Dental neglect is when a dentist or other dental expert gives a patient bad care that hurts or harms them. This can happen when a doctor makes a mistake in diagnosing a patient, waits too long to treat them, damages their nerves, or makes a mistake during a procedure like a tooth extraction or root canal. People in Gloucester depend on trusted dental clinics like SpaDental Gloucester and the Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, so negligent dental care can be very upsetting. You can move forward with confidence if you know your rights and how to make a claim.
What is a dental negligence claim?
A dental negligence claim is a legal process in which a patient seeks compensation for harm caused by poor dental treatment. This could be physical pain, emotional distress, additional dental costs, or long-term complications. Claims are often made when a dentist has breached their duty of care, leading to avoidable injuries.
Can I claim dental negligence compensation in Gloucester?
Yes, if you have received substandard dental care in Gloucester that caused you harm, you may be eligible to claim compensation. Whether the incident occurred at an NHS practice or a private clinic, the key is proving that the treatment was negligent and that it directly caused your injury or suffering.
Common examples of dental negligence
Dental negligence can take many forms. Some common examples include:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of dental conditions
- Poorly performed root canal treatments
- Extraction of the wrong tooth
- Failure to obtain informed consent before treatment
- Infections caused by poor hygiene
- Nerve damage resulting from surgical errors
- Unnecessary treatments to generate profit
- Improperly fitted crowns, bridges or dentures
- Failure to diagnose gum disease or oral cancer
In Gloucester, residents may attend regular appointments at practices such as Clyde House Dental Practice or London Road Dental Practice. If you believe your treatment at one of these clinics resulted in avoidable harm, you may have grounds for a claim.
What should I do if I’ve experienced dental negligence?
Taking the right steps early on can strengthen your case. Here is what to do:
- Seek medical advice – Get a second opinion to confirm the extent of the damage.
- Gather evidence – Keep dental records, receipts, appointment details, and any written correspondence.
- Take photos – If you have visible injuries, document them with clear images.
- Make a formal complaint – Raise your concerns directly with the dental provider.
- Contact a solicitor – Speak with a legal expert to assess your claim.
You may also consider keeping a diary of your pain levels, any emotional distress, and how the negligence has impacted your day-to-day life. This personal record can be valuable when assessing non-financial losses.
Marley Solicitors has helped clients in Gloucester and surrounding areas pursue compensation for dental negligence. Our team understands the legal and emotional weight of these cases and will guide you each step of the way.
How much compensation can I receive?
Compensation for dental negligence in Gloucester can vary depending on several factors, including:
- The severity of your injury
- The cost of corrective treatment
- Lost income due to time off work
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Long-term impact on eating, speaking, or appearance
Minor cases involving short-term pain or discomfort may result in compensation ranging from £1,000 to £3,000. More serious claims involving permanent nerve damage or disfigurement can result in awards of £10,000 or more.
In some complex cases, where lifelong care is needed or the person can no longer work in their previous capacity, compensation could reach well into five figures. Each case is unique, and expert valuation is essential to ensure you receive what you are rightfully owed.
How long do I have to make a claim?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the negligence or from when you first realised something went wrong. This is known as the limitation period. For children or those lacking mental capacity, the rules are different, so it is best to speak with a solicitor as soon as possible.
Missing this deadline can prevent your case from being heard, even if the negligence is clear. Therefore, seeking legal advice early is strongly advised.
Why choose Marley Solicitors?
With a strong record of success and a compassionate approach, Marley Solicitors provides dedicated support to those pursuing dental negligence claims in Gloucester. We offer:
- Free, no-obligation consultations
- No win, no fee representation
- Experienced solicitors with local knowledge
- Step-by-step guidance from claim start to resolution
- A friendly, understanding approach to sensitive cases
We understand how damaging poor dental care can be, not just physically but emotionally. Our legal team ensures your voice is heard and your rights protected.
Local services that may assist your case
If you need medical follow-up or advice after negligent dental care, Gloucester offers several options:
- Gloucestershire Royal Hospital – Provides emergency and specialist care
- The Aspen Medical Centre – GP services for referrals and health assessments
- NHS 111 – For urgent advice outside normal hours
- Gloucester Health Access Centre – A walk-in service for non-registered patients
You may also wish to speak with your local Healthwatch Gloucestershire to log a complaint or seek support.
How long does a dental negligence claim take?
The timeline for a dental negligence claim varies based on complexity. Simple cases with clear evidence may settle in 6–12 months. More complicated claims involving disputed liability, expert reports, or significant injury could take up to two years or more.
Having a dedicated legal team like Marley Solicitors can help accelerate the process and ensure no detail is overlooked.
FAQs
Can I claim compensation for dental negligence in Gloucester if I was treated privately?
Yes, both private and NHS dental practices owe patients a duty of care. If you were harmed by a private dentist in Gloucester, you still have the right to make a claim.
What evidence do I need for a dental negligence claim?
