Losing or damaging a tooth due to someone else’s negligence such as in a car accident, workplace injury, or assault can lead to a personal injury or dental injury lawsuit. While it might sound simple, determining how much a tooth is worth in a lawsuit depends on several factors like the severity of the injury, pain and suffering, and long-term dental care costs.
Average Value of a Tooth Injury Lawsuit
The settlement value for a lost or damaged tooth can vary widely based on the case details. On average, compensation for a tooth injury may range from $5,000 to $80,000 or more.
Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Chipped or cracked tooth: $2,000 – $10,000
- Broken tooth needing crown or implant: $10,000 – $30,000
- Knocked-out tooth (requiring replacement and surgery): $20,000 – $80,000+
- Multiple teeth lost or jaw injury: $100,000+
If the injury also causes facial disfigurement, nerve damage, or emotional distress, the amount can increase significantly.
Factors That Affect Compensation for a Tooth Injury
- Type and Extent of Damage: A minor chip costs far less to fix than a full tooth loss that requires implants, surgery, and multiple dental visits.
- Medical and Dental Expenses: Compensation usually includes the cost of dental treatments like crowns, implants, root canals, orthodontics, or cosmetic repairs.
- Pain and Suffering: The court also considers physical pain, discomfort during recovery, and emotional distress caused by visible dental damage or disfigurement.
- Loss of Function or Appearance: If the injury affects your ability to eat, speak, or smile confidently, the compensation amount may rise.
- Permanent Damage or Future Care: In cases requiring future procedures (like implant replacements every 10–15 years), the settlement includes future medical costs.
- Proof of Negligence: Strong evidence that someone else was responsible — such as another driver, employer, or property owner — can increase your chances of a higher payout.
Examples of Tooth Injury Settlements
- Car accident case: A driver who lost two front teeth due to another’s negligence received $45,000 for dental repair and emotional distress.
- Workplace injury: An employee struck by falling equipment was awarded $75,000 after losing three teeth and needing implants.
- Slip and fall: A customer who fell due to a wet floor without warning signage received $25,000 for a chipped tooth and medical expenses.
Economic and Non-Economic Damages
Compensation for a tooth injury typically includes:
- Economic damages: Dental treatment costs, medications, and lost income during recovery.
- Non-economic damages: Pain, embarrassment, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life.
In cases involving gross negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may also be added to punish the responsible party.
Final Thoughts
So, how much is a tooth worth in a lawsuit? The value varies — from a few thousand dollars for minor damage to tens of thousands for major dental loss or facial injury.
If you’ve suffered a tooth injury caused by someone else’s actions, it’s best to speak with a personal injury or dental malpractice lawyer. They can assess your situation, estimate the full extent of your damages, and help you pursue fair compensation for your pain, suffering, and medical costs.
