Lancaster Dental Malpractice Attorney
Legal Guidance After A Harmful Dental Error
If something about your dental treatment didn’t feel right, you are not alone. When unexpected pain, infection, nerve damage, implant failure, or serious complications follow dental care, it is reasonable to question whether a preventable mistake occurred. A Lancaster dental malpractice attorney can review what happened and determine whether negligence may have been involved.
Dean Schweitzer at The Law Office of Dean Schweitzer represents patients and families in Lancaster and throughout the Antelope Valley in dental malpractice matters. With more than 35 years of legal experience and a background as a licensed dentist, he evaluates both the clinical details and the legal issues involved. Free consultations are available to discuss your situation and your options.
Contact The Law Office of Dean Schweitzer to speak directly with Dean Schweitzer about what happened and whether it may involve dental malpractice. Schedule a free consultation to get clear answers with no pressure to move forward.
Why My Dental Background Matters
Dental malpractice cases depend on understanding clinical decisions, treatment standards, and whether a provider met the accepted standard of care. As both an attorney and a licensed dentist, I can evaluate your case with firsthand knowledge of how dental procedures are performed and how treatment decisions are made.
That dental training allows me to interpret charts, X-rays, surgical notes, and terminology accurately. I understand what warning signs should have been recognized and what corrective steps may have been required. I personally review every potential claim and match your experience to what the records show and the professional standards that apply in California.
Understanding Dental Negligence & Injury
Not every poor outcome is malpractice. Dental malpractice generally involves care that falls below accepted professional standards and causes avoidable harm.
When reviewing a case, I examine:
- What information the dentist had at the time
- What treatment decisions were made
- Whether proper diagnostic steps were taken
- Whether risks were explained and informed consent was obtained
- Whether complications were addressed appropriately
Dental malpractice cases can involve general dentists, oral surgeons, orthodontists, periodontists, endodontists, and other licensed dental professionals.
Types of Dental Malpractice Cases We Review
Dental errors can happen in many forms. Common situations I evaluate in Lancaster include:
- Anesthesia errors
- Defective crowns or bridges
- Dental implant failure
- Extraction injuries
- Failure to diagnose or treat infection
- Failure to diagnose oral cancer
- Nerve damage (including trigeminal nerve injury)
- Orthodontic treatment failures
- Improper root canal procedures
- Failure to refer to a specialist
- Severe infections or abscess complications
- Improper placement of dental implants
- Jaw injuries
- Inadequate post-operative care
Every case depends on its facts, timing, and documentation.
What Evidence Matters in a Lancaster Dental Malpractice Case
Dental malpractice claims rely heavily on documentation. Important evidence may include:
- Complete dental records
- X-rays and imaging
- Treatment plans
- Consent forms
- Surgical notes
- Referral documentation
- Post-operative instructions
- Communication records
Timing also matters. I review when symptoms were reported, how quickly providers responded, and whether follow-up care was appropriate. In many cases, qualified dental professionals must evaluate whether the standard of care was breached and whether that breach caused injury.
California Deadlines & Legal Limits
California dental malpractice claims are subject to strict deadlines. The timeframe may depend on when the injury occurred and when it was discovered. Waiting too long can limit or eliminate your ability to pursue a claim.
California law also places limits on certain damages in malpractice cases. A consultation can clarify how these rules may apply to your situation.
What To Do If You Suspect Dental Malpractice
- Document your symptoms and timeline while details are fresh.
- Request copies of your complete dental records and imaging.
- Seek appropriate follow-up care if you are still experiencing complications.
- Preserve billing statements, prescriptions, and written communications.
- Contact The Law Office of Dean Schweitzer to discuss whether negligence may have occurred.
You do not need every document before calling. During a free consultation, I can explain what records are most important and what we will review.
How I Handle Dental Malpractice Cases
When you contact The Law Office of Dean Schweitzer, you speak with me directly. I begin by listening to your account in your own words. I review any records you have and identify what additional documentation is needed.
I explain both the dental and legal aspects of your situation in plain language. If I take your case, I keep you informed as records are obtained, evaluated, and reviewed by professionals. My goal is to provide honest, realistic guidance so you can decide whether pursuing a dental malpractice claim makes sense.
Talk With Me About Your Case
If a dental provider’s mistake has changed your life, a consultation can help you understand what happened and what options may be available. You can share your story, ask questions, and learn how California law evaluates dental negligence.
With more than 35 years of experience and a background as a licensed dentist, I review cases from both the clinical and legal perspectives.
Contact The Law Office of Dean Schweitzer today to speak with a Lancaster dental malpractice attorney and protect your rights!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have a dental malpractice case?
Dental malpractice usually involves care that falls below accepted dental standards and causes avoidable harm. I review your records, timeline, and symptoms to determine whether the standard of care may have been breached.
What happens during the free consultation?
During your consultation, I listen to your account, review any records you have, and explain how dental malpractice cases work. You can then decide whether to move forward.
How does your dental background help my case?
My dental training allows me to understand procedures, terminology, and treatment decisions in real-world clinical settings. This helps me evaluate whether care appears consistent with professional standards.
How long do I have to file a dental malpractice lawsuit in California?
Time limits depend on when the injury occurred and when it was discovered. Because deadlines can be strict, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as you suspect malpractice.
What types of dental injuries can you review?
I review cases involving implant failure, nerve damage, anesthesia complications, misdiagnosis, extraction injuries, orthodontic failures, infections, and other preventable dental harm.
Stories From Our Clients
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I just wanted to tell you how grateful I’m for your fine kindness of replying with your phone call on August 17. I took your advice and will be seeing another dentist for a second opinion on Tuesday, August 24. I came to your website and in my readings, I see you’re an awesome Attorney, one of a kind. Once again thanks a trillion. Blessings!- Gloria A.
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“Even though the case wasn't big enough for him to take it on, he still went out of his way to make sure that I knew there were options that I could pursue on my own.”- Jess F.
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“Mr. Dean Schweitzer is a man of his word and does exactly what he says he will do.”- Kimberly T.
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“Dean’s knowledge and experience as a dentist in an addition to being a lawyer were incredibly beneficial to me because he was immediately able to understand my situation.”- Current client Jamie W.
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“I would recommend him highly to anyone who asked.”- Former client Laura P.
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“The legal guidance and personal attention that Dean provided us was overwhelming.”- Former client Tom S.
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“On top of being incredibly nice, he was awesome at communicating with me and always responded to my texts and emails.”- Former client Jerry P.
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We Provide Free Consultations
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Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars Recovered For Our Clients
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Client-Centered Approach
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Real Life Experience & Knowledge
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Personalized Attention & Care