Broken Tooth from Glass in Hamburger...

by Kurt
(Colorado Springs, CO)

While eating a hamburger at a local restaurant I bit down on a 3" piece of broken glass that was inside the sandwich. I broke a back molar and required a crown to repair the damage. My dental costs are $1,300 plus several dental visits over a 4 week period.

What should I do to get the restaurant to pay for all this and how much compensation should I get? Thanks.

Disclaimer: Information provided in your response is not formal legal advice, it is generic legal information and is based on the very limited information given in your question. You should always get a formal case evaluation from a licensed attorney.

ANSWER for "Broken Tooth from Glass in Hamburger...":

Kurt (Colorado Springs, CO):

Hopefully, you reported the incident to management when it occurred, and more importantly, a written Incident Report was made at the time as well.

There is no doubt but that the restaurant is certainly liable for all of your dental bills, out of pocket expenses, such as prescription medications, over the counter aids, and other costs related to the repair of your tooth. They should also be liable for any of your lost wages resulting from your having to go the dentist, and for any recovery time as well.

They really should offer you some additional compensation for your pain and suffering; also called emotional distress, or mental anguish.

They can do it the easy way, or the hard way.

That means you can submit your expenses, and lost wages to them and request an additional amount for pain and suffering;

Or,

If they don’t agree to pay for all of the above you can file a lawsuit against them.

A reasonable amount to ask for the pain and suffering is about three times the amount of your dental bills. That's the traditional amount attorneys start at in personal injury lawsuits.

You don't have to settle for three times the dental bills. Ask for a higher multiple if you believe you deserve it. It is really up to how you feel, and how much pain and discomfort you endured, and for how long you endured it.

Since laws change frequently and across jurisdictions you should get a personalized case evaluation from an attorney licensed in your state (if you haven't already). Find an experienced local attorney to give you a FREE personalized case review here.

Best of luck,

Law Guy

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