It is obvious how certain kinds of medical procedures—like those that call for general anesthesia, for example—pose the risk of life-threatening complications. Emergency scenarios are also more likely than other kinds of surgery to result in accidental death.
Dentist wearing eyeglasses gloves and mask examining a patient teeth with a dental probe and a mirror in a clinic box with equipment in the background
Not only are emergency patients more vulnerable to devastating complications, but their providers also have a limited window of time in which to act and thus are under considerable stress. According to CBS News, emergency surgeries with the highest mortality and/or complication rates include:
- Partial colectomy;
- Small-bowel resection;
- Gall bladder removal;
- Abdominal adhesion removal;
- Appendectomy; and
- Laparotomy.
Most patients are not surprised to learn about the risks of undergoing one of the above surgeries in an emergency situation; however, few people consider the chances of suffering serious or even fatal complications during a dental procedure. Although dental work tends to be less invasive than other kinds of health care, it can still result in catastrophic and even life-threatening complications.
If you lost a loved one at the hands of a negligent dentist, your family may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, funeral and burial expenses, pain and suffering, lost income, and lost benefits. To determine if you have grounds for a claim, turn to The Law Office of Brian K. Branch, PC.
With a combined 32 years in legal practice, our attorneys have the experience and professionalism to help you through this tough time. Call 505-207-4401 to schedule a free case evaluation with a wrongful death attorney in Albuquerque.
Can Dental Negligence Result in Wrongful Death?
Dentists are healthcare providers just as doctors, nurses, and anesthesiologists are. Thus, they are required to provide patients with a certain standard of care. If they breach this duty and the patient or his or her family incurs damages, they can be financially liable.
Patients who sustain serious injuries or permanent disfigurement from substandard dental care have the right to file a medical malpractice claim against their provider. Likewise, the families of patients who die in the dental chair or as the result of complications from a procedure may sue the practice for wrongful death.
Just how many people die from inadequate dental care, though, and what can patients do to protect themselves? The data regarding dental deaths is sparse, but researchers estimate that one patient dies every other day in this country, and an additional six are hospitalized. You can protect yourself by reviewing a practice’s experience and quality of care before making an appointment.
If you or someone you love was the victim of dental malpractice, contact The Law Office of Brian K. Branch, PC today. With help from our compassionate and strategic legal team, your family may be able to recover compensation for both the economic and non-economic damages that you have incurred.
Unlike other firms that represent the victims of malpractice, we limit our practice areas to ensure we can remain up-to-date on all the latest regulations, statutes, precedents, and proceedings that might affect our clients. Our primary areas of focus include serious personal injury, premises liability, products liability, and wrongful death.
Call 505-207-4401 to schedule a free consultation with a wrongful death lawyer in Albuquerque. You can learn more about wrongful death claims in New Mexico by visiting the USAttorneys website.
