The Dangers of Dental Malpractice
Medical providers are expected to deliver patient care that meets an accepted standard, or that would be provided by similarly trained professionals within the field. If a medical provider is negligent in their provided care and a patient is injured or suffers damages as a result, it is considered medical malpractice. Medical malpractice can occur in all fields of the medical community, including the field of dentistry.
Dental malpractice can have serious consequences for patients. Here, the medical malpractice lawyers from Younker Hyde Macfarlane, PLLC, which serves the Salt Lake City, Utah, area, discuss the dangers of dental malpractice, including the damages that a patient is likely to suffer after receiving subpar dental care.
Injuries Caused By Dental Malpractice
As with any other medical professional, dentists and dental hygienists have a patient’s well-being in their hands when they are providing dental treatment. Whether a patient is undergoing a routine cleaning, a cosmetic dentistry procedure, or a more complex restorative dentistry treatment, neglectful care can lead to injuries. Some of the most common injuries to stem from dental malpractice include:
- Structural dental damage (i.e. a chip, crack, or fracture)
- Damage to the soft tissues, tongue, or jaw
- Nerve damage
- Infection from improperly sterilized equipment
- Advanced illness or injury (as a result of a delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis)
Dental Malpractice and the Danger of Wrongful Death
People may think that the dangers of dental malpractice are not that high since dentistry only involves the teeth, jaw, and other oral structures. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Dental malpractice can have severe consequences, including wrongful death.
There are many potential causes of fatality in regards to dental malpractice. A dental infection (which may be caused by improper care or contaminated tools or equipment) can lead to sepsis, an infection that affects the entire body. If an infection is not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner, it can result in death.
Anesthesia errors are another potential source of dental malpractice fatalities. Anesthesia errors may involve improper administration of the anesthetic, failing to monitor a patient while they are under anesthesia, or failing to properly screen a patient to determine if they are ideal candidates for anesthesia. Dental professionals are responsible for knowing each patient’s health risks so that they can determine the appropriate amount and type of anesthesia to be used for a dental procedure. Failure to do so can result in wrongful death.
Potential Dental Malpractice Damages
The physical injuries caused by dental malpractice can lead to emotional trauma and financial losses for our Salt Lake City clients. When we are pursuing compensation in a dental malpractice case, our lawyers consider all economic and non-economic damages related to neglect, which may include:
- Dental expenses
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
- Wrongful death damages (funeral and burial expenses, loss of income and benefits, loss of consortium, etc.)
Contact Our Law Firm
If you or a loved one has been injured or suffered damages related to dental malpractice, the lawyers at Younker Hyde Macfarlane, PLLC, can determine if you have grounds to file a medical malpractice claim. To discuss the details of your situation with our legal team, send us a message online or call (801) 335-6467 and request a personal consultation.