Woman Claims £9000 After Alleged Dental Negligence Left Her in Agony
After 12 years of dental treatment, a young woman has spoken out about her ‘excruciating’ pain and reluctance to smile.
In a legal claim, Samantha Lofthouse, 26, alleged that the work she received at two practices from three dentists since 2001 had been negligent.
Although the claim was not tested at trial, the dentists have agreed on an out-of-court settlement of £9000, split between each of them.
Dentists Shelia Cromie, Colin Cromie and Richard Wellington each agreed to pay the £9000 after the Knuzden veterinary nurse looked to specialist solicitors, Dental Law Partnership, for legal help.
The dentists deny negligence and have not admitted any liability to their former patient.
Miss Lofthouse was diagnosed with tooth decay by experts employed by the dental negligence firm, who said she needed crowns, fillings and root canal treatment.
It was seen via x-rays that pieces of dental file had been left lodged in her gum.
Miss Lofthouse had been attending the Accrington Road Dental Centre for regular check-ups with Mr Cromie from a young age.
When he moved to Petre Dental in 2012, she stayed at the same practice under Mr Wellington.
Following several fillings carried out by Mr Wellington, Miss Lofthouse began to feel unwell during Christmas 2012. She visited an emergency dentist, who revealed three abscesses, before reverting to Mr Cromie’s new surgery.
The following January, after a full examination Dr Cromie said Miss Lofthouse needed further root canal treatments which would cost her more than £1800.
Dental Law Partnership discovered evidence showing Dr Wellington’s treatments to be negligent, but they alleged greater failings in Dr Cromie’s treatment prior to 2012. It was claimed all three dentists failed to recognise the onset of tooth decay.
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