Facing an Alaska dental malpractice claim may have you feeling anxious about the future of your career, and your fears may have merit. While dental malpractice claims are less common than traditional medical malpractice claims, they still have the potential to cost you a good deal of time and money, and in some cases, even your professional license.
Per Dentistry Today, you should try not to panic as the subject of a dental malpractice lawsuit. You may be under investigation, but this does not mean you are going to wind up in court. Some dental malpractice cases settle without going to court. Others undergo dismissal before they ever get there. However, if you do become the subject of a dental malpractice lawsuit, consider taking the following steps in the aftermath.
Compile relevant records
Often, solid record-keeping has the potential to keep you from facing – or losing – a dental malpractice suit. Compile all records that are relevant to the lawsuit and that help you back up your claims. Make sure not to alter these records, and make sure, too, to tell your staff members not to alter or remove them either.
Keep quiet
It is advisable that you avoid discussing the details of the dental malpractice suit you face with anyone other than your own attorney. Why? Your coworkers may have to appear if your case does go to court, and they have a legal obligation to tell the court anything you might have said about the situation. For this reason, it may benefit you to keep quiet until your case closes.
Keep in mind, too, that it may take some time to navigate your dental malpractice claim.