When you go to the dentist, you assume that the care you will be receiving meets a certain standard. You believe that your dentist has received the right training to provide care, whether that is a basic cleaning, diagnosis of problems and providing the appropriate treatment to address any dental issues. It can be devastating for a dental patient to learn that he or she did not receive proper care from his or her dentist. If this happened to you, you understand how difficult this can be.
Dental malpractice occurs when the negligent or reckless actions of a dentist negatively impacts a patient. If your Ohio dentist failed to provide you with care that met a professional standard, you may feel devastated. You could be facing additional medical bills, physical pain and other complications that could impact your life in different ways. If you are a victim of dental malpractice, you do not have to remain silent.
The impact of dental malpractice
Dental malpractice is much more than a simple inconvenience for you. It could lead to costly bills that you may not be able to afford, and it could leave you in a place where you require additional and complicated medical care. Both negligent acts and acts of omission in dental care could be malpractice. If you have evidence of certain elements, you may have grounds to pursue a civil claim against your dentist, including the following things:
- Your dentist owed a certain duty of care to you.
- Your dentist violated that duty of care through his or her actions or negligence.
- The breach of this duty of care resulted in your harm.
- This harm led to financial loss and other complications for you.
If you have evidence of the above things, you could have grounds to pursue compensation through a civil claim. While this cannot reverse what happened to you, it can provide you with the financial resources you need to address your ongoing medical needs and get the dental care you need. After experiencing dental malpractice, you may benefit from seeking professional insight regarding the potential legal options that may be available to you. As these cases are time-sensitive, your quick action may make a difference in the outcome of your case.