Dental Malpractice

When dental care goes wrong,
we’ll help make it right.

Dental Malpractice

Our smiles are one of the first things people notice about us...

If you’ve been harmed by a negligent dentist, you might be too injured or embarrassed to comfortably smile, laugh, or even talk to others.

Dental malpractice happens when a dental professional’s negligence or improper care leads to harm, injury, or worsened conditions. Whether through misdiagnosis, surgical errors, or improper treatment, this kind of malpractice can cause long-term damage to your oral health and overall wellbeing. At Cooper Law Group, PLLC, we understand the serious consequences that dental malpractice can have on your life. 

With years of experience representing clients in Connecticut, our dental malpractice lawyers are committed to helping you get the compensation you deserve. 

What is Dental Malpractice?

Dental professionals are expected to diagnose, treat, and care for their patients in a manner that meets established dental standards. When these duties are breached, patients may suffer significant consequences.

Common types of dental malpractice cases include:
  • Failure to diagnose: This typically involves a failure to properly diagnose oral health conditions such as gum disease, cavities, or oral cancer.
  • Improper treatment: Dentists may administer incorrect treatments or procedures. For example, they might perform unnecessary fillings, crowns, or root canals.
  • Surgical errors: These are mistakes made during dental surgery, such as tooth extractions or implants, that cause injury or complications.
  • Anesthesia mistakes: Improper use of anesthesia can lead to complications like overdosing, allergic reactions, or nerve damage.
  • Inadequate sterilization: Failing to properly sterilize dental tools potentially leads to infections or the spread of disease.
  • Negligent supervision: Allowing unqualified staff to perform procedures or tasks outside their scope of practice can cause serious harm to patients.
  • Delayed or incorrect treatment: Delaying treatment or providing incorrect treatments for issues like cavities, abscesses, or infections can worsen a patient’s condition.
  • Failure to monitor for complications: This can happen when a dental team fails to monitor patients after a procedure for complications such as infections or anesthesia side effects.
  • Misdiagnosis of tooth or jaw fractures: Failing to correctly identify fractures or other structural issues can lead to long-term complications.

Dental malpractice is a serious matter. Victims often face substantial physical, emotional, and financial burdens as a result of negligent care. It’s important for patients to know that they may be entitled to compensation if they suffer due to a dental provider’s negligence.

Cooper Law is committed to helping you recover damages...

For medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other expenses resulting from the dental malpractice. We try hard cases other firms won’t touch—and we’ve delivered seven- and eight-figure results for clients. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Recover from Dental Malpractice With Cooper Law Group on Your Side...

At Cooper Law Group, we help those who have suffered from dental malpractice. Our team combines extensive legal experience with a deep understanding of the complexities of dental care. 

We know how devastating it can be to be harmed by someone you trusted with your oral health. That’s why we approach each case with empathy, determination, and a focus on getting the justice you deserve.

Our unique approach includes aggressive legal representation and a commitment to understanding your individual needs. We work with dental and medical experts to build a compelling case, and thoroughly investigate every aspect of the situation. From the moment we take your case, we’ll examine every legal avenue possible to develop a custom case strategy. Whether we are able to settle out of court or we take your claim to trial, we’ll be there for every step of your recovery.

FAQs

What is the certificate of good faith and opinion letter?

Before filing a malpractice case in Connecticut, the law requires a certificate of good faith and a written opinion from a similar health care provider stating there appears to be evidence of medical negligence, with a brief basis. The opinion is attached to the complaint with the expert’s name and signature redacted. (C.G.S. § 52-190a). **I recently sent a blog article about this**

  • If the defendant did not hold out as a specialist: the expert must be licensed in the same discipline and have been actively practicing or teaching within five years of the incident. (C.G.S. § 52-184c(b)).

  • If the defendant is a specialist or held out as one: the expert must be trained and experienced in the same specialty and board-certified in that specialty, unless the care at issue was outside that specialty. (C.G.S. § 52-184c(c)).

Most cases must be filed within two years of when the injury was discovered or should have been discovered, and no later than three years from the medical or dental act or omission. A 90-day extension is available to complete the pre-suit opinion process. (C.G.S. § 52-584; § 52-190a).

If you’ve been harmed due to a dentist’s negligence or improper care, you may have a dental malpractice claim. Contact Cooper Law Group to discuss your case. We’ll listen to your story, assess the specifics of your case, and explain your legal options.

Damages vary depending on the unique circumstances of your claim. Typically, patients may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, corrective treatments, and emotional distress.

In Connecticut, the statute of limitations for filing a dental malpractice claim is generally two years from the date you discovered or should have discovered the injury. In some cases, however, the statute of limitations may be extended. It’s always wise to contact the Connecticut dental malpractice attorneys at Cooper Law Group as soon as possible, so you don’t miss out on the opportunity to file a claim.

Each claim is unique. The process typically involves gathering evidence, consulting with medical and dental experts, filing a claim, and potentially going to trial if the case is not settled out of court.

Generally, a plaintiff’s attorney must show that the dentist deviated from the standard of care and that this caused harm. Expert testimony is often necessary to prove that there was a breach of care.

Your dentist should always explain the potential risks and rewards for every procedure, and get consent from you. Failure to obtain informed consent for treatment, including not explaining the risks, could be grounds for a dental malpractice claim.

Cooper Law Group works on a contingency fee basis. This means that you only pay if we win your case.

Yes, if the dental malpractice caused emotional distress, such as anxiety or trauma, you may be able to seek compensation for that as well as your physical injuries, medical bills, and more.

The timeline for resolving a dental malpractice case can vary. It typically takes several months to a few years, depending on the complexity of the case and whether the claim goes to trial.

Always consult with a dental malpractice lawyer to find out what your legal options may be. Signing a waiver does not automatically prevent you from pursuing a malpractice claim if the dentist’s actions were negligent or harmful.

Many dental malpractice cases are settled outside of court. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, however, your case may proceed to trial.

We Hold Negligent Dental Providers Responsible.

Disclaimer: Results vary based on individual cases. Past outcomes do not guarantee future success. Each case is unique and evaluated on its own merits.