Dental Negligence occurs when a dental professional fails in their duty of care, resulting in avoidable injury, pain, or harm to the patient.
In the UK, all dentists are legally required to provide a standard level of care. If their actions – or in some cases, lack of action – fall below this standard and cause you harm, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
It’s important to understand that not every poor outcome amounts to negligence. However, if the damage you’ve suffered could have been avoided with proper care, it may be classed as negligent treatment.
Common Types of Dental Negligence
There are several ways Dental Negligence can occur, including:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis – such as failing to identify gum disease, oral cancer, or other serious dental conditions in a timely manner.
- Poor treatment – including botched extractions, badly fitted crowns or implants, or root canal failures.
- Consent issues – for example, if the dentist failed to explain the risks of a procedure or carried out work you didn’t agree to.
- Infection or injury – caused by unsterilised equipment or improper procedures leading to nerve damage or severe pain.
Recognising Dental Negligence
Sometimes it’s immediately obvious something has gone wrong. Other times, the signs are more subtle and take time to develop.
If you’ve experienced persistent pain, discomfort, infection, or complications following treatment – and these symptoms weren’t adequately explained or managed by your dentist – it could be a sign of negligence.
Physical signs like nerve damage, numbness, or long-term swelling are particularly concerning. Emotional distress, anxiety around dental visits, or loss of confidence due to visible damage can also be considered part of your claim.
How to Make a Claim for Dental Negligence
If you believe you’ve suffered due to negligent dental treatment, it’s important to take action as soon as possible.
Seek a Second Opinion
Another dental professional can assess your condition and provide an expert opinion on whether your treatment was below standard. This can be crucial for building your case.
Collect Your Evidence
Gather all relevant documents – this includes your dental records, photos of the damage, and any correspondence with the dental practice. If you’ve had to pay for corrective work, keep all receipts.
Contact Harris Fowler today
To ensure your claim is handled professionally, speak to Harris Fowler Solicitors today. We are a reputable UK firm with a dedicated team experienced in handling these types of claims. We offer a No Win, No Fee service, meaning you don’t pay unless your claim is successful.
What You Can Claim For
Compensation varies depending on the severity of the negligence and the impact on your life. You may be able to claim for:
- Pain and suffering (both physical and psychological)
- Costs of corrective dental treatment
- Loss of earnings due to time off work
- Additional medical or travel expenses
- Your solicitor will work with medical experts to determine the appropriate compensation.
Time Limits for Making a Claim
In the UK, you generally have 3 years from the date of the incident – or from the date you became aware of the negligence – to make a claim. There are some exceptions:
For children, the 3 year limit starts on their 18th birthday. If the person lacks mental capacity, the time limit may not apply.
It’s always advisable to seek legal advice as early as possible to avoid missing the deadline.
Why Choose Harris Fowler Solicitors?
Harris Fowler has built a strong reputation for securing compensation in dental negligence cases. Our team understands the distress poor dental treatment can cause and we will guide you through the claims process with sensitivity and professionalism. With our No Win, No Fee, No Risk approach, you can pursue justice without financial risk.
Final Thoughts
Dental Negligence can have long-lasting effects on your health and confidence. If you think your dentist made a mistake that caused you harm, don’t ignore it.
You may be entitled to compensation that helps you recover – physically, emotionally, and financially.
