Dentists are trusted by their patients. In some circumstances in which dentists act negligently, they may harm their patients. If a patient is injured as a direct result of a dentist’s negligence, they may pursue legal action to hold them liable and to ensure this does not happen to future patients of this dentist. Being charged with medical malpractice can be extremely damaging to a dentist’s career. If you are facing medical malpractice charges, reach out to our firm to understand your options. We will walk you through this process.
What is medical malpractice?
Medical malpractice is defined as a medical professional not providing their patient with the duty of care that they are required to. Medical malpractice is proven when a medical professional is negligent when treating a patient. Like any other medical profession, it is possible for dentists to commit medical malpractice causing the patient to incur significant damages from the harm done by the dentist. Oftentimes, dentists are charged with malpractice when errors caused by negligence lead to side effects including brain abscesses, blood poisoning, and wrongful death.
What are the most common injuries following dental malpractice?
The following circumstances are the most common injuries following dental malpractice:
- Patients injured as a result of a dentist’s failure to treat or diagnose diseases of the mouth
- Wrongful death due to improperly administered anesthesia
- Sinus or nerve damage from endodontic procedures
- Infections from various unsanitary treatments or incorrect treatment practices. Infections can lead to cardiac complications, blood poisoning, or brain abscesses. This may require hospitalization or surgical intervention.
What should I know about medical malpractice lawsuits?
If you have been accused of malpractice as a dentist you will first be investigated by the Office of Professional Discipline (OPD). The OPD will investigate to see if the allegations are true and will call the dentist’s career into question. In order for the allegations to be proven true, patients are required to prove that the dentist deviated from the acceptable standard of care, resulting in an injury or harm. To protect your career, gain the assistance of an experienced medical defense attorney to help discover defenses. If the investigation is completed and it is proven that malpractice was committed, there is a good chance that your right to practice medicine will be terminated.
Contact our experienced New York City firm
When a medical professional is accused of misconduct, they must retain strong legal representation. If you require a medical law attorney for your legal matters, call Paul E. Walker, an experienced New York City OPMC & OPD Lawyer. Please contact the Walker Medical Law firm to set up a free initial consultation.
