Dental injuries can cause significant pain and disruption, affecting not only your oral health but also your confidence and everyday life. Whether your injury resulted from an accident, assault, or negligent dental treatment, it can lead to long-lasting physical and emotional consequences. If you have suffered a dental injury in Newcastle, you may be entitled to compensation. At Marley Solicitors, we provide expert legal advice and support to help people in Newcastle claim the compensation they deserve for dental injuries.
Understanding dental injuries and compensation claims
Dental injuries encompass a broad range of harm, including chipped or cracked teeth, broken or lost teeth, nerve damage, jaw fractures, and damage to soft tissues in the mouth. These injuries may be caused by:
- Road traffic accidents
- Sports injuries
- Assault or violent attacks
- Negligent dental treatment
When dental injuries occur due to medical negligence (meaning a dental professional fails to provide care that meets the reasonable standard expected), there may be grounds to make a compensation claim. Examples of negligent dental treatment include incorrect tooth extraction, nerve damage during root canal procedures, failure to diagnose dental infections, or causing avoidable damage during treatment.
Newcastle is served by a number of NHS and private dental providers, including Newcastle Dental Hospital and dental services under the Newcastle Gateshead NHS Foundation Trust. If you have been harmed due to treatment at these or other local facilities, you could have a legal claim.
What types of compensation are available for dental injuries?
Compensation claims for dental injuries typically include two categories:
Special damages
These cover any financial losses and expenses you have incurred because of the injury. This includes:
- Emergency dental treatment and corrective procedures such as implants, crowns, or dentures
- Prescription medications or pain relief
- Travel costs to dental appointments
- Loss of earnings if you were unable to work
- Costs for additional care during recovery
General damages
This refers to compensation for the pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the injury. Dental injuries can cause ongoing discomfort and difficulties eating or speaking and can affect your appearance, leading to anxiety or lowered self-esteem.
How do you know if you have a claim in Newcastle?
If you believe your dental injury was caused by someone else’s negligence or fault, you should seek legal advice promptly. To make a successful injury claim, you generally need to prove:
- The injury was caused by negligence or fault of a dental professional or third party
- You suffered harm or financial loss as a result
- You file your claim within the legal time limits (usually within three years from the date of injury or the date you became aware of it)
Prompt action is important because gathering evidence such as dental records, treatment notes, and expert opinions can be time-consuming. Marley Solicitors can help you navigate this process and build a strong case.
Common causes of dental injury claims in Newcastle
Dental injury claims often arise from situations such as:
- Poorly performed tooth extractions causing fractured teeth or jaw injury
- Failed root canal treatments leading to infections or nerve damage
- Failure to diagnose or delayed diagnosis of dental conditions
- Damage caused by faulty dental equipment or materials
- Delayed or inappropriate treatment causing worsening of the injury
Dental injuries can also result from accidents where another party is at fault, such as road traffic collisions or assaults, which may also entitle you to compensation.
The claims process explained
Here is what to expect when making a dental injury compensation claim with Marley Solicitors:
- Free initial consultation
We discuss your injury and provide advice on the strength of your claim. - Evidence gathering
We obtain your dental and medical records, expert reports, and other evidence to support your claim. - Calculating your losses
We assess all your financial losses including treatment costs, travel, and lost income. - Negotiating with insurers
We negotiate with insurance companies or responsible parties to achieve a fair settlement. - Court action if needed
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we prepare your case for court to fight for your compensation.
Local healthcare providers relevant to your claim
Newcastle has several key healthcare providers connected to dental treatment:
- Newcastle Dental Hospital
The main dental teaching hospital offering specialist dental care in the region. - Newcastle Gateshead NHS Foundation Trust
Provides NHS dental services through GP surgeries and community clinics. - Private dental practices in Newcastle
Numerous private clinics provide treatments which might be the focus of negligence claims.
Keeping detailed treatment records from these providers will help support your claim.
Related legal services at Marley Solicitors
If your dental injury is part of a broader medical negligence issue, Marley Solicitors can assist. Our experienced team also handles claims involving:
- Surgical errors
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
- Hospital negligence
- No win no fee agreements to make legal costs manageable
Find out more about our medical negligence services and how we can help with all healthcare-related claims.
Additional tips for dental injury claimants in Newcastle
- Always seek immediate medical or dental attention after your injury to document the damage and get proper treatment.
- Keep all receipts, invoices, and records related to your treatment and travel.
- Write down details of how the injury happened and keep any correspondence with dental professionals.
- Contact a solicitor as soon as possible to ensure your claim is started within the time limits.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim compensation for dental injuries caused during NHS treatment in Newcastle?
Yes. If you suffered harm due to negligent dental treatment on the NHS, you can pursue compensation. The NHS has specific procedures for these claims, and Marley Solicitors can guide you through them.
How long do I have to claim compensation for a dental injury?
The general time limit is three years from the date of the injury or from when you first became aware it was caused by negligence. It is crucial to act quickly to avoid missing this deadline.
What factors influence the value of a dental injury claim?
Factors include the severity of the injury, its impact on your daily life, treatment and recovery costs, loss of income, and psychological effects such as anxiety or loss of confidence.
Can I claim if my dental injury was caused by an accident or assault?
Yes. If another party caused your injury, for example in a road traffic accident or an assault, you may be entitled to compensation from that party.
Contact Marley Solicitors for a free consultation in Newcastle
If you have suffered a dental injury in Newcastle, it is important to get expert legal advice without delay. Marley Solicitors offers free, no obligation consultations to help you understand your rights and options. Our dedicated team will support you throughout your claim, fighting to secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact Marley Solicitors today to start your dental injury compensation claim and take the first step towards recovery.
