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Dental care is essential for maintaining good oral and overall health, but when dental professionals fail to provide the proper standard of care, it can lead to serious injuries and lifelong consequences. Dental malpractice can cause not only physical pain but also emotional distress and financial burden. If you believe that you’ve been harmed due to negligent dental care, the experienced dental malpractice lawyer at Matzus Law, LLC are here to help you seek justice and compensation for your injuries.
At Matzus Law, LLC, we understand the complexities of dental malpractice cases and the unique challenges they pose. Our skilled legal team will guide you through every step of the legal process, from filing your claim to presenting your case in court, if necessary. Our goal is to hold negligent dental professionals accountable and secure the maximum compensation available to you.
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Dental malpractice occurs when a dentist, oral surgeon, or other dental professional provides care that falls below the accepted standard, resulting in harm to the patient. This can happen in a variety of ways, including misdiagnosis, improper treatment, failure to obtain informed consent, or performing unnecessary procedures. To establish a malpractice case, it must be proven that the dental professional’s negligence directly caused the injury.
At Matzus Law, LLC, we represent clients in a wide range of dental malpractice cases, including but not limited to:
Failure to Diagnose Oral Diseases Dentists are responsible for diagnosing oral conditions such as gum disease, oral cancer, and infections. A failure or delay in diagnosis can allow these conditions to progress and cause further harm, reducing the chances of successful treatment.
Improper Treatment or Misdiagnosis In some cases, dental professionals may misdiagnose an issue, leading to inappropriate or unnecessary treatments. For example, misdiagnosing an abscess or infection can lead to complications like sepsis or other systemic infections.
Nerve Damage During Surgery Many dental procedures, such as the removal of wisdom teeth or the placement of dental implants, carry the risk of nerve damage. When performed improperly, these surgeries can result in permanent loss of sensation, chronic pain, or difficulty speaking and eating.
Anesthesia Errors Incorrect administration of anesthesia, whether local or general, can lead to complications such as allergic reactions, nerve damage, or respiratory issues. In severe cases, improper anesthesia management can cause brain damage or death.
Lack of Informed Consent Before performing any procedure, dentists must inform patients of the risks, benefits, and alternatives. Failure to obtain informed consent may result in legal liability if the patient suffers harm as a result of the procedure.
Unnecessary Procedures Performing unnecessary dental treatments or surgeries solely for financial gain is another form of malpractice. This can lead to additional pain, medical costs, and extended recovery times.
By working with the experienced attorneys at Matzus Law, LLC, you can pursue legal action against negligent dental professionals and seek compensation for the harm they’ve caused.
Recognizing when you’ve been the victim of dental negligence isn’t always straightforward. Dental procedures often involve some discomfort, but if you’re experiencing unusual or prolonged pain, it could be a sign of malpractice. The following are some common signs of dental negligence that may indicate your injury resulted from improper care:
Chronic Pain Pain that doesn’t resolve after a reasonable recovery period following dental surgery or treatment may be a sign of nerve damage, infection, or improper care.
Numbness or Tingling Persistent numbness or tingling in the lips, tongue, or face after dental surgery can indicate nerve damage. This type of injury is common in procedures involving the lower jaw or wisdom teeth removal.
Infections While some swelling and discomfort are normal after dental work, excessive pain, fever, or discharge from the surgical site may indicate an infection. Infections left untreated can lead to more serious complications, such as abscesses or sepsis.
Unsuccessful or Incomplete Procedures If a dental procedure doesn’t resolve the issue or makes it worse, this could be a sign that the dentist performed the procedure improperly or misdiagnosed the condition.
Difficulty Chewing or Speaking If dental work has resulted in difficulty chewing, speaking, or otherwise using your mouth normally, it could be due to misaligned teeth, nerve damage, or other procedural errors.
Cosmetic Deformity Dental malpractice can sometimes result in unintended cosmetic changes, such as damaged teeth, excessive tooth removal, or scarring.
If you notice any of these signs after receiving dental treatment, contact Matzus Law, LLC for a free consultation. We will review your case and help you understand whether dental malpractice may have been the cause of your injury.
Injuries sustained due to dental malpractice can range from minor to severe, and the long-term effects can impact both your oral health and your overall well-being. It’s important to understand the types of injuries that can occur as a result of negligent dental care so that you can seek appropriate medical attention and legal recourse.
