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Clinical Negligence

Compensation recovered for burns suffered during wisdom teeth extraction

This case study demonstrates the expertise of our Clinical Negligence team who recently recovered £10,500 for a 25 year old man who suffered a full thickness burn to the corner of his mouth due to equipment being used for wisdom teeth extraction overheating.

N was under general anaesthetic at the time and so unable to appreciate or warn that he was being burned. N’s appearance was important to him both socially and professionally because the nature of his work required him to meet, speak to and present to clients.

N’s wisdom teeth needed to be extracted and he opted to have this performed under general anaesthetic shortly before Christmas. Afterwards, he was told that it had not been possible to pull his wisdom teeth out, and that it had become necessary to use a drill but that something went wrong with the drill, causing it to overheat which resulted in a burn in the corner of his mouth.

N was in pain and for several weeks it was not possible for him to open his mouth very wide.  He drank through a straw or bottle and avoided hot drinks. He could not shave for a while and was conscious of the wound. N could not sleep for about a week because his face was swollen and he suffered a significant amount of pain over the Christmas and New Year period.  His injury remained painful and sensitive.

We immediately arranged for N to be examined by one of the leading regional plastic surgeons who also acts an expert in medico legal cases. He was confident that corrective surgery would probably improve N’s appearance. While negotiations were ongoing, we secured an interim payment which gave N not just the means to pay for a private operation but also the freedom of choice as to identity of surgeon, location and time. We then on to secure a good settlement for N.

Jonathan Herbert has significant experience of dealing with clinical negligence cases. If you would like to ask Jonathan a question about a potential case involving medical negligence contact him on 01892 701226 in confidence.

We have one of the largest and most experienced specialist medical negligence teams in Southern England including London. Our team of highly experienced lawyers has the depth and range of expertise essential in this sensitive and often complex area of law. Our clinical negligence team is very proud to be ranked Number 1 in both the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners UK.

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