Dental Wrongful Death Attorneys Fighting for Families of Victims

Litigation Attorneys Skilled in Dental Wrongful Death Cases Fight For Families

Wallace Wason, PLLC represents the families of dental patients who have died as a result of negligence by a dentist, periodontist, oral surgeon or other dental professional in Virginia and other jurisdictions. As lawyers who regularly handle both dental malpractice cases and wrongful death cases, we also have the knowledge in handling those involving a patient’s death in the course of or resulting from dental treatment.

Contact us to schedule a no fee consultation and get the assistance you need to protect your rights and receive the maximum compensation and justice that you deserve.

What Kinds of Dental Malpractice Lead to Wrongful Death Cases?

It may be hard to believe that substandard dental care can result in a patient’s demise, but actions by dental professionals that don’t meet the standard of care can have serious consequences. Some types of dental malpractice that can result in a dental wrongful death lawsuit include:

• Failure to diagnose oral cancers
• Failure to treat infection
• Medication mismanagement
• Anesthesia errors
• Lack of appropriate equipment
• Lack of appropriate emergency training.

Of course, it is possible that circumstances unrelated to the dental care provided can cause an untimely death. An experienced malpractice attorney can help make the distinction.

How Much Time Do Families Have To File a Case in Virginia?

Under the Virginia Code a personal representative of a deceased person’s estate (i.e. someone appointed by the court), can bring an action for the wrongful death of a patient caused by the malpractice of a dental healthcare provider. In Virginia a lawsuit must be filed within two years of the death in order to meet the Commonwealth’s time limit requirement, also known as the statute of limitations.

What Is the Compensation in a Case of Dental Wrongful Death?

Although no amount of compensation can make up for the loss of a loved one, the types of damages that may be awarded are specified in the law. In a case that goes to trial with a jury, it is the jury’s job to decide on the type and amounts to be awarded. Settlements or jury awards may include compensation for the following types of damages resulting from a wrongful death:

• Sorrow, mental anguish, and solace (which may include loss of companionship, comfort, guidance, and advice of the decedent),
• Loss of the decedent’s reasonably expected income,
• Services, protection, care and assistance provided by the deceased,
• Expenses for any care, treatment and hospitalization of the decedent related to the malpractice leading to the death,
• Reasonable funeral expenses,
• Punitive damages, in the case of willful or wanton conduct, or recklessness showing a conscious disregard for the safety of others.

Wrongful Death Malpractice Attorneys

Malpractice attorneys with experience in dental malpractice lawsuits, like Wallace Wason, PLLC, are uncommon. Wallace B. Wason, Jr. and his legal team bring both this experience in wrongful death cases. We can be of help to families who find themselves faced with this unique situation.