Abstract
Litigation claims are increasing in medicine but we know of little detailed analysis
of those published concerning oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) despite information
being freely available from the NHS Litigation Authority (NHSLA) under the Freedom
of Information Act. We obtained information from the NHSLA on clinical and non-clinical
negligence claims in OMFS from April 1995 to August 2010, and analysed the data with
outcomes and a further breakdown of subspecialty. During the period 318 claims relating
to OMFS were registered. As expected, because of the high volume of patients treated,
the highest number of claims related to dentoalveolar surgery and minor oral surgery.
The total amount paid out was in excess of £5 million, and the highest claim (more
than £300 000) during the period was for misdiagnosis of an oral cancer. Litigation in OMFS
is increasing, as is the number of cases that necessitate compensation by the NHSLA.
We discuss the trends and implications.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: July 26, 2011
Accepted:
June 20,
2011
Identification
Copyright
© 2011 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
