This is a question that people often ask, and the answer is not always clear. In some cases, you can sue a dentist for pulling the wrong tooth. However, there are some factors that will be considered in each individual case.
If you have been injured as a result of a dental mistake, you may be able to file a lawsuit against your dentist. You have a right to compensation for your suffering.
The road to compensation begins by calling a Florida medical malpractice lawyer. If you would like more information, please contact Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath today.
What is dental malpractice?
Dental malpractice is a term used to describe negligence on the part of a dentist that results in harm to a patient.
It is a form of medical malpractice that can severely impact a patient’s life. In some cases, it can be life-threatening.
If you have been injured as a result of dental malpractice, you may consider filing a lawsuit against the dentist at fault.
Common Types of Dental Malpractice
Dental malpractice can take many forms. Some of the most common types of dental malpractice are:
- Failure to diagnose or delayed diagnosis
- Surgery on wrong tooth or wrong site
- Improper use, adjustment, fitting, preparation, placement, removal, or maintenance of a dental prosthetic device
- Poorly installed crowns or braces
- Failure to properly treat an infection
- Failure to screen for oral cancer
- Improper use of dental anesthesia
What can go wrong during a tooth extraction?
When a tooth is removed, many things can go wrong. For example, the dentist may accidentally remove the tooth next to the one they meant to pull out. They could even cause injuries by breaking a tooth, causing nerve damage, or perforating the sinuses while extracting the tooth.
Another mistake that dentists make is not being thorough enough when they check for infection or disease in surrounding teeth or the gums.
If the dentist does not use anesthesia properly, it can cause pain and discomfort. And, if the extraction is botched in some other way, it could lead to a number of serious complications.
Can you sue your dentist for extracting the wrong tooth?
If your dentist extracted the wrong tooth, and there was no medical need for the tooth to have been removed, you can sue your dentist for medical malpractice.
The lawyers at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath are here to help you. If you or your loved one has suffered because of medical or dental malpractice, we may be able to help. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Dental negligence claims are challenging to navigate without the help of an experienced attorney. We can help you get the compensation you deserve.
What to Do if Your Dentist Extracted the Wrong Tooth
1. Get Medical Treatment
If you have been injured as a result of the dentist extracting the wrong tooth, you will need to seek medical treatment. The injuries may be minor, or they may require surgery.
2. Keep a Record of the Injury
Keep all medical records related to your injury. Make sure the dentist’s office knows about your injury and has your current address. If possible, try to capture video evidence of the incident or pictures of how you are injured.
You will need the details of any witnesses to the extraction.
3. Hold Onto Receipts for Expenses Incurred
Keep all receipts for expenses incurred as a result of the injury. These may include medical bills, medication costs, mileage (if you had to travel out of your way), parking fees, and others.
4. Hire a Medical Malpractice Lawyer
A medical malpractice lawyer will be an integral part of your claim. They can help you navigate the complexities of filing a lawsuit against your dentist, gather all necessary evidence, and win fair compensation for your injuries.
What do I have to prove in a lawsuit against a dentist?
To win a lawsuit against a dentist for extracting the wrong tooth, you must prove three things:
- The dentist was negligent in his or her treatment of you.
- This negligence caused your injuries.
- You suffered damages as a result of these injuries.
The main issue in a medical malpractice claim is whether or not the doctor was negligent. You must prove that your dentist failed to use the same care that any other reasonably prudent dentist would have used under similar circumstances, leading to your injuries.
Once you have done this, it is easier to prove that their negligence caused your injuries and to associate your damages with their negligence for compensation.
You will need evidence of your injury, the doctor’s negligence, and the damages you have suffered. This evidence can come in the form of medical records, expert witness testimony, receipts, and photographs.
Contact a Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Florida
If you have been injured as a result of your dentist pulling the wrong tooth, contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney to find out what you can do. The lawyers at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath are here to help you and will fight for just compensation on your behalf.
Don’t let your dentist get away with medical malpractice. Contact us today for a free consultation.
