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Home / Practice Areas / Nerve Damage & Facial Paralysis
Nerve Damage & Facial Paralysis

Tacoma Dental Malpractice Attorneys Litigate Nerve Damage Cases

Seeking compensation for various injuries, including facial paralysis

When complications from dental procedures affect the nerves in the mouth, the results can be permanent and severely debilitating. Sensation, mobility, communication and even the ability to understand language can suffer irreparably. The injury attorneys at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler, LLP can help you recover monetary compensation for your dental injuries. Since 1959, our firm has provided skilled litigation services for parties throughout Washington injured by medical and dental malpractice.

How can negligence during dental procedures cause nerve damage?

Nerve damage can occur when a dentist injects anesthesia directly into a nerve or in such close proximity that it puts undue pressure on the nerve. Dentists can carelessly inflict trauma on the nerve during tooth extractions, especially of the wisdom teeth, and during dental implant surgery. Also, a prolonged instrumental opening of the patient’s mouth can stretch the facial nerve, causing facial palsy.

When a patient presents symptoms of nerve damage, the treating dentist should immediately refer the patient to a specialist, since timely treatment of the injury yields the most positive outcomes. The failure to diagnose the damage and refer the patient to a specialist could be dental malpractice.

What symptoms of nerve damage are associated with dental malpractice?

Dental procedures most often affect these nerves:

  • Lingual nerve — The lingual nerve controls several functions of the tongue. Damage to the nerve can result in a loss of sensation, diminished sense of taste, and the loss of motor skills necessary for speech. In some cases, the patient not only suffers from slurred speech, but also develops aphasia, the inability to comprehend language, which is often associated with brain damage.
  • Inferior alveolar nerve — Damage to this nerve can cause facial paralysis, revealed by a visible drooping of one side of the face, loss of sensation in the affected area, and fasciculation (twitching).

Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler, LLP attorneys work closely with qualified neurological experts to rule out alternative causes, such as Bell’s palsy, Ramsay-Hunt syndrome, Lyme disease, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and sarcoidosis. We do everything possible to establish the true cause of your injury to build your best case for recovery.

Let Tacoma dental malpractice lawyers help you with your injuries in Washington

Nerve damage from dental malpractice can permanently alter your appearance. It can also deprive you of vital functions, diminishing your quality of life. To schedule a free consultation with a seasoned dental malpractice attorney, call Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler, LLP today at 253.383.5388 or contact our firm online.

Are You a Victim of the MultiCare-Good Samaritan Hospital Hepatitis C Exposure?
Our firm is actively taking on representation of clients who were patients at MultieCare-Good Samaritan Hospital and were exposed to Hepatitis C and perhaps other diseases. We are investigating the actions of MultiCare and its employees as well as the MultiCare system itself that led to this crisis occurring.

If you have information about this incident, or previous incidences of MultiCare employees misusing narcotic medications intended for patients, or if you have legal questions about this matter and your rights, our lawyers are available to assist you at 253-383-5388.
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  • "Client was disabled from working in prior profession after sustaining a severe closed head injury and brain trauma in an automobile accident on Interstate 5. $7,845,000. "

  • "Pedestrian client was struck by semi-truck, and the trailer wheels rolled over client’s body causing severe injury. $1,145,000. "

  • "Client was involved in a head-on collision when a bus crossed the center line. Client suffered a severe closed head injury preventing him from returning to his previous employment. $884,998. "

  • "Client was involved in serious head-on collision with uninsured motorist while on-the-job, resulting in physical injury and posttraumatic stress disorder. Client can no longer work as a commercial truck driver. $708,000. "

  • "Client was a rear seat passenger in a vehicle that was involved in an automobile accident. Client was severely injured as the result of a defective seatbelt, while the other three occupants of the vehicle sustained only minor injuries. $650,000. "

  • "Client was killed in automobile accident caused by defendant’s failure to yield the right-of-way. $650,000. "

  • "Minor client was on his way to school and was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street in a marked crosswalk. Defendant driver had pulled into oncoming lane to pass another vehicle and struck client, causing serious injuries. $500,000. "

  • "Client was killed as a result of an in-cab fuel tank, which caught fire after an automobile accident. $350,000. "

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  • "I have been a client of Dan Kyler’s since 1996. Having had numerous car accidents, I rely upon Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler to help me through them. The most obscure questions have been answered and help is given on all levels. Thanks."

  • "John Wilson demonstrated his professionalism by keeping us current on our case, explaining our options, giving us realistic expectations and demonstrating the highest level of ethics and integrity beyond reproach. We have the highest confidence that we were well represented."

  • "Dan Hannula’s hard work helped to settle my auto accident case. "

  • "Having a motorcycle accident was bad enough, let alone dealing with insurance companies. John Wilson and his staff made everything easy to understand and hassle free. "

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  • "Vern Harkins perseverance and hard work made it possible to get the maximum settlement from the insurance company. I know he had my interest in mind as demonstrated by his actions. "

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  • "Molly Crowley was knowledgeable, kept me informed every step of the way and just did a great job! "

  • "We got a fair settlement and were treated with respect and dignity throughout the whole process. -Blake W. "

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