Chicago Dental Malpractice Lawyer
Dental treatment is supposed to improve your health—not leave you with permanent pain, disfigurement, or medical complications. When a dentist, orthodontist, oral surgeon, or hygienist fails to meet the proper standard of care, the consequences can be devastating.
If you suffered injuries from negligent dental treatment, a Chicago dental malpractice lawyer can help you pursue compensation and hold the provider accountable.
Why Dental Malpractice Cases Are So Complex?
Dental malpractice claims require proving that a dental professional delivered care below accepted medical standards—and that this negligence caused your injury.
These cases often involve medical documentation, expert testimony, and detailed analysis of dental procedures, which is why working with an experienced attorney is essential.
Common Types of Dental Malpractice in Chicago
Dental malpractice can occur during diagnosis, treatment, or follow-up care. Some of the most frequent examples include:
Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis
Failing to detect infections, oral cancer, gum disease, or structural decay can allow conditions to worsen, leading to serious complications.
Nerve Damage During Dental Procedures
Improper use of drills, implants, or extraction tools can permanently damage nerves in the tongue, lips, gums, or jaw—often causing numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation.
Errors During Tooth Extractions
A dentist may fracture the jaw, remove the wrong tooth, leave fragments behind, or cause excessive bleeding due to poor technique.
Improperly Placed Dental Implants
Incorrect implant positioning can lead to infection, nerve damage, bone loss, and failed implants requiring extensive corrective surgery.
Anesthesia Errors
Using too much or too little anesthetic—or failing to monitor the patient—can cause severe reactions, oxygen deprivation, or life-threatening complications.
Infection Caused by Poor Sterilization Practices
Unsanitary tools or negligent hygiene can lead to bacterial infections that require hospitalization or long-term treatment.
Orthodontic Mistakes
Poorly planned braces, misaligned bite corrections, and excessive force can cause permanent jaw or tooth damage.
Injuries Caused by Dental Malpractice
Dental negligence can lead to long-lasting and painful complications. Victims may experience:
- Chronic jaw, gum, or facial pain
- Permanent numbness or nerve damage
- Speech difficulties
- Infections requiring hospitalization
- Tooth loss or unnecessary extraction
- Bite misalignment and TMJ disorders
- Difficulty eating, drinking, or swallowing
- Facial scarring or cosmetic deformities
These injuries affect not just physical health but also emotional well-being, confidence, and quality of life.
Who Is Responsible in a Chicago Dental Malpractice Case?
Several parties may be liable depending on the circumstances of your injury:
Dentists and Orthodontists
They are responsible for accurate diagnosis, proper treatment techniques, and patient safety throughout care.
Oral Surgeons
Errors during surgery—especially extractions or implant procedures—can create grounds for malpractice.
Dental Hygienists and Assistants
Improper sterilization, incorrect X-ray procedures, or inadequate monitoring can contribute to patient harm.
Dental Clinics or Corporate Dental Chains
Facilities may be responsible for hiring unqualified dentists, poor supervision, or unsafe working conditions.
Your attorney will identify every liable party to maximize your compensation.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Victims of dental malpractice may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical and corrective dental expenses
- Future treatment and reconstructive surgeries
- Lost wages and reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability or permanent disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Severe cases may also justify punitive damages if the provider’s behavior was reckless or fraudulent.
How We Prove Dental Malpractice?
Dental malpractice cases rely heavily on technical evidence. Our legal team works with dental experts to:
- Evaluate your dental records and imaging
- Determine whether the dentist violated the standard of care
- Link the negligent act to your specific injuries
- Calculate your financial and medical losses
- Build a clear, compelling case against all responsible parties
We handle the legal work so you can focus on healing.
What to Do If You Suspect Dental Malpractice in Chicago?
If you believe you’ve been harmed by negligent dental care, take the following steps:
- Get a second opinion from a qualified dental professional
- Request copies of your dental and medical records
- Take photos of visible injuries or complications
- Document symptoms, expenses, and how the injury affects your daily life
- Avoid discussing the case with the dentist or their insurance
- Contact a dental malpractice lawyer immediately
Time matters—Illinois has strict deadlines for filing malpractice claims.
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Let me just say, Toby was my advocate every step of the way - in the midst of such a traumatic accident, I had comfort knowing my Lawyer was doing everything in his power to right the wrongs of the person who nearly took my life.
Everything about that experience was new to me - I had never been in an accident, dealt with insurance, filed a suit, given a deposition, etc. Toby was informative regarding all the legal processes which were taking place, and answered all questions I had - in essence: he was my biggest advocate other than myself.
He is extremely organized, well spoken, and knows exactly what he is talking about. Without his help, I don't know how I would have gotten through such a turbulent time.
If you find yourself in a similar position to me, where it feels like your world is collapsing, medical facilities trying to push you around, insurance companies calling you... Toby Mulholland is the person you need to shield you from the noise, the advocate you deserve, and the best Lawyer around.
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Expert Legal Representation by
Toby P. Mulholland,
Your Trusted Injury Lawyer
Since launching his law practice in 2000, Toby P. Mulholland has been a dedicated advocate for clients suffering serious injuries. He has extensive experience handling a wide range of personal injury cases, including motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death claims, construction accidents, premises liability, dog bite cases, and catastrophic injury litigation.
Toby’s distinguished career is marked by his skill in litigation, participating in numerous trials, mediations, arbitrations, and depositions. His innovative approaches to depositions have consistently resulted in successful outcomes for even the most complex cases. Clients appreciate his ability to navigate high-stakes situations with a creative, results-oriented approach.
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See Why Clients Trust Us
Let me just say, Toby was my advocate every step of the way - in the midst of such a traumatic accident, I had comfort knowing my Lawyer was doing everything in his power to right the wrongs of the person who nearly took my life.
Everything about that experience was new to me - I had never been in an accident, dealt with insurance, filed a suit, given a deposition, etc. Toby was informative regarding all the legal processes which were taking place, and answered all questions I had - in essence: he was my biggest advocate other than myself.
He is extremely organized, well spoken, and knows exactly what he is talking about. Without his help, I don't know how I would have gotten through such a turbulent time.
If you find yourself in a similar position to me, where it feels like your world is collapsing, medical facilities trying to push you around, insurance companies calling you... Toby Mulholland is the person you need to shield you from the noise, the advocate you deserve, and the best Lawyer around.
Thank you for everything you have done to help me in my most dire of times, Toby!