractice Lawyer in Illinois
While we may not look forward to visiting the dentist, we expect the care we receive to be safe and professional. This is true whether we are having a routine procedure or being treated for a more serious condition. Nevertheless, when a dentist or other oral care practitioner makes a mistake, a patient can suffer severe and lasting harm. When this happens to you or a family member, you may be entitled to significant compensation. And, hiring a qualified dental malpractice lawyer will help you achieve a more successful outcome. Here are five reasons why.
Even skilled dentists make mistakes
Like most doctors, the majority of dentists and oral health specialists aim to provide reliable and beneficial care. However, even an experienced dentist can make a damaging mistake. A patient may suffer serious consequences when a dentist or oral surgeon fails to:
- Diagnose oral cancer or gum disease
- Treat or prevent infection
- Administer injections correctly
- Supervise other staff members such as hygienists or assistants
- Take X-rays according to established recommendations
- Conduct a thorough health history that includes smoking, medications, and previous reactions to surgery or anesthesia
- Refer a patient to a specialist for a condition requiring a particular expertise
- Properly providing and monitoring anesthesia
Dental mistakes can cause serious harm
Victims of dental malpractice can suffer significant, even life-threatening consequences. In some instances, a negligent dentist can cause permanent damage, disfigurement or lasting pain. Patients have died from untreated infections or complications from improperly administered anesthesia.
In addition, researchers have found that oral health can affect an individual’s general well-being. Therefore, a preventable injury in a patient’s mouth can negatively impact a person’s overall health.
Here are some of the serious injuries and conditions that can result from dental malpractice:
- Acute infection
- Permanent nerve damage
- Facial paralysis
- Air embolisms, blood vessel blockages caused by air or gas bubbles that can enter the body during certain surgical procedures
- Sinus perforation
- Bite disorders
- Trigeminal neuralgia, a chronic pain condition affecting the nerve that carries sensation from the face to the brain
- Root resorption, which can result in permanent loss of tooth structure
Dentistry is a highly specialized field
In addition to general dentists, many other oral health care specialists treat various conditions relating to the teeth, gums,and mouth. Some of these include:
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeons
- Endodontists (perform root canals and treat conditions relating to the nerves of the teeth)
- Dental radiologists
- Periodontists (treat conditions relating to the gums and surrounding bone structures)
- Oral medicine specialists (provides dental treatment to patients with complex medical situations)
- Prosthodontists (repair and/or replace natural teeth, including implants)
- Orthodontists (treat conditions relating to bite and tooth spacing)
With all of these specialties, the average person may not know what information is required for their individual situation. However, an experienced dental malpractice lawyer can obtain the documentation and expert witnesses necessary to prove and win your case.
Proving malpractice is a painstaking process
Generally, dental malpractice claims are governed by the same legal rules as medical malpractice claims. In Illinois, filing a malpractice claim and gathering the required information is a lengthy process. There are also stringent filing deadlines and a strict statute of limitations.
Basically, plaintiffs must prove the dentist or specialist was negligent, and that the negligence directly caused them harm. This usually requires obtaining numerous medical records and testimony from dental practitioners in the same field.
Most people do not have the knowledge or resources to obtain the necessary documentation and meet the many filing deadlines. You also risk settling for less than you’re entitled to without an accomplished dental malpractice lawyer on your side.
Plaintiffs who hire a dental malpractice lawyer achieve better outcomes
Studies show plaintiffs who use malpractice lawyers receive larger settlements than those who don’t. There are several reasons for this. First, fulfilling the many complex requirements mandated by Illinois law requires professional legal expertise. Next, if a case proceeds to court, a skilled attorney will provide the best representation. Finally, if a dentist or oral surgeon has caused substantial harm, you may be entitled to collect sizeable damages. An experienced dental malpractice lawyer is best equipped to win the compensation you and your family deserve.
Dental malpractice law is complicated, but finding the right lawyer is simple.
Call 1-800-MALPRACTICE today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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