Are You A Victim of Dental Malpractice in North Carolina?

We Hope You’ll Never Need a Dental Malpractice Lawyer — But When You Do, Experience Matters

When you visit a dentist or oral surgeon, you place a great deal of trust in their skill, judgment, and training. Most dental professionals provide appropriate care, but I have represented patients whose lives were disrupted because that trust was broken. Dental malpractice cases are especially difficult because patients rarely expect serious injury from routine dental treatment. When negligence occurs, the physical pain, emotional distress, and long-term consequences can be significant.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by negligent dental care in North Carolina, my role is to determine whether the accepted standard of care was violated and, if so, to pursue accountability and compensation through the legal process.

What Constitutes Dental Malpractice in North Carolina?

Dental malpractice occurs when a dentist, oral surgeon, or other dental provider fails to meet the accepted professional standard of care and that failure causes injury. These cases fall under North Carolina’s medical negligence laws and require careful investigation and expert review.

In my experience, dental malpractice claims often involve situations such as:

• Failure to diagnose or delayed diagnosis of oral disease or infection
• Surgical errors during extractions, implants, or other invasive procedures
• Nerve damage caused by improper surgical technique or anesthesia
• Infections resulting from poor sterilization or post-procedure care
• Improper administration or monitoring of anesthesia
• Failure to obtain informed consent before treatment

Not every bad outcome is malpractice, but when preventable errors cause lasting harm, the law provides a path to pursue justice.

Statute of Limitations for Dental Malpractice in North Carolina

Timing is critical in dental malpractice cases. In most situations, North Carolina law requires that a claim be filed within three years of the date of injury, or within one year of discovering the injury, but no more than four years from the date the malpractice occurred. These deadlines are strict, and missing them can permanently bar a valid claim.

Because dental injuries are not always immediately obvious, I encourage patients to seek legal guidance as soon as they suspect something is wrong.

How a Dental Malpractice Claim Is Proven

Dental malpractice cases are evidence-driven and expert-intensive. To succeed, we must establish that:

1. A dentist-patient relationship existed, creating a legal duty of care.
2. The dental provider breached the applicable standard of care.
3. That breach directly caused the injury.
4. The patient suffered measurable damages as a result.

In North Carolina, this typically requires testimony from qualified dental experts who can explain what should have been done differently. Early collection of dental records, imaging, photographs, and treatment history is often critical to building a strong case.

Nerve Damage and Serious Dental Injuries

Some of the most serious dental malpractice cases I handle involve permanent nerve damage. Injuries to the lingual nerve or inferior alveolar nerve can result in chronic pain, numbness, altered sensation, or loss of taste. These injuries can affect speech, eating, and overall quality of life.

Other dental malpractice injuries may include jaw fractures, spreading infections, damage to surrounding teeth or bone, and complications requiring extensive corrective treatment.

Compensation in Dental Malpractice Cases

When malpractice is proven, compensation may be available for the full scope of harm caused, including:

• Corrective medical and dental treatment
• Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent impairment or disfigurement

Every case is different, and damages must be carefully evaluated based on the long-term impact of the injury.

How We Handle Dental Malpractice Cases at Kellum Law Firm

Dental malpractice claims are complex and vigorously defended. I work with qualified dental experts and medical professionals to evaluate cases thoroughly and present them effectively. My approach is to prepare each case with the expectation that it may ultimately be tried, which strengthens settlement negotiations and ensures readiness if litigation becomes necessary.

At Kellum Law Firm, we represent dental malpractice clients on a contingency fee basis. That means there is no attorney’s fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf. If you believe negligent dental care has caused you harm, I encourage you to seek a consultation to understand your rights and options under North Carolina law.