All dental treatments are optional, regardless of how much your dentist may recommend them. You always have the right to choose whether to opt in or out of any proposed treatment plan, and your dentist must not pressure or coerce you into receiving any treatment that you do not wish to undergo. It is important to remember that the decision to receive dental treatment is ultimately yours to make. If your dentist performs dental treatment on you without obtaining your informed consent, it violates your patient autonomy and is both ethically wrong and illegal.
If you believe your dentist has coerced you into a treatment plan you either didn’t want, or they failed in obtaining valid consent to dental the treatment, then you may have grounds for a dental negligence claim.
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 if your dentist has failed to gain your consent at Farleys
We have over 60 years of experience handling cases related to dental negligence at Farleys. Our expert solicitors have an excellent track record of resolving these cases to the satisfaction of their clients. We understand the impact that dental malpractice can have on your physical and mental well-being, especially if your dentist performed treatment without your consent. We also acknowledge the toll this damage can take on your finances and overall quality of life.
So, when you approach us at Farleys with a case of dental negligence, our solicitors will have a thorough conversation to understand your situation. This way, we can gather all the relevant information about your case, which we’ll then use to explore your legal options and evaluate which option will most likely achieve the best outcome based on the unique circumstances of your case.
Why is informed consent so important?
Obtaining explicit, informed consent from patients is fundamental to providing safe and ethical dental care. This is the standard practice in every dental clinic, as it helps you make informed decisions about your oral health. Gaining consent from a patient ensures that you understand the procedure, the costs, benefits, what to expect, and the risks it could pose. This helps you make decisions properly and makes you feel safer, more in control, and less anxious before treatment.
Valid consent to dental treatment helps prevent any unnecessary misunderstandings and protects your dentists in case of unexpected outcomes if risks are thoroughly explained beforehand. Not doing so can lead to a breakdown of trust between the dentist and the patient, unwanted outcomes and even legal repercussions. After speaking with your dentist, you should be afforded ample time to consider your options and voice any concerns before consenting to treatment.
Am I eligible to make a dental negligence claim?
If there is enough evidence to clearly demonstrate that your dentist did not fulfil their duty of care towards you, you may have a valid reason to file a claim for dental negligence. As part of their professional responsibility, healthcare practitioners, including dentists, are expected to maintain a reasonable standard of care for their patients.
To make a case for lack of informed consent, it’s important to show that your dentist did not meet the expected standard of care. However, proving this can be tough and requires substantial evidence. Medical experts with similar or higher levels of expertise and training are typically consulted to assess the situation. Additionally, demonstrating that you’ve suffered directly due to your dentist’s negligence is essential to seek compensation. Proving negligence is a complex process and requires careful consideration. However, if you think you have a case due to the lack of valid consent to dental treatment, we’re here to help.
Contact a Specialist in Dental Negligence Claims
At Farleys, we understand that legal procedures can be intimidating. That’s why our solicitors use a friendly and easy-to-understand approach, avoiding complicated legal terms to ensure you can make informed decisions comfortably. Our promise is to handle your dental negligence claim with the highest level of professionalism and respect, regardless of your past experiences.
Additionally, we operate on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis whenever we can, which means you only pay if your claim is successful!
So, if you’re seeking initial guidance on beginning a malpractice claim, don’t hesitate to contact our dental negligence claims solicitors. Get in today at 01254606008 or email us at info@farleys.com to schedule an appointment.
What are the time limits for claiming dental negligence compensation?
It’s important to note that dental negligence claims usually have a time limit of three years from the date you received treatment. However, if the effects of negligence were not immediately noticeable, you may be granted an additional three years from the “date of knowledge”. The date of knowledge is the name given to the date when you became aware of the impact of negligence.
Navigating timeframes can be tricky, so we recommend contacting us at Farleys as soon as you notice a potential claim. Being proactive allows us to handle your case promptly.
Although most cases are resolved without court involvement, we are committed to supporting and guiding you if your case proceeds to court. Our focus is striving to get you the best possible outcome.
Why choose Farleys Solicitors?
At Farleys Solicitors, we’ve proudly served our clients for over 60 years. Throughout our journey, we’ve built a solid reputation as a trusted legal firm in the North West and the UK. Our team of experienced solicitors specialises in addressing dental negligence claims, such as lack of valid consent to dental treatment claims, with expertise and efficiency.
We know every case is unique and offer personalised guidance and advice tailored to your needs. We aim to provide clear solutions and ensure you understand the processes involved.
Should you require the specialised services of our dental negligence solicitors or have any queries about our offerings, please feel free to contact us. You can reach out to us via phone at 01254606008, use our website’s chat feature, or drop us an email at info@farleys.com. We’re here to support and guide you through the entire process!