Blog submitted by Dane Levy Attorney of www.Dentalmal.com, a provider of legal services for those injured by dental malpractice in California

Dental malpractice is defined as medical malpractice that is due to injuries caused by a visit to the dentist. However, clients should understand that all dental injuries cannot be classified as dental malpractice. Here are 10 areas that every potential dental malpractice plaintiff-patient should know.

Pain or sufferings in the hands of a dentist does not mean that there is a malpractice suit. The dentist should have deviated from the standard for a malpractice suit.

Your dentist has to establish the standard of care.

You should have expert witnesses and your attorney should have a good working relationship with them.

The lawyer or firm you choose to use, should have experience in dental malpractice cases.

You have 1 year to put forth your case on a dental malpractice claim, unlike a car accident in which you have 2 years. For example, if you have a dental implant injury, your 1 year starts from the time you are aware of the malpractice.

It is advisable not to go to court over minor malpractices as small claims have a jurisdictional limit of $7,500.

Insurance Negligence policies have consent provisions. For example, if a dental malpractice lawyer OC, advises his client the defendant to go to trial, the insurance company may advise the dentist (the insured) to settle. This means that the plaintiff has a better chance of receiving a settlement early.

The California Dental Board has placed a limit of $10,000 for any settlement or award.

Filing your case through the dental board will not help you win or lose a case, since the board looks at violations of the Dental Practices Act and the court looks at standard of care.

Dental injuries and death, have a limit of $250,000 for non economic loss.

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Anyone who has experience any of the above should consult a dental malpractice attorney.