A perfect set of teeth is something most people can only dream of as we get older. If we have “good teeth” it allows you to smile and be more confident in yourself. It not only enhances your overall confidence but also importantly, ensures you can eat well without having to endure pain such as from sensitive teeth. It is during our search for a healthy set of teeth that people go to dentists for their professional advice and assistance.
It is not common to hear dental work gone wrong, but when you do, usually the main cause is dental negligence.
What Is Dental Negligence?
Dental negligence is very similar to medical malpractice or negligence, only that this specifically applies to dental-related situations and body parts such as the mouth, gums, teeth, and the entire oral cavity.
When we say negligence, it means that there is an omission of care or diligence of the other person, particularly the dentist and the staff. Some of the most common dental negligence issues are:
- Lack of proper information and overstated promises: This normally happens when the dental ads are misleading, or the dentist chooses to ignore or forgets to provide information that may have a huge impact on the decision of the patient.
- Poor dental work: A poor-quality crown may cause the deterioration of the teeth and gums. An oral surgery may have led to TMJ or a poor bite.
- Bad piece of equipment: If you have sustained an injury because of the poor equipment they are using, you can file for compensation.
Work with a Solicitor
To properly determine whether your claim can succeed, approach a solicitor. Find one that specialises on dental negligence cases. One of the first things the solicitor does is to evaluate the weight of the claim. If the solicitor believes you have a strong claim, they can take it on and represent you. The solicitor then guides you through the intricate and often confusing world of personal injury compensation processes.
You may be able to reduce your total solicitor fees by working on a no-win, no-fee arrangement. It is a conditional agreement that simply says you can waive many of the fees if you lose on the claim.
Dental Work Performed Abroad
Over the last few years, we’ve seen a steady rise of UK residents who take advantage of medical tourism overseas, mainly because people believe they can find the same quality of work received but at a far lower cost. This means they seek treatment elsewhere not only to take advantage of supposed cheaper dental work but also the chance to enjoy a trip abroad.
Although there’s definitely nothing wrong with this, it can be complicated once a person decides to file for a claim against a clinic that operates in another country. The personal injury laws of the UK only apply to businesses and individuals that are also in the country. Moreover, these countries may have their own respective rules or laws with regard to personal injury.
Nevertheless, if you want to file for a claim, you can still reach out to a solicitor who can give you a better idea about how personal injury works in other countries and what you can expect. Some of them may also provide you with names of professionals you can approach to seek legal help.