You will need:
- Dental records
- Expert opinion or second diagnosis
- Photos of injuries (if applicable)
- Proof of financial loss
- Witness statements (if available)
- Notes from complaints made to the clinic or NHS
A solicitor can help you collect and organise this evidence to build a strong case.
Can I claim on behalf of someone else?
Yes, in certain situations, you can act as a ‘litigation friend’. This typically applies if the person affected is a child or lacks mental capacity to manage their own legal affairs.
Contact Marley Solicitors today
If you’ve experienced dental negligence in Gloucester, don’t face the legal process alone. Contact Marley Solicitors for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our friendly team will explain your options clearly and support you throughout your claim.
What is a dental negligence claim?
A dental negligence claim is a legal process in which a patient seeks compensation for harm caused by poor dental treatment. This could be physical pain, emotional distress, additional dental costs, or long-term complications. Claims are often made when a dentist has breached their duty of care, leading to avoidable injuries.
Can I claim dental negligence compensation in Gloucester?
Yes, if you have received substandard dental care in Gloucester that caused you harm, you may be eligible to claim compensation. Whether the incident occurred at an NHS practice or a private clinic, the key is proving that the treatment was negligent and that it directly caused your injury or suffering.
Common examples of dental negligence
Dental negligence can take many forms. Some common examples include:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of dental conditions
- Poorly performed root canal treatments
- Extraction of the wrong tooth
- Failure to obtain informed consent before treatment
- Infections caused by poor hygiene
- Nerve damage resulting from surgical errors
- Unnecessary treatments to generate profit
- Improperly fitted crowns, bridges or dentures
- Failure to diagnose gum disease or oral cancer
In Gloucester, residents may attend regular appointments at practices such as Clyde House Dental Practice or London Road Dental Practice. If you believe your treatment at one of these clinics resulted in avoidable harm, you may have grounds for a claim.
What should I do if I’ve experienced dental negligence?
Taking the right steps early on can strengthen your case. Here is what to do:
- Seek medical advice – Get a second opinion to confirm the extent of the damage.
- Gather evidence – Keep dental records, receipts, appointment details, and any written correspondence.
- Take photos – If you have visible injuries, document them with clear images.
- Make a formal complaint – Raise your concerns directly with the dental provider.
- Contact a solicitor – Speak with a legal expert to assess your claim.
You may also consider keeping a diary of your pain levels, any emotional distress, and how the negligence has impacted your day-to-day life. This personal record can be valuable when assessing non-financial losses.
Marley Solicitors has helped clients in Gloucester and surrounding areas pursue compensation for dental negligence. Our team understands the legal and emotional weight of these cases and will guide you each step of the way.
How much compensation can I receive?
Compensation for dental negligence in Gloucester can vary depending on several factors, including:
- The severity of your injury
- The cost of corrective treatment
- Lost income due to time off work
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Long-term impact on eating, speaking, or appearance
Minor cases involving short-term pain or discomfort may result in compensation ranging from £1,000 to £3,000. More serious claims involving permanent nerve damage or disfigurement can result in awards of £10,000 or more.
In some complex cases, where lifelong care is needed or the person can no longer work in their previous capacity, compensation could reach well into five figures. Each case is unique, and expert valuation is essential to ensure you receive what you are rightfully owed.
How long do I have to make a claim?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the negligence or from when you first realised something went wrong. This is known as the limitation period. For children or those lacking mental capacity, the rules are different, so it is best to speak with a solicitor as soon as possible.
Missing this deadline can prevent your case from being heard, even if the negligence is clear. Therefore, seeking legal advice early is strongly advised.
Why choose Marley Solicitors?
With a strong record of success and a compassionate approach, Marley Solicitors provides dedicated support to those pursuing dental negligence claims in Gloucester. We offer:
- Free, no-obligation consultations
- No win, no fee representation
- Experienced solicitors with local knowledge
- Step-by-step guidance from claim start to resolution
- A friendly, understanding approach to sensitive cases
We understand how damaging poor dental care can be, not just physically but emotionally. Our legal team ensures your voice is heard and your rights protected.
Local services that may assist your case
If you need medical follow-up or advice after negligent dental care, Gloucester offers several options:
- Gloucestershire Royal Hospital – Provides emergency and specialist care
- The Aspen Medical Centre – GP services for referrals and health assessments
- NHS 111 – For urgent advice outside normal hours
- Gloucester Health Access Centre – A walk-in service for non-registered patients
You may also wish to speak with your local Healthwatch Gloucestershire to log a complaint or seek support.
The timeline for a dental negligence claim varies based on complexity. Simple cases with clear evidence may settle in 6–12 months. More complicated claims involving disputed liability, expert reports, or significant injury could take up to two years or more.
Having a dedicated legal team like Marley Solicitors can help accelerate the process and ensure no detail is overlooked.
Contact Marley Solicitors today
If you’ve experienced dental negligence in Gloucester, don’t face the legal process alone. Contact Marley Solicitors for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our friendly team will explain your options clearly and support you throughout your claim.
