Dental Negligence in Newcastle - Dental Negligence Claims

Dental Negligence Solicitors in Newcastle and the North East

At Thompson & Co, we recognise the seriousness that dental negligence can have, with dental malpractice having serious consequences that can disrupt your way of life significantly, and can even be life-changing.

Our experienced solicitors have decades of experience in handling claims for a range of negligent treatments, including medical negligence as well as dental negligence. Claims for dental negligence can range from inadequate fillings to the loss of teeth. We’ve overseen cases involving negligence parties including organisations and bodies; or individuals dentists, hygienists and orthodontists.

We’re based in Newcastle, and over the years we’ve helped many people affected by dental negligence in Newcastle, Sunderland and all across the North East of England. In addition to this, we can represent you no matter where you’re based in the UK.

A dentist's gloved hands putting a dental probe and mouth mirror into the mouth of a young woman patient

What is Considered Dental Negligence?

There are a number of different incidents than can fall under the umbrella of dental negligence. Dental negligence is similar to medical negligence, but only covers malpractice from dental work and dental practitioners.

Substandard treatment can constitute dental negligence; including inadequate fillings, crowns or root canal treatment. It can also cover the incorrect fitting of implants, failed implants and nerve damage. The loss or damage of teeth is also covered; either through the removal of a wrong tooth, damage of a tooth, or failing to offer alternative treatment before considering tooth extraction.

Delays in diagnosis and treatment can also be classed as dental negligence, such as your dentist taking too long to diagnose a problem leading you to suffering and injury or exacerbating an existing condition. Examples of this include delays in treating decay or gum disease; and delays in diagnosing abscesses, periodontal disease or oral cancer.

If your dental practitioner has not provided adequate long-term care, this may result in the onset of issues such as premature tooth decay and periodontal disease. And if you are successful in your claim for dental negligence, you will usually be able to claim compensation for any pain and suffering caused as a result of the negligent treatment.

Contact us regarding a dental negligence claim

How Do You Prove Dental Negligence?

In order to have the basis of a claim for dental negligence, it has to be proved that the dental practitioner has been negligent. Whether the dental practitioner has been negligent will depend on whether the treatment you received was to a standard that could reasonably have been expected. The practitioner would have a defence to your claim of dental negligence if the treatment you received was in line with the views of a responsible body of medical opinion.

You also need to prove that your injuries would not have occurred if it were not for the negligence of the dental practitioner. In some cases, injury may have occurred anyway. For example, the injury could be due to the actual dental problem or condition being treated.

At some stage in your dental negligence claim, it will be necessary to obtain a medical report from a dental expert. This is to advise whether the treatment provided was negligent and whether the injury would have occurred anyway even if the negligent treatment had not taken place.

Dental Negligence Sunderland

Contact us for dental negligence help and advice

Topless man at the beach with his arms outstreched, his head titled up, his eyes closed and a relieved smile on his face

Financial Losses from Dental Negligence

In addition to the physical impact of dental negligence, you may also be able to claim for financial losses as a result of the negligent treatment. You should ensure to retain records such as wage slips, P60s and receipts. Financial losses from dental negligence can include:

  • Cost of medical or further dental treatment
  • Wages and loss of earnings
  • Travel expenses to and from your dentist or hospital for treatment
  • Care and assistance someone has given you because of your injuries

What is the Time Limit for Dental Negligence Claims?

You have up to three years to issue court proceedings from the date you first knew, or could reasonably have been expected to know, that you’ve suffered an injury caused by the fault of a dental practitioner. This could be the date of the mistake, or some time later if you did not initially know you had been injured at the time.

If court proceedings are not issued within three years of this, you will typically be unable to pursue your claim further. However, the courts can waive this three-year time limit if it can be shown that there was a valid reason why you didn’t pursue the claim sooner.

Dental Negligence Newcastle
Menu
-->