Broken Teeth

Broken teeth most commonly occur in physical assaults, where intentional harm is inflicted, causing dental damage. However, this injury can also be sustained in hazardous work environments, where an employer fails to provide adequate protective gear. Reckless driving leading to accidents is another cause. Inadequate dental care, such as improper application of force during procedures, can sometimes cause breakage. Additionally, serving or selling unsafe food containing hard objects can lead to broken teeth. Carelessness in maintaining safe public spaces, resulting in slips or falls, can also contribute to dental injuries. In all of these scenarios and more, there may be grounds to bring a personal injury claim.

Can I bring a claim for both deliberate and accidental injury?

Yes. Deliberate injuries, such as those caused by assault, can lead to a claim for damages against the person responsible. Accidental injuries, like those from negligence or recklessness, may result in a claim against the responsible party, such as in cases of car accidents or workplace injuries. In both cases, you must prove that the other party’s actions caused your injury and that you have suffered losses as a result. Compensation can cover medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Can I bring a claim against my dentist?

Yes, you can bring a claim against your dentist if you believe they have acted negligently, leading to one or more of your teeth sustaining damage or breakage. To succeed, you must prove that the dentist breached their duty of care and that this breach directly caused your injury, resulting in damages such as pain, additional treatment costs, or loss of income.

What if I believe my employer is at fault? How can I prove that?

To prove your employer was responsible for your broken teeth, you need to demonstrate that they failed to uphold their duty of care. This can involve showing that they did not provide appropriate safety equipment, adequate training, or a safe working environment. Evidence might include witness statements, safety records, or documented incidents of neglect. You must establish that your injury was a direct result of this negligence or failure to meet health and safety regulations. Medical reports linking the injury to the incident at work will also be crucial in supporting your claim.

How much compensation am I entitled to?

The compensation you can claim for broken teeth varies depending on the severity of the injury, the impact on your life, and the need for ongoing treatment. The Judicial Council’s Personal Injuries Guidelines offers an approximate idea of the general damages for serious teeth injuries. For example, damage to the back teeth might result in an award in the region of  €1,500-€3,000, whereas serious damage to several front teeth could result in a payout in the region of €12,500-€30,000. Successful claims will also result in special damages to cover the cost of medical bills and other out of pocket expenses.