Victim of Dental Malpractice Receives Two Million
Dental malpractice claims are not as common as claims for medical malpractice and the awards victims receive are usually not as high. This is simply because dental procedures are less likely than medical procedures to cause major and irreparable harm. However, victims of dental and medical malpractice receive the same types of compensation: medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and, in some extreme cases, punitive damages. Experienced Montgomery County dentist malpractice attorneys understand malpractice laws and can counsel clients as to the viability and potential value of their claims.
Some dental malpractice awards, however, can be quite substantial. This is especially true in cases involving punitive damages for reckless conduct by a dental professional. In one such case in 2009, a South Carolina jury awarded a victim of dental malpractice two million dollars, consisting mostly of punitive damages designed to punish the dental provider for its egregious conduct.
In that case, a 28-year-old woman scheduled to have three teeth removed awoke to find the dentist had removed all 13 of her upper teeth by mistake. The jury found not only that there was no medical basis for the procedure, but also that following the surgery the clinic altered patient records and charts to cover up the mistake. The jury awarded the patient $500,000 to compensate her for her losses—including medical bills for restorative surgery, lost wages, and pain and suffering—and $1.5 million in punitive damages against the clinic.
Montgomery County dentist malpractice attorneys can help
While this is an unusual case involving particularly egregious conduct on the part of a dental professional, other victims of dental malpractice can still receive substantial rewards. Corrective procedures following dental malpractice can be costly and many patients may be unable to afford such procedures without receiving compensation. Simply having a Montgomery County dentist malpractice attorney involved may make a negligent provider more willing to offer a fair out-of-court settlement. In other cases, an investigation by an experienced attorney may uncover the true extent of the misconduct of a dental professional not immediately apparent to the victim.
Contact an experienced malpractice attorney today
For 35 years, attorney Paul R. Wiesenfeld has represented personal injury victims throughout Maryland. His practice includes automobile and other road accidents, as well as medical and dental malpractice cases. He maintains offices at Jackson Place South, Suite 20, 932 Hungerford Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850. He offers free initial consultations and is available by phone at 301-760-4666 or through his online contact page.
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