Experiencing poor dental care can be physically painful and mentally distressing. If you’ve received negligent dental treatment in Corsham, you may be entitled to compensation through a dental negligence claim. This type of claim arises when a dentist or dental professional causes avoidable harm through substandard care or errors in treatment.
Dental negligence might sound clinical, but its effects are often deeply personal. From misdiagnosed gum disease to botched extractions, poor dental care can impact everything from your smile to your sleep. Whether your treatment took place at a private clinic or an NHS facility such as the Corsham NHS Dental Access Centre or the Box Dental Practice, you have the right to proper care and the right to take legal action when that care fails.
What is a dental negligence claim?
A dental negligence claim is a legal process that allows patients to seek financial compensation after receiving substandard dental care. This includes situations where a dentist’s actions or lack thereof led to pain, injury or the need for additional corrective procedures.
Unlike general dissatisfaction with results, dental negligence involves clear breaches of professional standards. These breaches must be directly responsible for the harm you’ve suffered.
Can I claim dental negligence compensation in Corsham?
Yes. If your dental care in Corsham caused unnecessary pain, complications or costs, you may be able to make a claim. Whether the treatment happened at an NHS clinic or a private practice, you are legally entitled to expect a certain standard of care.
At Marley Solicitors, we offer no win, no fee agreements. You won’t pay anything upfront, and we only get paid if your case is successful. This gives you peace of mind during what is often a frustrating and stressful time.
What does dental negligence look like?
Negligence in dentistry can involve errors in treatment, failure to diagnose a condition or poor aftercare. Some common examples we handle include:
– Tooth extraction errors such as removing the wrong tooth or leaving fragments behind
– Misdiagnosed gum disease leading to avoidable tooth loss
– Incorrect fitting of crowns, bridges or implants
– Failure to diagnose oral cancer or other serious conditions
– Nerve damage from surgical procedures
– Cosmetic failures resulting in further corrective work
– Lack of informed consent before treatment
Real-world examples (anonymised)
Case 1: A Corsham resident visited a private dental clinic for wisdom tooth extraction. The dentist failed to check the proximity to the mandibular nerve. As a result, the patient suffered permanent numbness in the jaw and tongue. We helped secure over £20,000 in compensation.
Case 2: An NHS patient complained of swelling and pain following a root canal. The dentist dismissed it as normal. Weeks later, the patient was hospitalised for a severe oral infection that had spread. A successful claim covered medical costs, travel and pain and suffering.
How do I know if I can make a claim?
You don’t need to be a legal expert to recognise negligence. Ask yourself:
– Was my treatment rushed or poorly explained?
– Did I suffer more pain or require further dental work as a result?
– Did the dentist fail to spot or treat a clear issue?
– Was I left with a long-term injury or disfigurement?
If you answered yes to any of the above, speak to Marley Solicitors for a free case review.
What can you claim for?
Compensation isn’t just about the initial mistake
A successful claim may cover:
– Pain and suffering: physical discomfort and emotional distress
– Corrective procedures: future dental work required to fix the damage
– Loss of earnings: time off work due to pain or follow-up appointments
– Ongoing care: such as physiotherapy or counselling
– Travel and prescription costs
We work with medical and dental experts to calculate a fair amount based on your individual experience.
Why choose a local solicitor for Corsham dental claims?
At Marley Solicitors, we understand how local context matters. Whether your dentist referred you to the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Trust, or you’ve been moved between providers across Wiltshire, we know how to trace the chain of responsibility and pinpoint where things went wrong.
We’ve successfully helped many clients in Corsham and the surrounding areas hold dental providers accountable. Our team uses its legal experience and local insight to deliver solid, evidence-driven results.
The claims process, explained
Making a dental negligence claim might sound overwhelming, but we make it simple:
- Free consultation: You’ll speak with one of our specialists, who will listen to your story and advise whether your case qualifies
2. Gathering evidence: We obtain your dental records, expert opinions, photographs and receipts. You won’t need to do this alone: we handle it all
3. Letter of claim: We notify the dentist or clinic formally. They have a set timeframe to respond, either accepting liability or defending the claim
4. Negotiation: If liability is accepted, we’ll negotiate the best possible settlement. If not, we’ll prepare for court proceedings
5. Resolution: Most claims settle out of court, often within 12–18 months. Complex cases may take longer, but you’re kept informed every step of the way
All handled on a no win, no fee basis, so there’s no financial risk to you.
Additional signs of dental negligence
If you’re still unsure whether what happened to you qualifies, here are more red flags:
– Teeth removed without proper X-rays
– Allergic reactions not screened for in advance
– Overuse of anaesthetic or failure to provide enough pain control
– Fillings or crowns falling out within days
– Swelling, infection or bleeding ignored by follow-up staff
Even small errors can have long-term consequences.
Local support resources in Corsham
You may also wish to seek additional help through:
– Corsham NHS Dental Access Centre: for follow-up appointments or referrals
– Box Surgery and Sarum House Surgery: for GP records and pain management
– Royal United Hospitals Bath: for specialist diagnostics or second opinions
These records can help support your claim and validate the impact of the negligence.
Frequently asked questions
How long do dental negligence claims take?
Most straightforward claims resolve in 12–18 months. More complex cases that involve multiple providers, long-term injuries or contested liability may take longer. We keep you updated throughout.
What if my dentist no longer works in Corsham?
That’s not a problem. We trace the professional’s indemnity insurance or their former practice. You can still claim even if they’ve moved away or retired.
Can I still claim if the treatment was partly successful?
Yes. Even if some of the work was adequate, if you were harmed by a specific part of the treatment or were not informed of the risks, you may still have grounds for a claim.
Is there a time limit to start a claim?
Yes. You typically have three years from the date of the negligent treatment or from when you first became aware of the issue. For children, the three-year window starts from their 18th birthday. Time limits can vary depending on the circumstances, so it’s best to get legal advice early.
What makes Marley Solicitors different?
You need more than legal knowledge; you need someone who genuinely understands what you’re going through. Marley Solicitors is trusted by residents across Corsham for our:
– Personalised support from day one
– Clear and honest legal advice
– Proven track record in dental claims
– No win, no fee approach
– Focus on fast, fair outcomes
We’re not a faceless legal factory. We’re local, client-focused and committed to getting you the compensation you need to move forward.
Take the next step: Speak to a Corsham dental negligence expert
If you’ve experienced pain, disfigurement or distress from poor dental treatment in Corsham, don’t suffer in silence. Contact Marley Solicitors today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options and help you file a file a claim on a no win, no fee basis.
You don’t have to face this alone, and you shouldn’t have to pay the price for someone else’s mistake.
