Dental health is a form of physical health that is often regarded as less important. However, oral and dental problems often cause pain and even impact speech or physical appearance. You trust that these medical professionals are able to remedy any ailment you have. But if a dentist, orthodontist, or oral surgeon made your dental problems worse instead of better, a knowledgeable Troy dental malpractice lawyer could help you seek compensation and justice.

A medical malpractice attorney could determine if you have a valid case and chance at receiving a monetary award for your suffering. Contacting an attorney as soon as possible after your injury could help secure your legal rights and options. Whether negligent dental care changed your appearance or caused extra expense, you should consult with a dental malpractice attorney who genuinely cares about your health and happiness.

Defining Dental Malpractice

In New York, dentists are held to the same general standards that physicians are. All medical professionals must treat patients with the same prudent care that is standard in the practice field at large. If a dentist fails to follow those standards, they have breached their duty of care to the patient.

If the dentist’s breach of duty causes injury to a patient, that dentist could be held liable by the court for their injuries to the patient. These damages could include:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Disfigurement
  • Additional medical or dental expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of consortium
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

Determining which damages apply in a patient’s case and their worth could be done by a Troy dental malpractice lawyer.

Examples of Dental Malpractice

A skilled Troy dental malpractice attorney could assist patients who were injured by dental treatment errors such as:

  • Negligently performed oral surgery
  • Failure to diagnose or treat oral cancers
  • Bad crowns and bridges
  • Botched extractions and nerve damage
  • Improper root canals
  • Gum disease
  • Bone loss
  • Loss of teeth

Statute of Limitations for Dental Malpractice Cases

It is essential to be aware of the statute of limitations when pursuing compensation for dental malpractice in Troy. According to New York Civil Practice Law and Rules § 214-a, all dental malpractice plaintiffs must file their case within two years and six months of their injury. If the injury was sustained over a series of dental treatments, the period to file suit begins on the date of the last treatment.

Allowing this deadline to expire usually bars victims from receiving the compensation they might have been entitled to for their injuries. A skilled personal injury attorney could ensure that the deadline is not missed, or file for an extension if there is not enough time to file a certificate of merit.

Call an Experienced Troy Dental Malpractice Attorney

For most patients, dental care goes exactly as planned, but others may experience negative outcomes stemming from the negligence of their dental care provider. The law provides for injured individuals to file a civil suit to seek monetary reimbursement for their economic and non-economic damages.

You do not have to suffer the consequences of a negligent dental procedure alone. You could seek compensation for your injuries with the help of a Troy dental malpractice lawyer. Call today to discuss your case and devise a plan to seek justice.