According to the American Dental Association, dental malpractice is a serious issue. Over $30 million was paid out in dental malpractice settlements and judgments in 2017 alone. If you’ve been injured as the result of medical malpractice, you may be wondering if you have a case. Read on to learn more about dental malpractice in Tennessee medical malpractice cases.
Dental Malpractice in Tennessee
Dental malpractice can take many forms, but some of the most common include:
-A failure to diagnose or treat a dental condition promptly
-An incorrect diagnosis of a dental condition
-Misdiagnosing a toothache as being caused by something other than an infection
-Performing unnecessary dental procedures
-Failing to obtain informed consent from a patient before performing a procedure
-Leaving tools or instruments inside a patient’s mouth during surgery
-Damaging a patient’s teeth or surrounding tissue during surgery
These are just some examples of what might constitute dental malpractice. If you’ve been injured as a result of what you believe to be dental malpractice, your first step should be to consult with an experienced medical malpractice attorney. He or she will review your case and advise you of your legal options.
What to Do If You’ve Been Injured by Dental Malpractice
If you believe that you’ve been injured as the result of dental malpractice, there are certain steps you should take:
1) Get copies of your medical records from the dentist or oral surgeon who treated you. This will give your attorney an idea of what treatment was rendered and when.
2) Speak with witnesses who were present during your treatment. This could be someone who was in the room with you during surgery or someone who saw you after your procedure. Witnesses can help corroborate your story and support your claim.
3) Take photographs of any injuries you sustained as a result of the dental treatment. This could include bruises, cuts, and swelling. Be sure to date the photos so that there is no question as to when they were taken.
4) The final step is to contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney. The sooner you do this, the better chances you have of recovering compensation for your injuries. Your attorney will review your case and advise you on how to proceed. Don’t delay – contact us today!
Dental malpractice in Tennessee is a serious issue that can result in injury to patients. If you think you may have been the victim of dental malpractice, it’s important to contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible. An experienced attorney will be able to assess your case and advise you on your best course of action.