If you have suffered pain, loss, or long-term complications due to poor dental treatment, you may be entitled to compensation. Dental negligence can cause physical harm, emotional distress, and financial loss. At Marley Solicitors, we offer expert legal help for dental negligence in Albany and surrounding areas, helping victims claim the justice and compensation they deserve.
Dental care should always be carried out to a high professional standard. But unfortunately, mistakes happen, and when they do, the consequences can be serious. Whether your treatment took place through the NHS or at a private clinic in Albany, our experienced dental negligence solicitors are here to support you with clear legal guidance and strong representation.
What is dental negligence?
Dental negligence refers to substandard care provided by a dental professional that results in harm to a patient. Dentists and dental nurses owe a legal duty of care to every patient; when they fail in that duty by making a mistake, omitting treatment, or delivering poor service – the impact can be significant.
To bring a successful dental negligence claim, you must prove that:
- The dental care you received fell below an acceptable standard
- You suffered an injury or illness as a result
- That injury or loss would not have occurred with competent care
Dental negligence is a specific branch of medical negligence law and can relate to either NHS or private dental providers. Our solicitors work with clients across Albany to secure compensation and hold negligent providers to account.
Common types of dental negligence claims
Here are some examples of the most frequent dental negligence claims we see among clients in Albany:
Incorrect tooth extraction
Having the wrong tooth removed is more common than many realise. This can leave patients in severe pain and often leads to further complications such as misalignment, infection, or the need for implants.
Nerve injury
Dental work that involves the lower jaw, such as extractions, implants, or root canals carry a risk of nerve damage if it is not done correctly. This may cause long-term pain, tingling, or permanent numbness.
Failure to diagnose
If your dentist fails to diagnose or delays the diagnosis of an issue, such as oral cancer, gum disease, or an abscess, it could lead to a more serious health outcome. Missed diagnosis is a common reason people contact Marley Solicitors in Albany.
Substandard cosmetic treatment
Cosmetic dental work should enhance your smile, not cause damage. We frequently assist clients who have experienced poor results from treatments like veneers, bonding, or teeth whitening.
Poor hygiene leading to infection
Dental practices must follow strict sterilisation and hygiene protocols. If tools are not properly cleaned or infection control is overlooked, patients can contract serious infections that may require hospital care.
Inadequate consent or failure to explain risks
Your dentist must explain the potential risks and side effects of any treatment. If they fail to secure informed consent, and you suffer an adverse result, this could form the basis of a dental negligence claim.
Real-life example: A case of misdiagnosed infection in Albany
A local resident, Mr L, visited his dentist in Albany for severe tooth pain. Despite clear symptoms of infection, he was sent home with a mild painkiller and no antibiotics. Days later, he was rushed to Conquest Hospital in Hastings, where he required emergency surgery for a spreading jaw infection. With our support, Mr L successfully claimed compensation for avoidable harm, lost earnings, and future treatment.
This is just one of many examples that show how preventable errors in dental care can lead to serious outcomes.
How do I know if I have a dental negligence claim in Albany?
If you are unsure whether your treatment qualifies as negligence, Marley Solicitors offers free consultations to help you find out. We assess your situation based on three main criteria:
- Was there a duty of care? – All dental professionals have a duty to treat patients to a reasonable professional standard.
- Was that duty breached? – Did the care fall below expected standards?
- Did you suffer harm or loss as a result? – This could include physical pain, long-term damage, financial loss, or emotional distress.
You may have a valid claim if you answer “yes” to all three.
Dental treatment in Albany: where it can go wrong
Many people in Albany receive dental treatment through NHS services, including under the East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, which manages Conquest Hospital and Eastbourne District General Hospital. Patients may also visit local practices such as:
- Albany Dental Centre
- Sidley Dental Practice
- Bexhill Dental Practice
If your care was delivered through the NHS, the Trust may be held responsible. If your treatment was at a private clinic, the individual practitioner or their insurer may be liable.
Marley Solicitors can help trace who was responsible for your treatment and ensure the right party is held accountable.
Time limits for making a dental negligence claim
Under UK law, the standard time limit for dental negligence claims is three years from the date of the incident, or from when you first became aware of the negligence.
There are exceptions:
- For children, the three-year limit begins on their 18th birthday
- For adults lacking mental capacity, the time limit may not apply
We strongly recommend starting the process early to avoid issues with gathering evidence and meeting legal deadlines.
The steps involved in making a dental negligence claim
If you believe you have a claim, here is what the process typically looks like:
- Initial consultation – We review the facts and determine if you have a valid claim. This is completely free.
- Gathering evidence – We request dental records, photographs, and may arrange for an independent dental expert to assess your treatment.
- Letter of claim – We send a formal letter to the dentist or NHS Trust outlining the case.
- Response – The other party has four months to admit or deny liability.
- Negotiation – If liability is accepted, we negotiate a fair compensation settlement.
- Court proceedings (if necessary) – Most claims settle out of court, but we are prepared to take your case to court if needed.
Throughout, our team keeps you informed and supported.
What compensation can I claim?
A successful dental negligence claim may include compensation for:
- Pain and suffering – For the physical and emotional toll
- Corrective treatment – Any dental procedures required to fix the harm caused
- Loss of earnings – Including time off work or reduced working capacity
- Medical and travel expenses – Costs of prescriptions, transport, or private care
- Psychological impact – Anxiety or stress caused by disfigurement or pain
We will carefully calculate your losses and work to maximise your compensation.
No win, no fee dental negligence claims in Albany
Marley Solicitors offers no-win, no fee agreements for eligible claims, so you do not need to worry about upfront legal costs.
With this funding option:
- You pay no legal fees unless your case is successful
- If the claim does not succeed, you owe us nothing
- Our fees are taken as a capped percentage from your compensation, agreed in advance
Visit our no win, no fee page to learn more about how this works.
Why choose Marley Solicitors?
People across Albany and East Sussex choose Marley Solicitors for our expertise, local knowledge, and compassionate service. We are:
- Specialists in dental negligence – We handle these cases regularly and know how to succeed
- Locally aware, nationally respected – We understand the local care providers and NHS Trusts
- Clear and supportive – No jargon, just expert legal guidance every step of the way
- Focused on results – Our goal is always to win you the compensation and closure you deserve
We are proud to help Albany residents hold negligent dentists to account and rebuild their confidence after traumatic experiences.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim for dental negligence in Albany if the treatment happened several years ago?
Yes – but only if it is within the legal time limit. Generally, you have three years from the date you first became aware of the issue. If you are unsure when the clock started, speak to us as soon as possible for clarity.
What documents do I need to support my dental negligence claim?
Useful documents include dental records, appointment notes, photographs, witness statements, receipts, and any written complaints you have made. We can also request your records directly and arrange an independent dental expert to review your case.
Is it harder to claim against an NHS dentist compared to a private one?
Not necessarily. The process is slightly different, as NHS claims are handled by the relevant Trust or the NHS Litigation Authority, while private claims go through the provider’s insurer. Either way, you have a right to claim, and we can handle both types effectively.
Speak to a dental negligence solicitor in Albany today
If you are based in Albany and believe you have suffered dental negligence, do not delay. Marley Solicitors is here to provide honest advice, compassionate support, and expert legal representation.
We offer a free initial consultation, and in most cases, we work on a no win, no fee basis. Whether your treatment occurred at a local NHS practice or a private dental clinic, we are ready to investigate your case and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Call Marley Solicitors today or complete our online enquiry form to arrange your free consultation. Let us help you move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
