How Much Can You Sue a Dentist for Nerve Damage?
If you ever get nerve damage after a dental visit, you might wonder, “How much can I sue a dentist for nerve damage?” Dental nerve injuries hurt a lot and can change your life. This article explains how these injuries happen, how lawsuits work, how much money you might get as payment, and what to do next. If you want clear answers and steps you can use, you’re in the right place.
Table of Contents
What Is Dental Nerve Damage?
Dental nerve damage happens when a nerve inside your mouth gets hurt. The main nerves it happens to are the lingual nerve, inferior alveolar nerve (IAN), and parts of the trigeminal nerve. These nerves help you feel your lips, chin, tongue, and lower face.
For example, you might get nerve damage during wisdom tooth removal, a dental implant, or a root canal. Sometimes even a simple shot of local anesthetic or getting a dental crown can cause this if the dentist is not careful.
You might notice nerve damage if you start feeling numbness, tingling, burning, loss of taste, or have trouble speaking and eating. Sometimes, the feeling goes away. Other times, it stays.
Why Do Dentists Cause Nerve Damage?
Most dentists try to do a good job, but sometimes mistakes happen. These can be called dental malpractice if the dentist did not give proper care.
Common ways dentists cause nerve damage:
- Using the wrong method during surgery or when giving a numb shot
- Not getting your informed consent (not telling you the risks)
- Not spotting and fixing problems after surgery
- Doing unneeded or badly planned treatments
If you get nerve damage, ask yourself: Was this just bad luck, or did the dentist mess up?
How Does Nerve Damage Affect You?
Nerve damage can really change your life. Let me walk you through what others have shared and what I’ve seen.
When the lingual nerve or IAN gets hurt, you might lose feeling in your tongue, chin, or lips. Eating can feel weird. You might bite yourself and not even notice. Talking gets harder. Some people lose their sense of taste. Others feel sharp pain that just keeps coming — like getting poked over and over. It’s very upsetting.
But it can be even more. These injuries can mess with how you feel about yourself. If you’re always hurting, you can start to feel sad or worried. Maybe you don’t see friends anymore. Work gets tough, especially if you talk a lot for your job.
Can You Sue a Dentist for Nerve Damage?
Yes, you can — if you can show the dentist was careless, not just unlucky. This is what you need to show in court.
There are four things you have to prove:
Fast examples:
- A dentist uses too much force and hits your nerve during wisdom tooth removal.
- You weren’t warned about a big risk, like possible numbness after your treatment.
- Your dentist does nothing when you say something is wrong after surgery.
If this sounds like you, you might have a claim.
What Damages Can You Claim?
If you win your case, the law lets you get some damages (money to make up for what you lost). These can be:
1. Economic Damages (Things you can count)
- Medical bills (doctor visits, nerve repair surgeries, pills, therapy)
- Lost pay if you missed work, or future money if you can’t go back
- Cost of rehab or special care
2. Non-Economic Damages (Things you feel)
- Pain and suffering, both body and mind
- Feeling anxious or depressed
- Loss of enjoyment — if your hobbies or time with family aren’t the same
- Scars or big changes to how you look
3. Punitive Damages (for really bad behavior)
Courts sometimes add these if the dentist was really reckless, but this doesn’t happen much.
How Much Money Can You Really Get?
Let’s talk numbers. How much you get changes a lot, based on your story. Here’s a quick table to show the usual ranges:
| Severity | Settlement Range | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Minor/Temporary | $10,000 – $50,000 | Tingling goes away after a year, few bills |
| Moderate/Persistent | $50,000 – $300,000 | Lasting pain, trouble talking, more doctor visits |
| Severe/Permanent | $300,000 – $1,000,000+ | Can’t eat well, lost job, life really changed |
For example, if you’re a singer and you get permanent lingual nerve damage that ends your career, your case might settle at the high end, or even get more at trial.
About 95% of dental malpractice cases get settled before a trial — mostly to keep things private and save time and money.
Some states put limits (called caps) on “pain and suffering” money. This could limit how much you get even if you’re badly hurt.
Which Factors Change The Value of a Dental Malpractice Claim?
Many things can change the amount you’ll get:
- How bad is the injury? Permanent damage is worth more than something that heals up.
- Did you miss work, or will you need care forever?
- Your age and health. Younger, healthier people might get more money because they lose more years.
- Where you live. Some states say you can’t get more than $750,000 for pain and suffering, others $250,000.
- Do you have proof? Medical records, dentist papers, and expert witnesses are super important.
- How good is your lawyer? A smart lawyer can make a huge difference.
What Are The Steps in a Dental Malpractice Lawsuit?
Thinking about suing? Here’s what it usually looks like, step by step:
What Should You Do After a Dental Nerve Injury?
You’re in pain and worried — what now? Here’s what I’d do:
Step 1: Get Medical Help Now
Go see a neurologist or oral surgeon as soon as you can. You need a real diagnosis and a plan.
Step 2: Write Everything Down
Start your own file. Keep notes on your symptoms, doctor visits, and costs.
Step 3: Call a Specialist Lawyer
Don’t do this alone. Find a dental malpractice lawyer who’s handled nerve damage cases before.
Conclusion: Get the Help You Need
Dental nerve damage hurts in lots of ways — your mouth, your mind, your money. You don’t have to just take it as bad luck. If your dentist made a mistake, you have real rights. By learning about your injury, keeping records, and getting help, you can get money to help you heal.
And if you work in dental care or want the best dental lab work, you need partners who really care about safety and results. That’s why many trust a top china dental lab for crowns, dentures, and more. Good labs like this are key for patient safety and happiness.
Remember, your story is unique. Only a lawyer can tell you what your claim is truly worth, but when you have knowledge, you’re already ahead.
Summary Table
| Step | What to Remember |
|---|---|
| See a doctor | Get a real diagnosis from a specialist |
| Collect evidence | Save all notes about symptoms, visits, bills |
| Talk to a lawyer | Find someone who knows dental nerve cases |
| Time matters | Don’t wait — you might run out of time to sue |
| Lawsuit value varies | How much you get depends on your injury, state, and proof |
| Don’t sign settlements | Never sign anything from the dentist’s insurance until you talk to a lawyer |
| Trust top labs | Quality dental labs make a difference—see digital dental lab for modern dental products |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have nerve damage?
If you feel numbness, tingling, pain, or lose taste after dental work and it doesn’t get better, see a doctor.
Is it expensive to sue a dentist?
Most lawyers work on a “no win, no pay” deal, so you only pay if you win.
What if my injury is mild or gets better?
If you heal fast, your case might be worth less, but always ask a lawyer for advice.
Which dental treatments cause the most nerve injuries?
Wisdom tooth removals, dental implants, root canals, and low jaw surgeries are the top causes.
What if I need to fix my smile after an injury?
A top veneers lab or crown and bridge lab may help fix your teeth.
Key things to remember:
- Nerve injuries from dental work are serious.
- You could have a claim for real money.
- Don’t wait — keep proof, get good advice, and work with experts.
- Pick dental labs and pros who put safety first.
- Every case is different. You’re not alone — the right plan can help you get justice.
References:
- American Dental Association (ADA). “Nerve Injuries Following Dental Procedures.”
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. “Peripheral Nerve Injuries.”
- Medical Malpractice Settlement Reports, U.S. State Courts and Insurance Data, 2023.
- Real-life examples from dental malpractice lawyers and court data.
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