Dental Malpractice Lawyer West Chester

Dentists and oral surgeons have a responsibility to provide safe and competent care, but when mistakes happen, patients can suffer serious harm. If you’ve experienced dental negligence resulting in pain, infection, or permanent damage, Kingbird Legal is here to help. Our dental malpractice claims lawyer is committed to seeking justice for victims of substandard dental care. Call us at 484-289-4880 for a free consultation to explore your legal options.

Understanding Your Legal Rights After Dental Malpractice

Most people trust their dentist to provide safe and effective care. Routine cleanings, fillings, and other procedures should be performed with precision and professionalism. However, when a dentist or dental professional makes a mistake, the consequences can be serious. Injuries caused by negligence can lead to pain, infection, nerve damage, and even long-term health issues. If you have suffered harm due to improper dental care, you may have a valid dental malpractice claim. Understanding how these cases work can help you take the next steps toward seeking compensation.

What Qualifies as Dental Malpractice

Not every bad experience at the dentist is malpractice. Discomfort after a procedure or an unsuccessful treatment does not always mean negligence occurred. For a dental malpractice case to be valid, certain elements must be present:

A provider-patient relationship existed – The dentist or oral surgeon must have been responsible for your treatment.
The provider acted negligently – The care given must have fallen below the standard expected in the dental profession.
The negligence caused harm – A mistake must have directly led to an injury or worsened an existing condition.
The patient suffered damages – This may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain, or emotional distress.

Proving that a dental provider acted negligently is not always simple. An experienced attorney can help determine whether you have a strong case.

Common Examples of Dental Malpractice

Mistakes in dental care can take many forms. Some errors are minor, while others cause lasting damage. Some of the most common examples of dental malpractice include:

Failure to diagnose or treat a condition – If a dentist overlooks signs of oral cancer, gum disease, or an infection, a patient’s health can be put at risk.
Surgical errors – Mistakes during procedures such as wisdom tooth extraction or root canals can lead to severe complications.
Anesthesia complications – Administering too much or too little anesthesia can result in serious health risks, including nerve damage or heart problems.
Nerve injuries – A poorly performed dental procedure can damage facial nerves, leading to numbness, pain, or loss of function.
Unnecessary extractions – Pulling a healthy tooth due to misdiagnosis or carelessness can create unnecessary pain and long-term dental problems.
Infections due to unsanitary conditions – Failing to properly sterilize equipment or follow infection control protocols can expose patients to dangerous bacteria.
Improperly fitted dental work – Poorly placed crowns, bridges, or implants can cause pain, speech difficulties, and alignment issues.

Any of these mistakes can have a significant impact on a patient’s well-being. If negligence played a role, legal action may be necessary.

The Consequences of Dental Negligence

Dental malpractice can lead to more than just short-term discomfort. Some mistakes result in permanent damage that affects a person’s overall health and quality of life. Common complications from dental negligence include:

Chronic pain – Nerve injuries or improperly performed procedures can leave patients with lasting discomfort.
Speech and eating difficulties – Poorly placed dental work or missing teeth can affect basic functions like chewing and speaking.
Disfigurement – A failed procedure may cause visible damage to a patient’s face or jaw.
Serious infections – An untreated oral infection can spread to other parts of the body, leading to severe health risks.
Psychological distress – The pain and appearance changes caused by dental malpractice can lead to anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues.

These consequences can be costly, requiring additional medical care, lost time from work, and long-term treatment.

Steps to Take If You Have Been Harmed by a Dental Provider

If you believe you have suffered an injury due to dental negligence, taking the right steps can help protect your legal rights.

Seek medical attention – If you have pain, an infection, or complications from a dental procedure, see a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Get a second opinion – Another dentist or specialist can evaluate your condition and determine whether your previous provider made an error.
Request your dental records – Your records contain important details about your treatment and can help prove negligence.
Document everything – Take photos of visible injuries, keep copies of medical bills, and write down details about your symptoms and treatments.
Consult a dental malpractice lawyer – A lawyer can review your case, gather evidence, and guide you through the legal process.

Dental malpractice claims are time-sensitive. In Pennsylvania, most medical malpractice claims must be filed within two years of the date the injury was discovered. Taking action as soon as possible can help you avoid missing important deadlines.

Compensation Available in a Dental Malpractice Case

If you have suffered harm due to a dentist’s negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation. A successful claim can help cover:

Medical expenses – This includes the cost of corrective dental procedures, medications, surgeries, and any additional treatment required.
Lost wages – If your injury caused you to miss work or reduced your ability to earn income, compensation may be available.
Pain and suffering – You may be able to recover damages for physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injury.
Corrective treatment costs – If dental work needs to be redone or repaired, the responsible party should cover the expenses.

The amount of compensation depends on the severity of the injury and its impact on your life. A skilled attorney can help calculate your damages and fight for fair compensation.

Why You Should Work with a Legal Professional

Dentists and their insurance companies often try to minimize or deny malpractice claims. Without legal representation, it can be difficult to prove negligence and secure the compensation you deserve. A dental malpractice attorney can:

Investigate your case and gather strong evidence
Work with dental experts to establish negligence
Handle all communication with insurance companies
Represent you in negotiations or court if necessary

Having a lawyer on your side increases the chances of a successful outcome. They will work to ensure that you are treated fairly and that the responsible party is held accountable.

Get the Compensation You Deserve with a Dental Malpractice Claims Attorney

If a dentist’s negligence has caused you harm, you have the right to seek compensation. Kingbird Legal’s dental malpractice claims attorney will fight for your rights and help you recover damages for medical expenses, pain, and suffering. Contact us at 484-289-4880 for a free consultation and let’s discuss the next steps in your case.