Experiencing poor dental treatment can be distressing, especially when it results in pain, disfigurement or long-term health issues. If you or someone you know has suffered due to dental malpractice in Crosby, you may be eligible to make a dental negligence claim. At Marley Solicitors, we are committed to helping individuals secure compensation and accountability when things go wrong in the dental chair.
This guide explains what dental negligence is, how it affects patients in Crosby, and how our experienced legal team can help you make a successful claim.
What is dental negligence?
Dental negligence occurs when a dental professional fails to provide an acceptable standard of care, resulting in injury, pain, or harm to a patient. This may include mistakes made during diagnosis, treatment, or follow-up care. Negligence can be due to inexperience, poor judgement, carelessness or systemic issues within a dental practice.
Some common examples of dental negligence include:
- Incorrect tooth extraction
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of oral conditions
- Failure to detect or treat oral cancer
- Damage to nerves or surrounding tissues during procedures
- Inadequate or improper treatment of infections
- Poorly performed cosmetic procedures
- Faulty fillings, crowns or implants
Why dental negligence matters in Crosby
Dental malpractice can have a lasting impact on your health, appearance and quality of life. In a close-knit community like Crosby, trust between patients and healthcare professionals is vital. When that trust is broken, individuals are left not only with physical pain but also emotional distress and financial hardship.
At Marley Solicitors, we understand the importance of maintaining that trust and pursuing justice when it is violated. If you are in Crosby and feel you have been the victim of dental negligence, we are here to guide you through the process of holding the responsible party accountable.
Who can make a dental negligence claim?
If you have experienced pain, injury or additional treatment due to negligent dental care, you may be entitled to make a claim. You can also make a claim on behalf of:
- A child under the age of 18
- An adult who lacks the mental capacity to assert themselves
- A deceased family member, in cases where the negligence may have contributed to their death
Generally, you have three years from the date of the negligent treatment, or from when you first became aware of the harm caused, to start a claim. There are exceptions, especially in the case of minors or individuals who are mentally incapacitated.
How to prove dental negligence
To pursue a successful claim, you must demonstrate two key points:
- Breach of duty – that the dental practitioner failed to meet the standard expected of a competent professional
- Causation – that this breach directly caused you harm or worsened your condition
This requires gathering evidence such as:
- Dental records
- Photographs of injuries
- Independent medical or dental reports
- Witness statements
- Records of additional treatment or expenses
At Marley Solicitors, our legal team will help you build a strong case by securing expert reports and guiding you through the legal process step by step.
How much compensation can you claim?
Compensation varies depending on the nature and severity of the negligence. It typically covers two main areas:
- General damages – compensation for pain, suffering and loss of amenity (your ability to enjoy life as you did before)
- Special damages – covering financial losses such as further dental treatment, travel costs, time off work and psychological counselling
Every claim is unique. A minor error may result in compensation worth a few thousand pounds, whereas more serious cases involving permanent damage or disfigurement can lead to significantly higher awards.
Why choose Marley Solicitors for your Crosby dental negligence claim?
Choosing the right legal support is critical when pursuing a dental negligence case. Marley Solicitors has years of experience helping clients throughout Crosby and the surrounding Merseyside area. Our team provides:
- Specialist knowledge – expertise in clinical negligence law
- Personal service – we listen to your story and tailor our approach to your needs
- Local understanding – a firm rooted in Crosby with a genuine connection to the community
- No win, no fee options – many cases are taken on a conditional fee agreement to reduce financial risk for our clients
Our goal is to help you receive the justice and compensation you deserve while minimising stress and uncertainty in the claim process.
What to expect from the claims process
Making a dental negligence claim typically involves the following stages:
- Initial consultation – we listen to your experience and assess the likelihood of a successful claim
- Gathering evidence – collecting dental records and arranging expert reviews
- Letter of claim – outlining your allegations to the dental practice or individual responsible
- Negotiation – we attempt to reach a settlement out of court
- If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to represent you in court during court proceedings.
Most dental negligence cases are resolved through negotiation or mediation, without the need to go to trial.
Common myths about dental negligence
Only NHS dentists can be sued
False. Both NHS and private dentists owe patients the same duty of care. Claims can be made against either, depending on where you received treatment.
You can only claim for physical injuries
Compensation can also be awarded for psychological harm, such as anxiety, depression or trauma caused by negligence. Mental and emotional suffering is taken into account when assessing damages.
Dental claims are not worth the trouble
Even if the injury seems minor, the consequences can be significant. Chronic pain, ongoing treatments, and emotional distress are valid reasons to seek compensation. Our team makes the process straightforward and supportive.
Time limits and starting your claim
In most cases, you have three years to bring a dental negligence claim, starting from the date you became aware of the injury or harm caused. However, earlier action often leads to better outcomes, as evidence is easier to collect and memories are still fresh.
If you believe you may have a case, it is essential to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Marley Solicitors is here to help clients across Crosby take the first step towards justice and financial recovery.
Contact Marley Solicitors in Crosby today
If you have suffered from dental negligence and want to understand your legal rights, Marley Solicitors is ready to assist. We offer clear guidance, compassionate support and a results-driven approach tailored to your needs.
Our team is proud to serve the Crosby community with integrity and professionalism. Contact us today for a free initial consultation and find out how we can help you seek justice for dental malpractice.
