Can I File Dental Malpractice In Georgia?
When researchers from Johns Hopkins released findings that stated medical errors were the third leading cause of death in the country, most people did not immediately think of dental errors. However, dentistry professionals are considered specialized medical professionals, and they do make mistakes. Dental malpractice occurs when the treatment provided by a dentist or a dental assistant falls below the acceptable industry standard of care and causes an injury. If you or somebody you love has been the victim of a dental mistake, you should be able to recover compensation for your losses through a dental malpractice lawsuit.
Most common types of dental errors in Georgia
Some of the most common dental mistakes that are made that lead to malpractice lawsuits include the following:
Misdiagnosis
Misdiagnoses in dentistry can occur in a variety of ways. In dental malpractice cases, a misdiagnosis can be serious if a dental professional fails to identify incorrectly identifies a condition that requires immediate medical care.
Removing a tooth incorrectly
The extraction of teeth is a regularly performed procedure, but it is also a permanent condition for the patient. If a dentist removes a tooth incorrectly, the patient will suffer from a needless permanent injury. A dentist can make these types of mistakes if they incorrectly interpret in X-ray or if they simply make a mistake during the procedure.
Removing the wrong tooth
If a dentist is not paying attention or if there is miscommunication between dental staff, the wrong tooth could be removed. Not only is this a permanent injury for a patient, but they still must have the correct tooth removed as well.
Incorrectly administering anesthesia
Anesthesia allows for a dental patient to be operated on without feeling any pain, but this is a very powerful medication that must be administered properly. A dentist must remain with their patient out at all times when they are under anesthesia and be prepared to handle any negative reactions.
Failing to recommend additional treatment
Dentists are often the first medical professionals to realize that a patient has a more serious medical condition that goes beyond their oral health. If a dental professional recognizes a potentially serious medical condition but fails to refer the patient to another specialist, they could be guilty of dental and medical malpractice.
What are the consequences of these mistakes?
There are a wide range of symptoms that victims of dental malpractice can suffer from if they have been injured, including:
- Serious infections of the mouth, tongue, or brain
- Permanent injuries to the nerves in their mouth, tongue, lips, jaw, and face
- Significant scarring or disfigurement
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Heart attack or stroke
- Other catastrophic injuries
- Wrongful death
What kind of compensation is available in these cases?
There are various types of compensation that may be available to victims of dental malpractice. In these cases, injuries can result in significant damages, and it is not uncommon for victims to recover the following:
- Compensation for all medical bills related to the dental errors
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Lost income and benefits
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of personal enjoyment or disfigurement damages
- Coverage for future medical expenses related to the mistake
- Possible punitive damages in cases of gross dental negligence
The total amount of compensation awarded in these cases will vary depending on the facts surrounding each particular situation.
Call us today to speak with an Atlanta personal injury lawyer.