Nerve Damage Dental procedures that involve the lower jaw, such as wisdom tooth extraction or implant placement, can lead to damage to the inferior alveolar or lingual nerves. This can result in:
Infections Dental infections can occur due to unsanitary conditions, improper treatment, or delayed diagnosis. Infections may start locally in the mouth but can spread to other parts of the body, leading to:
Tooth Loss or Damage Poor dental practices, such as incorrect use of dental instruments or unnecessary extractions, can cause significant damage to healthy teeth. This may result in:
Delayed Diagnosis of Oral Cancer A failure to recognize the early signs of oral cancer can allow the disease to progress to an advanced stage, reducing the chances of effective treatment. Oral cancer can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
Cosmetic and Functional Defects Dental malpractice can result in disfigurement or functional problems, such as:
Complications from Anesthesia Administering anesthesia in a dental setting requires careful management. Anesthesia errors can result in:
Dental malpractice injuries can be long-lasting and require extensive medical care and recovery. Matzus Law, LLC is committed to ensuring that you receive compensation for your injuries, including both the immediate and future costs of treatment.
Pursuing a dental malpractice claim can be a complicated process, but with the help of an experienced attorney, you can navigate the legal system and seek justice for your injuries. At Matzus Law, LLC, we take a comprehensive approach to building your case, ensuring that every aspect is thoroughly examined.
Victims of dental malpractice may be entitled to compensation for a variety of losses, including physical, emotional, and financial damages. Compensation in a dental malpractice case is designed to make the victim “whole” again, by covering the costs of the injury and any necessary future treatment.
Medical and Dental Expenses These include the costs of any surgeries, treatments, medications, or rehabilitation required as a result of the dental malpractice. If you require corrective surgeries or ongoing medical care, these costs may also be covered.
Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity If your injury prevents you from working or reduces your ability to earn a living, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages or diminished earning potential.
Pain and Suffering Dental malpractice can cause significant physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. Compensation for pain and suffering addresses these intangible losses, including mental anguish and loss of enjoyment of life.
Disfigurement and Cosmetic Surgery In cases where dental malpractice results in permanent disfigurement or cosmetic damage, you may receive compensation for corrective procedures, as well as compensation for the emotional impact of disfigurement.
Future Medical Costs Many dental malpractice injuries require ongoing care, including surgeries, physical therapy, and dental treatments. Compensation should cover any anticipated future medical expenses related to your injury.
Punitive Damages In cases where the dentist’s conduct was particularly reckless or malicious, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages are meant to punish the negligent party and deter similar behavior in the future.
The legal process for dental malpractice cases is complex, requiring detailed knowledge of both medical and legal standards. At Matzus Law, LLC, we have the experience and expertise to handle these cases and will work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for you.
In-Depth Case Analysis We start by conducting a thorough analysis of your case, including reviewing your dental records, consulting with experts, and gathering evidence to support your claim.
Expert Collaboration Dental malpractice cases often hinge on expert testimony. We work with top medical and dental experts to review your case and provide testimony that supports your claim of negligence.
Aggressive Representation Whether we’re negotiating a settlement or taking your case to trial, we will fight aggressively to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Our team is dedicated to achieving justice for our clients and holding negligent dental professionals accountable.
Personalized Legal Support Every case is unique, and we provide tailored legal strategies based on your specific needs and circumstances. We are here to answer your questions, guide you through the process, and keep you informed every step of the way.
What qualifies as dental malpractice? Dental malpractice occurs when a dental professional provides care that falls below the accepted standard, resulting in injury or harm to the patient. This can include misdiagnosis, improper treatment, failure to obtain informed consent, or performing unnecessary procedures.
Can I sue my dentist for nerve damage? Yes. If you’ve experienced nerve damage as a result of a dental procedure, you may have grounds to file a dental malpractice lawsuit. Nerve damage can lead to long-term pain, numbness, or loss of function, and you may be entitled to compensation for these injuries.
How do I file a dental malpractice claim? The first step is to contact an experienced dental malpractice attorney, like those at Matzus Law, LLC. We will review your case, gather evidence, and help you file a formal claim seeking compensation for your injuries.
What type of compensation can I receive for dental malpractice? Compensation in a dental malpractice case may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, corrective procedures, and future medical costs. In some cases, you may also be awarded punitive damages if the dentist’s actions were particularly egregious.
What should I do if I suspect dental malpractice? If you suspect that you’ve been a victim of dental malpractice, it’s important to act quickly. Keep detailed records of your treatment, take photographs of any visible injuries, and consult with an attorney as soon as possible. Our team at Matzus Law, LLC is here to help guide you through the legal process.
If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to dental malpractice, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. The skilled attorneys at Matzus Law, LLC are here to help you seek justice and recover the compensation you deserve. We offer free consultations to review your case, explain your legal options, and develop a plan of action tailored to your needs.
Contact Matzus Law, LLC today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward holding negligent dental professionals accountable.
Helping each and every one of our clients with tenacious representation when they need a strong and passionate advocate.
Pittsburgh Medical Malpractice Attorneys
Pittsburgh Medical Malpractice Attorneys