Dental negligence is when a dentist or dental practitioner provides substandard care that leads to unnecessary pain, injury or worsening oral health. In a historic market town like Bridgnorth, any failure in dental care can be both distressing and disruptive for residents who rely on trusted practices such as Bridgnorth Dental Practice and Riverside Dental Centre. Whether your treatment was provided privately or through the NHS, you may have grounds for legal action.

Marley Solicitors has helped many clients in Bridgnorth and surrounding areas pursue successful claims following negligent dental care. If you’ve been affected by poor treatment, knowing your rights is the first step toward justice.

What is a dental negligence claim?

A dental negligence claim is a type of clinical negligence case that allows a patient to seek financial compensation for harm caused by careless or inappropriate dental treatment. This harm could involve physical injury, pain, infection or even permanent damage to teeth or gums. The law requires that you prove three key points:

A duty of care existed between you and your dentist
That duty was breached by poor treatment
The breach directly caused injury or additional suffering

Legal claims of this kind can be complex, but with the right support, victims can hold practitioners accountable and recover costs associated with corrective care and related losses.

Can I claim dental negligence compensation in Bridgnorth?

Yes, you can. If you’ve experienced negligent dental treatment in Bridgnorth, you may be able to bring a compensation claim. This applies whether you received care from the NHS or a private provider.

Local dental services include Bridgnorth Community Hospital’s outpatient services and nearby practices on High Street, West Castle Street and St John’s Street. Regardless of location, the care you receive must meet recognised professional standards. If it falls short, and you suffer avoidable harm, the law is on your side.

What types of dental negligence can I claim for?

Dental negligence comes in many forms. Some of the most common situations where patients may have a valid claim include:

Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of dental conditions
Extraction of the wrong tooth or damage during removal
Root canal errors leading to long-term pain or infection
Faulty fillings, crowns or bridges requiring repeat work
Nerve damage caused by careless surgical procedures
Poorly administered anaesthetic causing pain during treatment
Lack of informed consent before treatment begins
Infections due to poor hygiene or cross-contamination
Cosmetic procedures that go wrong, affecting appearance or confidence

If any of these apply to your case, it’s worth exploring your legal options with an experienced solicitor.

How can I tell if my treatment was negligent?

It’s not always obvious right away. Many patients in Bridgnorth come to us because they know something feels wrong but don’t know if it qualifies as negligence. Here are a few signs:

You experienced prolonged pain that was not addressed
You had to seek corrective treatment soon after
You were not told about risks or alternative procedures
Your dentist ignored your concerns or rushed the procedure
You suffered an infection, nerve damage or visible injury

Even if your experience does not fall into a classic example, you may still have a claim. We can help assess your situation during a free initial consultation.

What should I do if I think I’ve been a victim of dental negligence?

Taking the right steps early on can make a big difference. If you believe you’ve received negligent dental care in Bridgnorth:

Collect evidence – Gather your dental records, receipts, appointment details and any photos showing damage or treatment outcomes.
Keep a diary – Write down symptoms, pain levels, emotional impact and how it has affected your work or daily life.
Seek a second opinion – Another dentist may be able to confirm that the initial treatment was below standard.
Contact Marley Solicitors – We’ll review your case and advise you on your next steps, including whether you qualify for a no win, no fee agreement.

We offer a clear, simple process and will handle all communication with the dental provider or their insurers.

How much compensation could I receive?

The value of your dental negligence claim depends on how badly you were affected and how long the impact lasted. Key factors include:

The severity of the injury or condition
Whether the damage is permanent or requires further treatment
Any emotional or psychological distress
Time off work or lost earnings
The cost of any private dental care or future procedures

Some claims settle for around £3,000 to £5,000 for minor negligence. Others involving nerve damage, loss of multiple teeth or visible disfigurement may exceed £25,000.

An experienced solicitor will help estimate a fair compensation range based on similar case outcomes and medical reports.

How long do I have to bring a dental negligence claim?

You usually have three years from the date of the negligent treatment or from the date you became aware of the harm. This is known as the limitation period.

For children, the three-year period starts on their 18th birthday. For adults who lack mental capacity, time limits may be extended. If you’re unsure whether you’re still within time, speak to us as soon as possible. Delays can make it harder to collect evidence.

No win, no fee dental negligence claims in Bridgnorth

Legal costs can feel daunting, especially if you’re already dealing with medical bills or lost income. At Marley Solicitors, we handle most dental negligence claims on a no win, no fee basis. This means:

You do not pay anything upfront
You only pay a success fee if your claim wins
There is no financial risk if your claim is unsuccessful

This agreement ensures you can seek justice without worrying about cost. We will explain everything clearly before you commit to moving forward.

Why choose Marley Solicitors?

At Marley Solicitors, we pride ourselves on providing honest advice, clear communication and successful outcomes for our clients. Our team has handled numerous dental negligence claims for clients in Bridgnorth, Shropshire and the West Midlands.

We understand the emotional toll that poor dental care can have. That’s why we work with medical experts and trusted legal specialists to build strong cases from the start. Our goal is to secure compensation that reflects both the physical harm and the personal stress you’ve experienced.

FAQs

Can I claim dental negligence if the damage is only cosmetic?
Yes. Even if your injuries are not physically painful, visible damage to your teeth or gums can still cause emotional distress, decreased confidence, or social anxiety. Compensation can reflect this.

What if I didn’t realise it was negligence until much later?
That’s common. The three-year time limit usually starts when you discover the problem, not when treatment occurs. This is called the date of knowledge. It’s still worth seeking advice, even if it has been a while.

Talk to a dental negligence solicitor in Bridgnorth today

If you’ve received poor dental treatment in Bridgnorth and believe it caused you harm, Marley Solicitors can help. We offer free, no-obligation consultations and handle most cases on a no win, no fee basis.

Bridgnorth

Can I sue for dental negligence in Bridgnorth? Your legal options explained