Dentists are licensed medical professionals. As such, they are legally obligated to provide patients with an adequate level of care. The failure to do so is medical malpractice and it can cause tremendous damage to the victim. Unfortunately, dental malpractice remains far too common in Florida. Dental procedures go wrong more often than most people realize. In fact, a study from the American Board of Legal Medicine found that nearly one in every seven medical malpractice claims is filed against a dentist. Negligent dentists must be held accountable for the damage they have caused to innocent patients. If your dentist botched your procedure, and you suffered any damage as a result, you need to get your case into the hands of an experienced Tampa medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible.

<h2>Understanding Dental Malpractice Claims: The Negligence Standard</h2>

Liability in a Florida dental malpractice case is generally established by proving negligence. In simplified terms, negligence is the failure to take proper care when performing a specific action. What exactly is ‘proper care?’ Well, it depends entirely on the facts of the case. When it comes to an oral procedure or an operation, dentists, like all other medical professionals, are held to very high standards. They must conduct all medical procedures with the same level of technical skill, diligence and competence as would another ordinary dentist. If they fail to do so, they are liable for any damage that occurred. When assessing liability in a dental malpractice case, Florida courts will consider each of the following questions:

<ul>
<li>What was the standard of care that was owed to the patient?</li>
<li>Did the dental professional breach the standard of care?</li>
<li>Was there a connection between the dental professional’s breach and the patient’s injuries?</li>
<li>How much harm did the patient suffer?</li>
</ul>

<h2>What Compensation is Available for Dental Malpractice Victims?</h2>

Once you prove liability, you will be able to turn your attention to damages. In Florida, dental malpractice victims are legally entitled to recover compensation that accounts for the full extent of their losses. Ultimately, the exact nature and extent of your compensation will depend on the facts of your malpractice claim. That being said, malpractice victims may be able to recover compensation for:

<ul>
<li>Their medical bills;</li>
<li>Expenses related to rehabilitation;</li>
<li>Lost wages or loss of future earning ability;</li>
<li>Long-term disability;</li>
<li>Pain and suffering;</li>
<li>Emotional distress;</li>
<li>Loss of life enjoyment; and</li>
<li>Facial disfigurement.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Contact Our Personal Injury Attorneys Today</h2>

On top of being extremely painful, dental malpractice can cause long-lasting, even life-altering, damage. At The Pawlowski//Mastrilli Law Group, our Florida medical malpractice lawyers work aggressively to help victims recover the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one was a victim of dental malpractice, please reach out to our office today at 813-242-4404. We offer free case reviews and we do not collect legal fees unless we help you recover compensation. Our firm serves victims throughout the Tampa region, including in Apollo Beach, Land O Lakes and Clearwater.

Resource:

ablminc.org/Model_Curriculum_LMME_2010/BOOK_MedMal%20Survival%20Handbook_2007/Ch43-A04438.pdf