A visit to the dentist is often not an enjoyable experience, but it’s essential for maintaining our oral health. Regular check-ups and cleanings typically suffice for most people, but we all need a dental procedure at some point. Depending on the complexity, there’s always a risk of something going awry, whether due to unforeseen circumstances or, in some cases, avoidable mistakes made by dentists. These avoidable errors can sometimes lead to permanent nerve damage and be the basis for a dental negligence claim.
If you believe you can demonstrate that your dentist acted negligently through reckless or careless behaviour, which led to you experiencing unnecessary pain, you may have grounds to file a claim for dental nerve damage compensation.
Start by filling out our contact form below, or give us a call at 01254606008 to speak to one of our friendly solicitors today about starting a dental negligence claim.
How we can help with dental nerve damage claims at Farleys
With over six decades of experience, Farleys is well-versed in handling dental negligence cases. Our expert solicitors have a proven history of successfully resolving such cases to the satisfaction of our clients. We understand the profound impact that dental nerve damage can have on your overall health, both the physical and mental aspects. We also acknowledge the toll this damage can take on your overall quality of life.
Our dental negligence solicitors initiate the process with a comprehensive conversation with you to understand your specific situation. This allows us to gather all the relevant details about your case, providing a solid foundation for exploring your legal options. We can then assess which option is most likely to yield the best outcome for your circumstances.
What is dental nerve damage?
To put it simply, dental nerve damage is any injury or harm to the nerves in or around the oral and dental structures. This can happen during dental procedures like extractions, root canals, or dental implants. The trigeminal nerve serves as the primary nerve responsible for facial sensation and vital functions like biting and chewing and is usually the one most affected when nerve damage occurs.
Symptoms of dental nerve damage include:
- Pain
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Loss of sensation in areas like the lips, tongue, or surrounding tissues.
This condition can significantly impact a patient’s oral health and overall quality of life. In some cases, dental negligence or malpractice may lead to the patient making a dental nerve damage claim.
Am I eligible to make a dental negligence claim?
If you can clearly show that your dentist has not met their duty of care, you may have grounds for a dental negligence claim. All healthcare professionals, including dentists, are required to provide a reasonable standard of care to their patients.
To establish a breach in the expected standard of care, which is the basis for a dental nerve damage claim, you’ll need substantial evidence that demonstrates your dentist’s care fell below that standard. Proving this typically involves the assessment of medical experts with a similar or higher level of expertise and training. Proving negligence is a complex process. To seek compensation, you must also demonstrate that you’ve suffered directly due to your dentist’s negligence.
To strengthen your case, we recommend gathering as much supporting evidence as possible, which may include:
- Dental records
- Statements from witnesses
- A second opinion from another expert
- Relevant photos, such as those showing your injuries
- Financial records
Contact a Specialist in Dental Negligence Claims
At Farleys, we understand that dealing with legal matters can be intimidating. That’s why our solicitors approach your case in a friendly and clear manner, avoiding unnecessary legal terminology to ensure you can make well-informed decisions with ease. We are dedicated to handling your dental negligence claim with the utmost respect and expertise, regardless of your past experiences.
In many cases, we also offer the convenience of pursuing your claim under a ‘no win, no fee’ arrangement. This means you won’t have to worry about costs unless your claim is successful.
If you’re looking for initial guidance on starting a dental negligence claim, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our dental negligence claims solicitors. You can reach us today at 01254606008 or schedule an appointment via email. We’re here to support you at every step of the process.
What are the time limits for claiming dental negligence compensation?
In most instances, there’s a three-year time limit to initiate a dental negligence claim, typically starting from the date of your dental treatment. However, the UK legal system recognises that the effects of dental negligence may not become immediately apparent. Therefore, in certain situations, you may have an additional three years from the “date of knowledge,” which is when you first realised that dental negligence had affected you.
Accurately calculating these timeframes can be complicated. Therefore, at Farleys, we strongly recommend contacting us as soon as you suspect you may have a claim. Taking this proactive approach enables us to address your case promptly and efficiently.
It’s essential to note that most cases are resolved amicably outside of court. Nevertheless, should your case proceed to court, you can rely on us for support and guidance throughout the entire process. We will always work hard to achieve the maximum compensation for you.
What are the most common reasons for claiming compensation from dentists?
Dental nerve damage compensation claims resulting from negligence can arise due to a range of situations, and the time needed for settlement depends on the specific circumstances involved. Some common examples of nerve damage include:
- Numbness or a loss of sensation in the tongue, gums, cheeks, jaw, or face.
- A tingling or pulling sensation in these same areas.
- Pain or a burning sensation in these regions.
- Loss of the ability to taste.
- Speech difficulties resulting from one or more of the above symptoms.
- Eating difficulties due to one or more of the above symptoms.
Why choose Farleys Solicitors?
At Farleys Solicitors, we’re a well-established firm with a history spanning over 60 years, serving clients across the North West and throughout the UK. Our solicitors have a deep understanding of the dental nerve damage claims process, allowing us to address your concerns promptly and with clarity.
We understand that every case is unique, and at Farleys Solicitors, we offer guidance on the most appropriate course of action and provide personalised advice tailored to your specific needs. Moreover, we are open to the possibility of handling your case on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis.
If you require the expertise of one of our specialised dental negligence solicitors or have questions about any of our services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can contact us by phone at 01254606008, use the online chat feature on our website, or send us an email at info@farleys.com. We’re here to assist you!