Can You Sue for Nerve Damage After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Getting wisdom teeth removed is a common procedure. Yet, it can sometimes lead to complications, including nerve damage. Can you sue for nerve damage after wisdom teeth removal? Let us explore your options.
Understanding Nerve Damage
Wisdom teeth removal can sometimes injure nerves in the mouth. These nerves control feeling in the tongue, lips, and chin. When damaged, a person might feel numbness, tingling, or pain in these areas. Eating, talking, and drinking can become challenging.
This makes daily life tough for the person. Doctors call the affected nerves the inferior alveolar nerve and the lingual nerve. These problems can change how someone lives their life.
When to Consider Legal Action
Nerve damage after wisdom teeth removal might lead to legal steps. This can happen if the doctor makes mistakes or does not give good care. Mistakes could be:
- Problems during surgery.
- Not telling the patient about the risks.
- Poor care after surgery.
People might think about going to court in these cases. The goal is to get help for the harm caused.
Proving Negligence
To sue for nerve damage, you must prove that negligence occurred. This involves showing that the dental professional did not meet the standard of care expected. You will need to demonstrate that their actions directly caused your nerve damage. Evidence might include medical records, expert testimony, and documentation of your symptoms.
Steps to Take
Get another dentist to look at your injury. They can tell if the surgery caused the damage. This can help your case. Records help show what happened with wisdom teeth removal. Doctors check patients’ records before surgery. They write notes during the operation. They give instructions after.
All these papers tell the story of the treatment. They can prove if something went wrong. The records show how the doctor cared for the patient. This information is crucial if there is a problem later. It helps everyone understand what happened.
Compensation
A successful lawsuit might bring compensation for several types of damages. Medical bills for treating nerve damage often qualify. Lost wages count if the injury stops you from working. Pain and suffering from the injury factor into the compensation. Future treatment costs matter, too.
This includes possible surgeries or ongoing care. The court considers all these elements when deciding compensation amounts. Each case differs, so outcomes vary based on individual circumstances.
Preventing Nerve Damage
Nerve damage from wisdom teeth removal can happen, but you can lower the chances. Pick a dentist with vast experience in these surgeries. Ensure you get all the details about the surgery - what could go wrong and what is in your favor.
Before you say yes, be sure you understand everything. After the surgery, do what the dentist tells you. This will help you heal better and minimize the chance of issues. It is all about being careful and following instructions.
Nerve damage from wisdom teeth removal can change life a lot. When a doctor makes big mistakes, the hurt person deserves help. It is best to talk to a lawyer about this. They can explain your rights and how to protect yourself. The goal is to get help and move forward after this challenging time.
For more on dental health law, visit Arizona Dental Law Group at our Scottsdale, Arizona, office. Please call (602) 833-4200 or email us for a free, confidential case review.
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