Medico-Legal Case Proceedings in Maxillofacial Trauma: A Guide for Dental Surgeons

Author(s)	Dr. Ajay Kumar Rana, Dr. Rajkumari Ranjita Devi, Dr. Satish Verma
Country	India
Abstract	Maxillofacial trauma represents a critical overlap between dental practice and legal responsibility. Dental surgeons increasingly encounter medico-legal cases (MLCs), demanding expertise in forensic documentation, injury classification, and courtroom testimony. This article provides a structured guide to MLC handling, from registration protocols to forensic examinations, supported by a systematic review of literature spanning 2000–2024. Through classifications by Ellis, Andreasen, and Le Fort, injury types are decoded for legal contexts. Common medico-legal errors are analysed, and practical strategies for court appearances, consent procedures, and disability assessment are detailed. Ultimately, the role of dental professionals is reaffirmed as both clinicians and legal witnesses, advocating for precision, ethics, and accountability in trauma care.
Keywords	Maxillofacial trauma, Medico-legal case, Forensic odontology, Dental injury classification, MLC reporting, Disability assessment, Expert witness, Court testimony.
Field	Medical / Pharmacy
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 1, January-February 2026
Published On	2026-02-19
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i01.69268

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International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research