Dentist Bill Compensation?

by C
(Michigan)

I went to a restaurant called and got Chinese take out. While I was eating the white rice I bit down on a rock which chipped and cracked some teeth. Now I have to make a trip to the dentist to get them fixed. I'll also need a quote so the restaurant can take care of the bill.

The restaurant's insurance company's claims department asked me if I had a number in mind, other than that dentist bill being taken care of, and I told them I didn't have a number right off the top of my head. I'm just not sure what I could get out of it. I have really bad anxiety which I'm already receiving disability for and hate going to the dentist. I also have a newborn and am in the process of moving.

What do you think is a reasonable amount of money to ask for from an insurance claims department, other than them taking care of the dentist bill?

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 "Dentist Bill Compensation?":

C (Michigan):

When you say “I'm just not sure what I could get out of it,” you might be referring to an additional amount over and above the amount of your dental bills.

Before coming to an agreement with the insurance company be sure your dental issues are fully resolved. You certainly wouldn’t want to accept a settlement only to find out sometime later that your dental problems were not fully resolved. At that time it would be too late.

Realistically, the insurance company doesn’t have to pay much more than just your dental bills. In fact, they don’t even have to pay your dental bill. Instead they could take a hard position and refuse to accept responsibility on behalf of its restaurant.

With that in mind you should understand that unless you are prepared to file a lawsuit against the restaurant, your “leverage” against the restaurant and its insurance company is limited.

We suggest you ask the insurance company to pay your dental bills and possibly a nominal fee above that; $500.00 dollars over your dental bills seems reasonable.

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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