Should I get an orthodontics medical malpractice lawyer?

An orthodontist is a licensed doctor that is required to follow specific medical protocol when administering treatment to their patients. The educational requirements to become an orthodontist include four years of dental school where they specialize in orthodontics during the last part of their studies. Once they have earned a bachelor’s degree, they must complete an additional four years to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). This extended training usually includes two years of classroom studies followed by two years of residential practice. They must be licensed by the American Dental Association, which requires them to pass both written and practical exams. Even these professionals can make mistakes, which may require help from an orthodontics medical malpractice lawyer.

Proving Liability Against Your Orthodontist

Orthodontists primarily deal with the straightening of people’s teeth by applying braces and retainers. Sometimes these treatments can last years and be quite costly. Patients may be the victims of malpractice when the orthodontist is negligent in their treatment. They may be guilty of breaching their duty by not performing to the standard of care necessary. The injured patient may be able to seek damages for:

• The cost of dental repairs required due to insufficient care by the orthodontist
• Any medical costs incurred due to the patient suffering injuries, such as cut lips and gums or an allergic reaction
• Damages for pain and suffering endured
• Legal costs incurred for filing a lawsuit against the defendant

When medical professionals fail to meet the expectations of their patients or cause further damage, they should be held liable for those injuries.

Holding the Manufacturer Liable

Earlier this year, Align Technology who makes the Invisalign product failed to tell the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about several side affects of the product, including:

• Serious allergic reactions
• Mouth ulcerations
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swollen lips and gums
• Burning sensation on the tongue

Some of these reactions could be potentially life threatening to the patient and the manufacturer should be held legally responsible, especially when they purposely did not disclose these adverse effects of their product.

Hiring a Medical Malpractice Professional

Before signing any type of waiver regarding your treatment plan, you should have an experienced malpractice attorney review these documents. Sometimes these waivers prohibit the patient from a legal right to sue for damages or be required to resolve issues only through arbitration.